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Crochet

Foundation chain calculator

Enter how wide your piece should be and your gauge, and get exactly how many chains to make, rounded to fit your stitch pattern, with the turning chain added.

Stitch (US terms)

Enter the width and your gauge to see how many chains to make.

How to use it

  1. Crochet a gauge swatch in your stitch and count the stitches over 4 inches (or 10 cm).
  2. Enter the finished width you want and your gauge.
  3. If your pattern says “chain a multiple of 6 + 1”, enter 6 and 1, so the count fits the pattern.

Questions

How many chains do I need for a blanket?

Multiply the blanket width by your stitches per inch, round to your pattern's multiple, and add the turning chain. For a 40 inch blanket at 14 single crochet per 4 inches, that's 140 stitches plus 1: chain 141.

How many turning chains for each stitch?

Usually 1 for single crochet, 2 for half double, 3 for double and 4 for treble (US terms). Some patterns count the turning chain as the first stitch; follow yours if it says so.

Why is my foundation chain tighter than the rest?

Chains are often worked tighter than stitches. Use a hook one or two sizes larger for the chain, or try a chainless foundation row.

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