How Many Chains Do You Need For Your Stitch? {Crochet Skills Tutorial}

Lots of crocheters like to crochet something freestyle, without a pattern. Especially when first learning to crochet, it can be difficult determining just how many chains you will need at the beginning of the next row.

First let's talk a little bit about why we need these chain stitches at the beginning of each row.
The purpose of the chain is to bring you up to the height of the next row's stitches. Different stitches have different heights, so you will need fewer chains for lower stitches, and more chains for higher stitches.
Makes sense, right?

1. Single Crochet

You will need to chain 1 for single crochet stitches.

2. Half Double Crochet

You will need to chain 2 for half double crochet stitches.

3. Double Crochet

You will need to chain 3 for double crochet stitches.

4. Triple Crochet

You will need to chain 4 for triple crochet stitches.

Just memorize the stitches in order of 1-4, and you will always know how many chains you need to obtain the correct height.
Easy, right?

Note: All patterns are written in American terms.
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Useful links: Common Crochet Abbreviations Chart (Printable), Learn to Crochet Series

Happy Crocheting!

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