How To Count Stitches In Crochet (2024)

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ByCheryl Bennett Updated:

Learning how to count stitches in crochet is really important. An accurate stitch count (along with your gauge) means your project will turn out just as the designer intended. How To Count Stitches In Crochet (1)Once you learn a few little tricks, it will be easy and become second nature to to count stitches in crochet correctly! Let’s dive in!

Let’s start with single crochet. If you remember, when we learned about single crochet (which you can read about here), a new row starts with a chain 1. In single crochet, the chain 1 does NOT count as a stitch. So you start counting with the first single crochet made in the row. See below:
How To Count Stitches In Crochet (2)

Remember when we learned about double crochet? A double crochet row starts with a chain 3. The chain 3 COUNTS as the first stitch. So start counting with the chain 3 and then continue. See the photo below:How To Count Stitches In Crochet (3)

So the easy way to remember this is that a single crochet starts with 1 chain and it does NOT count as a stitch. All the other stitches COUNT the starting chain in a row as a stitch. That goes for half double crochet, double crochet, triple crochet and so on. If you need a refresher on stitches or how to do anything in crochet, check out the ever growing tutorials here.

There are several ways to count rows in crochet. Stitches look differently when worked back and forth compared to when worked in the round. Stitches also look different from each other. Look carefully at the single crochet piece compared to the double crochet piece in the above photos. Over time, you will be able to quickly spot the differences and be able to count the rows.

But what if you are not familiar with stitch differences yet or you are working a row with a more complicated pattern? Not to worry. There are other ways to keep track of the row count. In fact, I keep track of the row count after 40 years of crochet experience!

If you are following a written pattern, you can check off each row as you complete it. You also can mark a line for each row right on the pattern or on a scrap piece of paper. I like to use this finger row counter. And if you don’t like to wear it on your finger, you can just take the band off. To use, just reset the counter to zero at the start of the project and then click once for each row! Easy Peasy!

Counting crochet stitches and counting crochet rows is easy once you know how. And now you do!

I love seeing your finished projects!If you enjoyed making one of my patterns I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @crochet365knittoo. If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Crochet 365 Knit Too Facebook pageor pop over to the Crochet365KnitToo Club and share a photo! I’d love to see your work!

How To Count Stitches In Crochet (4)

How To Count Stitches In Crochet (5)

Cheryl Bennett

Founder and Editor

Cheryl Bennett is the creative force behind the beloved crochet blog, Crochet365KnitToo.com, captivating the hearts of over nine million visitors to her website and pattern shops.

With nearly 5 decades of crochet experience, she finds joy in exploring the limitless possibilities, making Crochet 365 Knit Too a haven for fellow crochet lovers seeking inspiration, guidance, and a warm community.

How To Count Stitches In Crochet (2024)

FAQs

How To Count Stitches In Crochet? ›

To count them, you need to count the V-shaped loops on the top of the stitch. Each V-shaped loop represents one single crochet stitch.

Does the chain count as a row in crochet? ›

Start by placing your piece flat on a table or surface. Always start counting your rows from the bottom, or foundation chain. The foundation chain itself does not count as a row in your project.

How to maintain stitch count in crochet? ›

It is that simple! Mark the first and last stitch of each row with a stitch marker, so you don't lose or gain extra stitches. And mark every 10th or 20th crochet row with a stitch marker, so you can quickly count your rows!

How do you calculate stitch count? ›

If the grid is not available, a quick approximation of stitches can be found with this simple equation: Multiply the length by the width then multiply of 2. That will give you the amount of 1,000 stitches. For example: 11/2” x 2” logo would be 1.5 x 2 = 3 then 3 x 2 = 6.

How to see stitches in crochet? ›

Crochet stitches are very easy to count if you look at them from the top. Laid your foundation chain on a table, and search for the 'v' shape. Every 'v' is a stitch and has a small bump on the back.

How to use a stitch counter in crochet? ›

Every time you finish a round, count the number of stitches in the round and make sure it matches the pattern. Use the stitch marker as the starting point for the count. When you lose count of your stitches, just start counting from the stitch marker to find your place again.

Why can't I count crochet stitches? ›

Oftentimes, in crochet patterns, the chain part might not be included in the final stitch count of the row.To count the chains, look out for consecutive 'v' shapes without including the initial slip knot and the working loop on the hook as well.

How are stitches counted? ›

There is no one definitive way to count the number of stitches gained after a medical procedure. Some methods include counting the number of sutures used, counting the number of knots in the suture line, or using a ruler to measure the length of the incision.

How to count crochet stitches and rows? ›

To count the rows: look at the sides of the fabric and count the single crochet stitches from the bottom to the top. To count the stitches in your swatch, look at the single crochets along the row from left to right. Keep in mind that the turning chain (that you will find on the edge of the row) counts as a stitch.

When crocheting, do you skip the first stitch? ›

When you're working rows of double crochet, you will chain 3 as your turning chain at the beginning of each row. This chain DOES count as a stitch, you will skip the very first stitch (sometimes called a false stitch) and create your first double crochet into the next stitch.

Does your slip knot count as a stitch? ›

For most cast on methods, the slip knot will count as your first stitch. However, if it does not count as a stitch, the cast on instructions or pattern instructions will let you know.

How do you measure crochet stitches? ›

With crochet, look for the double tailed Vs that mark the bottom of each stitch, line up your ruler, and count across. In the example shown, my gauge would be 15 sts = 4 in. Next, measure the number of rows per inch. Single crochet can be a bit sneaky because it looks like you should count the big divots.

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