Knitted QR code chart maker
Type a link, a message or your Wi-Fi details and get a colourwork knitting chart of a QR code that phones can scan, with stitch counts and a printable PDF.
How to knit a QR code that scans
- Make the chart above and scan it on screen with your phone before casting on.
- Pick a technique: stranded colourwork for small codes (catch long floats every 4 to 5 stitches), intarsia for large ones, or duplicate stitch to add a code to a finished hat, scarf or blanket.
- Use smooth, high-contrast yarn. Dark on light only. Fuzzy or variegated yarn blurs the squares.
- Keep the plain border of 4 squares around the code. It is part of the code.
- Block it flat before scanning. Puckered colourwork distorts the squares; blocking evens them out.
Knit stitches are about three quarters as tall as they are wide, so a knitted code is a little squashed top to bottom. Phones read it anyway; we tested squashed codes with a QR reader.
How big will it be?
| Text up to | Stitches × rows | Width in DK (22 sts / 4 in) | Width in worsted (18 sts / 4 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 characters | 29 × 29 | 5.3 in | 6.4 in |
| 26 characters | 33 × 33 | 6.0 in | 7.3 in |
| 42 characters | 37 × 37 | 6.7 in | 8.2 in |
| 62 characters | 41 × 41 | 7.5 in | 9.1 in |
| 84 characters | 45 × 45 | 8.2 in | 10.0 in |
Ideas for a knitted QR code
- A beanie or scarf that links to your knitting Instagram or pattern shop.
- A cushion or blanket square with your Wi-Fi password for guests.
- A wall hanging that opens a wedding playlist or a family photo album.
More QR code patterns: qr code cross stitch, crochet qr code, perler bead qr code, embroidery qr code.
Questions
Can a knitted QR code be scanned?
Yes. Knit stitches are wider than they are tall, so a knitted code comes out slightly squashed, but phone cameras correct for that. What matters is strong contrast, a plain border, and every square in the right colour.
Which technique should I use?
Stranded colourwork (Fair Isle) gives the crispest squares for small codes. Intarsia works for bigger pieces. Duplicate stitch over plain knitting is the easiest way to add a QR code to something you have already made.
What yarn works best?
Smooth, non-fuzzy yarn in black or very dark navy with white or cream. Avoid mohair, boucle and variegated yarn, which blur the squares.
How big will it be?
With DK yarn (about 22 stitches to 4 inches) a short link is 29 to 37 stitches wide, so about 5 to 7 inches. The pattern maker shows the exact stitch and row count, and you can enter your own gauge.
Is it free?
Yes. Knitted QR code charts up to 80 × 80 stitches download free as a printable PDF.