How To: Count crochet stitches

How many stitches does your crochet art have? How can you tell? Why would you even want to know how many stitches are in your crocheted sweater or crocheted hat? Knowing how to count your stitches is a fundamental step in learning to crochet – assuming you want your finished product to be the right size and shape.

You Will Need
* Yarn
* A crochet hook
* Place markers
* A crochet pattern (optional)

Step 1: Examine stitches
Examine the last row of stitches. Determine which type of stitch you have by looking at the front and back of the series of loops.

Consult the pattern for your project to find out how many stitches you are supposed to have.

Step 2: Don't count the hook
Don't count the loop on the hook. The stitch next to it is the first stitch.

Step 3: Count
Count each stitch, or loop, moving away from the hook, until you get to the end of the row.

Keep your work untangled so that the loops are lined up nicely. If it gets twisted the loops won't look the same, which might mess up your count.

Step 4: Look for the "V"
Count each v-shaped stitch as one stitch for foundation chains and single crochet rows.

Don't count the knot at the end if you are counting along a foundation chain.

Step 5: Look for the "post"
Count each post, or vertical set of stitches, as one stitch for double-crochet rows.

Step 6: Mark it
Place a stitch marker on the first stitch, if you are working in a circle, or anywhere you may need to increase or decrease.

Researchers have found that knitting and crocheting can provide health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and decreasing memory loss.