Understanding What Counts As A Stitch In Crochet Basics

Crochet patterns can feel like a secret code when you’re just starting out. You follow the instructions carefully, but your stitch count doesn’t match the pattern. You wonder, is that a stitch? What exactly counts as a crochet stitch? This confusion is common among crochet beginners and even some experienced crocheters. Knowing what counts as a stitch will help you read patterns more confidently and avoid frustration.

Let’s break down the basics so you can crochet with clarity and ease.

Different crochet stitches in colorful yarn

What Is A Crochet Stitch?

A crochet stitch is a loop or a group of loops made with yarn and a crochet hook that forms the fabric. When you work a pattern, each stitch creates part of the design and structure. The most common stitches you’ll encounter include:

• Chain (ch)

• Single Crochet (sc)

• Half Double Crochet (hdc)

• Double Crochet (dc)

  
  

Each of these counts as one stitch. For example, if a pattern says to make 10 single crochets, you should have 10 stitches in that row or round.

Why Stitch Count Matters

Patterns rely on stitch counts to shape your project correctly. If your stitch count is off, your work might:

• Become too wide or narrow

• Curl or ripple unexpectedly

• Not match the pattern’s intended size

  
  

Understanding what counts as a stitch helps you avoid these problems. It also makes it easier to spot mistakes early.

Common Confusions About What Counts As A Stitch

Chains: When Do They Count?

Chains are often used to start a row or round, but do they always count as stitches? The answer depends on the pattern.

• Turning chains: Usually, the chains you make to bring your hook up to the next row do not count as stitches. For example, a pattern might say “ch 3, turn” and then work into the next stitch. The chain 3 is just a height adjustment.

• Chains in the foundation row: The initial chain row usually counts as stitches because you work into those chains.

• Chains in patterns: Sometimes chains form spaces or loops that you work into, but the chains themselves don’t count as stitches.

  
  

Specialty Stitches and Stitch Groups

Specialty stitches like puff stitches, shell stitches, or clusters can confuse beginners. These stitches often involve working multiple loops or partial stitches together.

• Puff stitch: Made by pulling up several loops in the same stitch and then closing them together. This counts as one stitch.

• Shell stitch: Usually a group of stitches worked into the same stitch or space. Each shell counts as multiple stitches because it’s made of several individual stitches.

• Clusters: Similar to shells, clusters are groups of stitches joined at the top. Each stitch in the cluster counts individually, but the cluster as a whole is worked into one stitch or space.

  
  

Working Into Spaces

Patterns often instruct you to work into chain spaces or between stitches. These spaces count as stitch locations but are not stitches themselves. When you work into a space, you create a new stitch there.

How To Keep Track Of Your Stitch Count

Keeping track of your stitches is key to avoiding frustration. Here are some tips:

• Count your stitches at the end of each row or round. Make sure the number matches the pattern.

• Use stitch markers to mark important points like the beginning of a round or pattern repeats.

• Understand pattern abbreviations so you know which stitches count.

• Practice common stitches until you can recognize them by sight and feel.

  
  

Crochet hook pulling yarn through loops

Examples To Clarify What Counts As A Stitch

Let’s look at some examples to make this clearer.

Example 1: Single Crochet Row

Pattern: Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.

• The initial chain of 11 counts as the foundation.

• You skip the first chain (closest to the hook) because it’s the turning chain.

• You work 10 single crochets, so the row has 10 stitches.

  
  

Example 2: Half Double Crochet With Turning Chain

Pattern: Ch 20, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and across.

• The chain 20 is the foundation.

• The turning chain of 2 (or 3 depending on pattern) usually does not count as a stitch.

• You work 18 or 17 hdc stitches depending on the turning chain count.

  
  

Example 3: Puff Stitch Cluster

Pattern: Puff stitch made by pulling up yarn 5 times in the same stitch, yarn over and pull through all loops.

• This puff stitch counts as one stitch even though it has multiple loops.

  
  

What To Do When Your Stitch Count Doesn’t Match

If your stitch count is off, try these steps:

• Check if you counted turning chains as stitches when you shouldn’t have.

• Look for missed or extra stitches like skipped chains or added stitches.

• Review how specialty stitches are counted in your pattern.

• Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of the row and count from there.

• Ask for help from crochet groups or forums if you’re stuck.

  
  

Crochet project with stitch markers in yarn

Final Thoughts For Crochet Beginners

Understanding what is a crochet stitch and what counts as a stitch will save you time and frustration. Every stitch you make builds your project, so knowing how to count them correctly is essential. Remember:

• Chains usually count only in the foundation row, not as turning chains.

• Each basic stitch counts as one stitch.

• Specialty stitches may look complex but count as one or multiple stitches depending on their construction.

• Spaces are not stitches but places to work stitches into.

  
  

Keep practicing, counting, and asking questions. Soon, you’ll read patterns with confidence and enjoy the creative process without confusion.