How I Count My Crochet Stitches

How I Count My Crochet Stitches

Counting stitches accurately is absolutely crucial to keeping my project looking right and making sure pattern repeats work out. If my count is off, edges can become slanted, or the final size might be wrong. Here’s how I personally make sure I stay on track:

• Counting Chains: When counting my starting foundation chain, I count each loop ('V' shape) along the chain as one stitch. I make sure *not* to count the initial slip knot or the loop currently on my hook.
• Counting Single Crochet Rows (and other stitches): For single crochet and most other stitches worked in rows, the easiest way I find is to look at the top of the row I just finished. I count each distinct "V" shape across the top – each "V" represents one stitch.
• Using Stitch Markers: When I'm working on projects with very long rows (like blankets or wide shawls), counting every single stitch can be tedious and prone to error. To make it easier, I place stitch markers every 10, 20, or sometimes 50 stitches. This way, I only need to count the stitches between markers and then multiply. It saves a lot of recounting!
• Checking for Accidental Increases and Decreases: If a row *should* have the same number of stitches as the one before it, but my count is off, I carefully look along the row (especially at the beginning and end) for places where I might have accidentally worked two stitches into one spot (an increase) or skipped a stitch entirely (a decrease). Comparing the current row visually to the one below it can sometimes help spot the mistake.

✅ Tip: My number one rule? I count my stitches at the end of *every single row* (or at least every few rows on simple patterns). It takes a few extra seconds, but it catches mistakes early and saves me the massive headache of having to undo (frog) hours of work later!