Learn to crochet · lesson 8 of 12 · about 20 minutes

Crochet in rows: count stitches, keep edges straight

To keep crochet edges straight, count your stitches at the end of every row and know exactly where the first and last stitch go. Most wobbly edges come from one stitch added or missed at the start or end of a row. A couple of stitch markers make both much easier.

Step by step

1. 1Know your number

   Before you start, write down how many stitches each row should have. For double crochet (US single crochet), a chain of 15 gives 14 stitches, because you start in the 2nd chain from the hook. Never count the slip knot or the loop on your hook.

2. 2Learn to see a stitch

   On short stitches like double crochet, count the little V shapes along the top of the row. On taller stitches like treble (US double crochet), it’s easier to count the upright posts. Count slowly and touch each one with the tip of your hook.

3. 3Decide whether the turning chain counts

   In UK patterns, the 1 chain at the start of a double crochet row doesn’t count as a stitch. The 3 chains at the start of a treble row usually do. The 2 chains for half treble vary between patterns; in this course they count. Your pattern should say which; if it does, follow it, and do the same on every row.

4. 4Mark the first stitch

   If the turning chain doesn’t count, work your first stitch into the stitch at the base of the chain and put a marker in it. If the chain does count, skip the base stitch, work into the next one, and put the marker in the top of the turning chain instead.

5. 5Finish on the marker

   Work along the row. Your last stitch goes into the marked stitch from the row below. Move the marker up, or leave it in place: a column of markers at the ends of your rows makes counting rows easy too.

6. 6Count at the end of every row

   Count before you turn. If the number is wrong, take the hook out and pull the yarn gently to undo back to the mistake, then work it again. Catching it now saves undoing several rows later.

7. 7Keep the turning chain

   It’s easy to forget the turning chain. Without it the first stitch sits too low, and the edge starts to slope. Make the chain every time, even when you’re tired.

Check your work

• Every row has the same number of stitches as the one before.
• Both side edges run straight up, with no steps in or out.
• The first stitch of each row is the same height as the rest.

Common mistakes

Your piece gets narrower as you go.

You’re missing stitches, most often the last one of the row. Work it into the last stitch or the turning chain, as your pattern says, and count often.

Your piece gets wider as you go.

You’re adding stitches, often by working into the base of a turning chain that counts, or by putting two stitches into one. Check the start of each row.

One side slopes down at the start of each row.

You’ve skipped the turning chain. Chain 1 for double crochet, 2 for half treble or 3 for treble before you start the row.

The first rows curl.

A little curl is normal. If it’s a lot, your foundation chain may be tight: try chaining with a hook one size bigger. Blocking at the end also helps.

Foundation chain calculator →

Sources: craftyarncouncil.com, craftyarncouncil.com, simply-yarn.com, simply-yarn.com, blog.bellacococrochet.com, crochetspot.com. Written in UK terms; the US name is in brackets the first time a stitch appears.