How to Count Crochet Stitches
Knowing how to count your stitches is a fundamental step in learning to crochet – assuming you want your finished product to be the right size and shape.
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You Will Need
- Yarn
- A crochet hook
- Place markers
- A crochet pattern (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Examine stitches
Examine the last row of stitches. Determine which type of stitch you have by looking at the front and back of the series of loops.
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Consult the pattern for your project to find out how many stitches you are supposed to have.
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Step 2
Don’t count the hook
Don't count the loop on the hook. The stitch next to it is the first stitch.
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Step 3
Count
Count each stitch, or loop, moving away from the hook, until you get to the end of the row.
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Keep your work untangled so that the loops are lined up nicely. If it gets twisted the loops won’t look the same, which might mess up your count.
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Step 4
Look for the "V"
Count each v-shaped stitch as one stitch for foundation chains and single crochet rows.
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Don't count the knot at the end if you are counting along a foundation chain.
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Step 5
Look for the "post"
Count each post, or vertical set of stitches, as one stitch for double-crochet rows.
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Step 6
Mark it
Place a stitch marker on the first stitch, if you are working in a circle, or anywhere you may need to increase or decrease.
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Researchers have found that knitting and crocheting can provide health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and decreasing memory loss.
