How to Count Crochet Stitches – Tutorial for Beginners
Does your crochet turn out wonky? Are your scarves narrow in some places and wide in others? Or maybe your squares are not really square?
All of these problems may be solved with one thing: counting your stitches.
In this article, you will learn how to identify stitches and keep track of the number. Whether you’re working with basic crochet stitches, in the round, or in rows, from now on you won’t miss even one stitch.
Get ready for stitch counting
Most written patterns include the overall stitch count – a total number of stitches for every row or round.
Why count crochet stitches?
Virtually any crochet project requires counting stitches. Even if you’re repeating the same row over and over, you have to keep the stitch count even.
If you add or skip stitches where you shouldn’t, the final effect will be wonky and far from ideal.
Identifying stitches
It may sound like a simple question, but it really isn’t. There are two basic ways to count stitches: from above and from the front.
We usually count the stitches before starting the next row or round. In such a case, the easiest way is to look at them from above.
The top of each stitch creates a “V” shape, easy to identify.
Most cluster stitches, such as bobble or popcorn, consist of a group of individual stitches snatched together at the top. This way, looking from above, they have just one V shape per cluster.
If you want to count the stitches from a row below, you have to know what kind of stitches you’re looking for. Below you can see various basic stitches.
Counting the stitches during or right after you finish the row is the best practice.
Do all stitches count the same?
Should we count turning chains, chain stitches, or slip stitches? It depends.
Turning chains
Depending on the type of stitch, we do or do not count the turning chain as a stitch. Conventionally, the turning chain for single crochet, chain 1, does not count.
The turning chain for half double crochet (2 chains) may or may not be counted.
We (almost) always count turning chains for double crochet, treble crochet, and taller stitches. Usually, the designer specifies it in the pattern notes.
Chain stitches
Sometimes the pattern uses chain stitches to create chain spaces, divide clusters, or build corners. Always consult pattern notes to see if the designer includes these chain stitches in the overall stitch count or not.
Slip stitches
These “working stitches” do not build height – they often join the first and last stitches of the round, or duplicate the stitches that you already made. They most often are not included in the stitch count. For example, we do not count the slip stitch when closing the round in a crochet circle.
Keep in mind that your project may include slip stitches in the overall count – always check the pattern notes.
Materials and accessories
Of course, you can (and should!) count stitches in any project, no matter what yarn and hook you’re using.
However, if you are a beginner, try to avoid these:
- Super thin yarns and threads – instead, opt for medium-weight and bulky yarns.
- Fluffy, boucle, and novelty yarns of uneven texture – the fluff obstructs the view, and you may have trouble identifying stitches.
- Dark colors – it’s much harder to see what you’re doing, unless you work under a really good light.
In terms of accessories, there is only one you absolutely NEED – stitch markers! I prefer stitch markers that are easily removable, such as small safety pins.
Use them whenever you start the round, to mark the repeats, or simply to identify the stitches you might otherwise miss.
Count the number of stitches in the starting chain
We know the drill: first, we make a slip knot. Then, we make however many chains the pattern calls for, creating the foundation chain.
Remember, the loop on the hook does not count, but all the remaining chains do. We count them from the hook towards the slip knot.
To start the new row, we need a turning chain. To not get it mixed up with the foundation chain, mark the stitch nearest to the hook (#1 in the picture above). This is the end of the row.
We have 3 chains – the turning chain. Now the pattern asks us to make a double crochet in the 4th stitch, counting from the hook. We added a stitch marker, so it’s super easy to identify, but we could easily find it without it.
How to count crochet stitches in rows
In most projects, we turn the work over after each row. To complete the next row from the other side, we need a turning chain that matches the height of our next stitch.
When working in rows, the trickiest part is to identify the top of the turning chain, especially if we include it in the overall stitch count.
The easiest way is to use a stitch marker. This way, you will be sure where to place the last stitch and if your final stitch count is right.
To identify the rest of the stitches, use the methods I described at the beginning: looking at the Vs from above, or count the posts from the front.
How to count stitches in rounds
You can still count the stitches from above, or from the front.
Rounds are often closed with a slip stitch, which joins the first and the last stitch.
The problem is, they blend into one, so to speak – the Vs of the first stitch and the slip stitch are stacked, and we count them as one stitch.
Always use stitch markers to indicate the first stitch of each round.
When working in continuous rounds (spirally, usually in amigurumi), there’s no slip stitch to indicate the end of the round. It’s absolutely crucial to use a stitch marker – otherwise the stitches may be very tricky to count!
Conclusion
Now you’re ready to count your crochet stitches properly. You won’t be mistakenly adding or skipping stitches anymore! You can tackle crochet patterns you’ve been avoiding, or peek into crochet books for inspiration. Does this turning chain count as a stitch? Is this stitch in the current or previous round? Should I start counting from the crochet hook? Don’t worry anymore, because your crochet skills just leveled up – you got this.
