Why Your Crochet Stitch Count Is Off (and How to Fix It)

A stitch count that is off by one or two almost always comes from the edges: a last stitch that was skipped, a turning chain counted the wrong way, or a joining slip stitch worked as if it were a stitch. Count at the end of every row or round, and the mistake stays one row deep.

Working in rows

• Skipped last stitch (losing stitches): the last stitch hides beside the previous row's turning chain. Mark the first stitch of every row so you can find it.
• Extra stitch at the start (gaining stitches): if the turning chain counts as a stitch, as a ch-3 usually does in double crochet, skip the first stitch and work into the turning chain at the end. If it does not count, as a ch-1 usually does not in single crochet, work into the first stitch and not into the chain.
• Starting chain: the foundation chain is usually longer than the first row by the turning chain. Count it before you start Row 1, and do not count the loop on your hook as a chain.

Working in the round: granny squares

A classic granny square grows by one 3-dc cluster on every side each round. Round 1 has 4 clusters (12 dc), Round 2 has 8 clusters (24 dc), Round 3 has 12 clusters (36 dc). Each corner holds (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). If a side has one cluster too many or too few, check that you worked into every space between clusters and that the round started and ended in the same corner.

Working in the round: amigurumi

A standard single crochet sphere starts with 6 sc in a magic ring, then adds 6 stitches every round: Round 2 inc in each st (12), Round 3 (sc, inc) x 6 (18), Round 4 (sc 2, inc) x 6 (24). Most miscounts come from a lost round start; keep a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round and move it every round. In joined rounds, the joining slip stitch is not a stitch; do not work into it.

How to fix it

• Count right away. If the count is wrong, count each repeat between markers to find the section with the error.
• Frog (pull out) back to the last row that counted right. It is faster than forcing the count later.
• In a plain fabric, a single missed stitch can be fixed on the next row with an increase in the same spot.

See it in the app

Every row of Hooknest's 10 free beginner patterns ends with a checked stitch count, so you can compare your work row by row. A stitch counter sits next to the row counter, and any pattern you paste can be followed line by line. It works offline with no account.

Why does my crochet get narrower every row?

Usually the last stitch of the row is being skipped. It sits right next to the turning chain and is easy to miss. Put a marker in the first stitch of each row so you can find it on the way back.

Why does my crochet get wider every row?

Usually an extra stitch is being worked into the turning chain or the first stitch is worked twice. Check whether your pattern counts the turning chain as a stitch.

Why is my flat circle ruffling or cupping?

Ruffling means too many stitches for the size; cupping means too few. In a standard single crochet circle each round adds 6 stitches, so check the count every round.

Should I undo my work if the count is off by one?

If it changes the shape or the next rows depend on it, frog back to the last row that counted right. In a plain row you can also fix one stitch on the next row with an increase or a decrease at the same spot.