Does the chain count as a stitch in crochet?
Want to learn how to count crochet stitches in rows or rounds?
These are common question in crochet, and something a lot of people really struggle with.
No matter the pattern, you’re probably going to have a starting or turning chain at the beginning of your round or row of work, and you may wonder what to do, which leads you to ask…
- Does my chain count as a stitch?
- Is a chain considered a stitch in crochet?
- what counts as a stitch in crochet?
- Do you count the slip stitch as a chain?
- Does chain 3 count as the first Dc?
A pattern should always tell you whether the starting or turning chain counts as a stitch or not, so look for those clues in the notes section before the instructions, or within the instructions themselves.
No matter where the clues are, a pattern writer is responsible to outline what crochet stitches they have worked, and if their starting or turning chain counts, so that you can follow their instructions to come up with the same stitches, pattern, and stitch count.
However, just having these clues may still leave you with questions about what to actually do when following a crochet pattern.
Whether working in rounds or rows, you might have asked yourself some of these questions:
- Does my starting chain count as a stitch in crochet?
- Where do I join when crocheting in the round?
- Where do I stop when crocheting in rows?
If you’re tired of trying to figure this out AFTER your project has too few (or too many) stitches, we’ve got tips that will help!
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Read the Pattern Notes
In the notes section, you may see some clues about if your chain counts as a stitch or it does not.
Some examples may look like these:
- The starting chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
- The beginning chain 3 always counts as a stitch.
Read the Pattern Instructions
In the pattern section, you may see some clues about if your chain counts as a stitch or it does not.
Some examples may look like these:
- Round 1: Ch 3 (does not count as a St, here and throughout)…
- Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as your first Dc St, here and throughout)…
Working in Rounds of Crochet
The image above shows that:
- an adjustable loop was formed,
- a chain 3 was made,
- a stitch marker was placed onto the loop of the hook, marking the top of the first double crochet that will be formed.
- 12 double crochet were worked into the adjustable loop
- a slip stitch was placed into the top of the first double crochet, skipping the chain 3
This is just one visual version of what to do if a starting or turning chain does not count when working in joined rounds.
Here are some tips and instructions on how to use stitch markers when working in joined rounds of crochet to mark the top of your first stitch, and where to join:
If your starting chain counts as a stitch
- Place 1 stitch marker into the top of your last chain.
- This will mark the top of your first stitch, and this is where you will join at the end of your round!
If your starting chain does not count as a stitch
(pictured above)
- Ignore the chains!
- Place 1 stitch marker into the loop on your hook. This will mark the top of your first stitch, and this is where you will join at the end of your round!
Give it a try…
Try crochet patterns in joined rounds:
Working in Rows of Crochet
The image above shows that:
- 13 chains were made
- 3 chains were skipped (they don’t count as the first stitch)
- a stitch marker was placed onto the loop of the hook, marking the top of the first double crochet that will be formed
- 1 double crochet is worked into each of the next 10 chains across
This is just one visual version of what to do if a starting or turning chain counts when working in rows.
Here are some tips and instructions on how to use stitch markers when working in rows of crochet to mark the top of your first stitch:
If your starting chain does not count as a stitch
(pictured above)
- Ignore the chains!
- Place 1 stitch marker into the loop on your hook. This will mark the top of your first stitch, and this is where you will join at the end of your round!
If your starting chain counts as a stitch
- Place 1 stitch marker into the top of your last chain!
- This will mark the top of your first stitch, and this is where you will join at the end of your round!
Give it a try…
Try crochets pattern in rows:
Video Chat
Watch this quick and fun episode to learn more about “Does My Chain Count As A Stitch”, and be sure to chime in if you have any questions!
After reading this post, do you feel more comfortable counting your crochet stitches?
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Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
