Create a custom grid to match a project pattern. For example, knit pitch.

A knitter wrote asking for help to create a very specialized sheet of graph paper. She needed a grid that would match the knit pitch for a project, which was 0.284cm x 0.145cm.  The knitter also wanted the grid to have bold divisions at 3 across and 4 down.

GridMaker (and QuiltPaper!) are exactly the tool for this sort of project! This tutorial shows how to make technical project planning easier by creating a custom graph paper — specify grid layout, set specific sizes, work in either metric or inch units, etc. There are two examples, showing how to create a two-level grid, and then some tips for creating a project-specific three-level grid.

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Before creating a new paper, make sure the settings are right. This example uses metric units.  Metric can be set as the default for all new papers. Or, this default setting can be changed on an individual paper.

To set the default for all new papers open “Settings for New Papers” menu in '•••'.  Set defaults for both the paper size and layout units.

EXAMPLE 1 — 2 LEVEL GRID

Next, before creating a paper, we need to calculate the dimensions for the major grid. This diagram shows how to calculate the values for the height and width needed for a 3x4 major grid.

MajorWidth = UnitWidth * numberHorizontal
MajorHeight = UnitHeight * numberVertical
​In this example,
​MajorWidth = 0.284cm * 3 across = 0.582cm
MajorHeight = 0.145cm * 4 down = 0.58cm

Now we are ready to create the paper. Tap the ‘+’ button to get a starting layout with a 1cm grid.

Then, tap the “1234” button to allow typing in specific values.  Enter the values for the major grid in the horizontal [2.84cm] and vertical [1.45cm] dimension you have calculated.

Finally, tap the Minor grid button and set the minor grid 3 across and 4 down.  NOTE: The image is zoomed in to better show the new grid.

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EXAMPLE 2 — 3 LEVEL GRID

Many projects can benefit from the advantages of setting three levels of highlighting. A 3-level grid can make counting across a complex grid easier.  In this second example, the unit grids have a thin line, every 5th line is medium weight, and every 10th line is bold.
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[NOTE: Some grids are so complex that fine lines are needed, even on emphasized grid lines. See “Create a fine line grid paper for precise plotting by using line color” for how to use color, instead of line weight, to mark grid levels.]

This diagram shows how to calculate the values for the height and width needed for a 10x10 major grid and 5x5 minor grid.

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The calculation is similar to that used above, but in this case 10 is sub-divided by 2 and 5.
MajorWidth = UnitWidth * minor * subdivision
MajorHeight = UnitHeight * minor * subdivision
Using the same knitting pitch gives,
MajorWidth = 0.284cm * 2 * 5 = 2.84cm
MajorHeight = 0.145cm * 2 * 5 = 1.45cm

Adjust the settings on the new paper. Set the major grid as calculated above and the major lines to bold.

Next, adjust Minor subdivision (red.) Tap a color to turn on (orange) and set both horizontal and vertical to 2 per major.  Change the line width to medium (green.)

Now, add the grid's third level using the Divide subdivision (red.)  Again, tap a color to activate (orange.) Then set fine divisions (green) and 5 per minor.  The paper is zoomed in to make it easier to see the final grid.

Finally, further fine tuning of the grid is possible by adjusting the margins to:

• Add more rows & columns by reducing margins
• Reduce number of grid rows & columns by increasing margins
• Adjust placement of grid on the page — to allow for binding, etc.