Starting chain calculator
Get the length of your foundation chain for any width, with the turning chain already added and the chain to work your first stitch into.
How to use it
- Choose the stitch you will work in the first row.
- Enter your gauge (stitches over 4 inches or 10 cm) and the width you want, or the number of stitches if you already know it.
- If your stitch pattern repeats, enter its multiple, for example 6 and 1 for "multiple of 6 + 1".
- Make the number of chains shown, then work your first stitch into the chain the calculator names.
How the math works
First the calculator finds the stitches: with 14 single crochet over 4 inches you get 3.5 stitches per inch, so 40 inches needs 140 stitches.
Then it adds the turning chain. In single crochet you chain 1 and work the first stitch into the 2nd chain from the hook; that chain is not a stitch, so you need 140 + 1 = 141 chains. In double crochet you chain 3 and work into the 4th chain from the hook; those 3 chains count as the first stitch, so you need stitches + 2. For example, 15 double crochet need 17 chains.
A foundation chain is often tighter than the rows above it. If yours pulls in, make the chain with a hook one size larger and switch back for the first row.
Questions
Why is the chain longer than the number of stitches?
The first chains you skip lift the yarn to the height of the first row. For single crochet that is 1 chain, which is not counted as a stitch. For double crochet it is 3 chains, which count as the first stitch.
What about half double or treble crochet?
Patterns differ on how many chains they use to turn for these stitches, and whether that chain counts as a stitch. Choose "Other" and enter what your pattern says.
Does the slip knot count as a chain?
No. The slip knot and the loop on your hook are never counted. Count only the chains themselves.
Related
- Blanket yarn calculator
How many skeins to buy for the blanket.
- US vs UK crochet terms
This page uses US terms. In UK patterns, single crochet is double crochet.