Have you ever started a crochet project and found yourself asking, “How am I supposed to count crochet stitches in rows or rounds?”
Trust me, you’re not alone—these are questions almost every crocheter has faced at some point.
Here’s the thing: every pattern starts with a chain, whether it’s a turning chain or a starting chain, and that’s where the confusion begins.
Does the chain actually count as a stitch?
Do you include a slip stitch in your count?
Is a chain-3 supposed to be your first double crochet?
Ideally, a pattern will let you know if the chain counts as a stitch or not, usually in the notes or somewhere in the instructions.
But let’s be real—just knowing that doesn’t always make it crystal clear when you’re actually working through the pattern.
If you’ve been stuck asking yourself, “Where do I join in the round?” or “Where do I stop when working in rows?”—and you’re tired of the frustration that comes from too many or too few stitches—don’t worry, I’ve got some tips to help you sort it all out!
Let’s make crochet counting easy and stress-free!
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Table of contents
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Why are chains so confusing?
In crochet, every pattern starts with a chain—it’s the foundation that gives your row or round the height needed to have an even start.
Whether it’s a starting chain at the beginning of a round or a turning chain in rows, these chains create the height for what’s coming next.
Here’s the general rule of thumb: the number of chains you make determines the height of the stitch you’re about to work. For example:
- Chain 1 usually sets up for a single crochet.
- Chain 2 prepares for a half-double crochet.
- Chain 3 gives you the height for a double crochet.
- Chain 4 sets you up for a treble / triple crochet.
But here’s where it gets tricky—whether these chains count as part of your stitch pattern or final stitch count depends entirely on the pattern you’re following.
Some patterns include them as stitches, while others don’t.
That’s why it’s so important to check the pattern notes or instructions for clues about how you should follow along!
The pattern should tell you if the chains count as stitches or not, and this little detail makes all the difference.
It helps you figure out where to place your first stitch, how to keep your edges neat, and what to count to make sure your rows or rounds turn out as expected.
So, before you start to crochet, give the notes and instructions in your pattern a quick read.
It’ll save you a lot of guesswork (and frogging!) later on.
How To Count Crochet Stitches
No matter how long you’ve been crocheting—whether you’re brand new or have been at it for years—it’s always a smart move to revisit the basics.
Why? Because mastering the fundamentals is what sets the foundation for everything you’ll create.
One of the most important basics in crochet is stitch counting and recognition.
Think about it: can you confidently identify the stitches you’ve made, count each one accurately, and know exactly where to stop and start when working in rows or rounds?
If you’ve ever struggled with uneven edges or mismatched stitch counts, it’s likely because these skills weren’t fully developed—or maybe you just need a little refresher!
No matter how advanced you think your crochet skills are, returning to these basics can make a world of difference.
They’re the building blocks of every beautiful project, from the simplest dishcloth to the most complex cardigan.
To help you sharpen these skills, we’ve got some video tutorials that break things down stitch by stitch.
Look for clues before you get started
Before starting any pattern, take a moment to read the notes and instructions.
This is where you’ll find whether the starting or turning chain counts as a stitch.
Look for notes like:
- The starting chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
- The beginning chain 3 counts as your first double crochet.
In the instructions, this might look like:
- Round (or Row) 1: Ch 3 (does not count as a stitch, here and throughout)…”
- Round (or Row) 1: Ch 3 (counts as your first Dc, here and throughout)…
These notes are the essential first step to getting the correct stitch count and ensuring your project comes out as intended.
Basic Crochet Stitch Tutorials
These tutorials don’t just show you how to create the stitches—they also offer tips and instructions on how to use stitch markers to keep your rows consistent and your stitch counts spot on:
These videos are your go-to guides for building (or rebuilding) confidence in the basics.
Don’t skip this part…grab your hook, some yarn, and let’s get back to the fundamentals—it’s always worth the effort!
Crochet Stitches 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 chain counts as a stitch
- Mark the chains, they do count!
- 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 chain does not count as a stitch
(pictured next)
- Ignore the chains, they do not count!
- 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!
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.
Crochet Patterns In Rows
Once you’re comfortable working basic crochet stitches in rows, and have the hang of using stitch markers to keep everything tidy and on track, you’re ready to apply that new skill!
Practicing basic stitches, and using stitch markers in rows, is one thing, but applying them in actual patterns?
That’s where the real test is.
Here’s the fun part: I’ve rounded up some beginner-friendly patterns that work in rows and are perfect for applying everything you’ve learned.
These projects are straightforward, practical, and designed to help you build confidence while having fun.
Plus, they’ll give you plenty of opportunities to practice those stitches, counting skills, and stitch marker techniques you’ve been working on.
Does a Slip Stitch Count
When it comes to rounds of crochet, you’ve probably noticed there are two ways to approach them: joined rounds and continuous rounds.
They each have their own pros and cons, and knowing how to work with a slip stitch is key to keeping the stitches in your project on target.
Here’s an outline for each one:
Joined Rounds: Using a Slip Stitch
When working in joined rounds, you’ll finish each round by linking the first and last stitches together with a slip stitch.
Think of it as closing the round for a clean, polished edge.
Now, the big question: Does the slip stitch count as a stitch?
Answer: Nope.
The slip stitch is there purely for connection, not for stitch count.
While you can see it, and you know it is there, it is not part of the actual work.
Unless your pattern specifically says otherwise (and trust me, it’ll shout it from the rooftops if it does), you can ignore the slip stitch when you’re tallying up your stitches.
To give this a try, here is a video tutorial using the double crochet stitch, and it will show you exactly where to put your stitch marker, what to count, and where to join in each round:
Double Crochet In Joined Rounds
Continuous Rounds: the Spiral Effect
Continuous rounds take a more seamless approach, and do not use slip stitches.
Instead of joining the first and last stitches, you just keep going, working your first stitch in the new round on top of the first one from the last round.
This creates a spiral effect, which is perfect for projects like amigurumi or anything that needs a smooth, uninterrupted surface.
Since there’s no slip stitch here, you don’t have to worry about whether or not it counts.
To give this a try, here is a video tutorial using the single crochet stitch, and it will show you exactly where to put your stitch marker, what to count, and where to place your stitches in the beginning of each new round:
Single Crochet In Continuous Rounds
These tutorials don’t just show you how to create stitches in rounds—they also offer tips and instructions on how to use stitch markers to keep your rounds consistent and your stitch counts spot on, whether you are working in a joined or continuous round:
Don’t skip this part…grab your hook, some yarn, and let’s get back to the fundamentals—it’s always worth the effort!
Crochet Stitches In Joined Rounds
Here are some tips and instructions on how to use stitch markers when working in rounds of crochet to mark the top of your first stitch:
If your 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 chain does not count as a stitch
(pictured next)
- 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!
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
Crochet Patterns In Rounds
Once you’re comfortable working basic crochet stitches in rounds, and have the hang of using stitch markers to keep everything tidy and on track, you’re ready to apply that new skill!
Practicing basic stitches, and using stitch markers in rounds, is one thing, but applying them in actual patterns?
You should put that knowledge into practice.
I’ve rounded up some beginner-friendly patterns that work in rounds and are perfect for applying what you’ve learned.
These projects offer plenty of opportunities to practice stitches, counting skills, and the stitch marker techniques you’ve been working on.
Try crochet patterns in joined rounds:
Try crochet patterns in continuous rounds:
Easy Crochet Bucket Hat – Four Pattern Sizes
Thick and Quick Crochet Hat with Brim
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, right here:
After reading this post, do you feel more comfortable counting your crochet stitches?
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Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
