How to Count a Crochet Chain
It can be a bit of a challenge for a novice crafter to count stitches in crochet work. The solid foundation for any crocheted piece is the beginning chain. When crocheting an item according to pattern directions, the first row is started with the foundation chain. You need to know how to count the stitches in the chain to be able to make the first stitches in the correct chain link. If the stitches are incorrectly counted, the entire crocheted piece will be warped or the wrong size.
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Instructions
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1
Secure the yarn to the crochet hook using your favorite technique. One technique is the slip knot. This creates a loop around the hook.
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Wrap yarn around the hook, and draw it through this loop to make the first stitch of the chain.
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3
Make the chain with the correct number of stitches as instructed in the pattern. Try to make even stitches that are the same size for a straight chain. Count each stitch as you wrap the yarn and pull the hook through each stitch to create the fiber chain links.
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Pull the chain out flat on a smooth surface. Note that the end of the chain is a knot where you first secured the yarn to your crochet hook. There is a single loop of yarn that remains around the crochet hook.
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Count the first oval-shaped chain link in the straight crocheted foundation that you made. Place your thumb on top of the link and index finger at the bottom of each stitch as you count down the line. This helps you to double-check that your chain is the correct number of stitches.
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Tips & Warnings
If a pattern instructs you to make a single crochet in the second chain from the hook, skip over the loop on the hook and the first full stitch of the chain.
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