Chains are counted three ways, stitches wanted, turning chains, and where the hook re-enters, and every mis-sized blanket started by muddling them. State what you want in stitches or inches; the chain, the entry point, and the foundation-stitch alternative come back.
Your First Row
I know
Chain
103chains
for a row of 100 dc
Chain 103 loosely, dc in the 4th chain from the hook, and work 100 dc along the chain.Add 5 spare chains and undo them from the slip-knot end after row 1: cheap insurance.
- Row 1 counts100 stitches
- Turning chain3 (not a stitch)
- First real stitch goes inthe 4th chain from the hook
- Foundation-stitch alternativework 100 fdc, no chain
The Formulas
turning chain doesn’t count: chains = stitches + turning (sc 1, hdc 2, dc 3, tr 4)turning chain counts as a stitch: chains = stitches + turning − 1, and the row works one fewer real stitchThe two conventions produce chains one apart and rows that count identically, the muddle is mixing them. Your pattern’s phrase “ch-3 counts as dc” is the flag; this calculator writes both versions correctly.
Worked Example
A 100-dc first row:
- Turning chain not counted: chain 103, dc in the 4th chain from the hook, dc in every chain after: 100 dc.
- Ch-3 counts as a dc: chain 102, dc in the 4th chain, 98 more: 99 dc plus the ch-3 = 100.
- Foundation single crochet instead: work 100 fsc and skip the chain entirely: stretchier edge, no counting twice.
Turning Chains by Stitch
| Stitch | Turning chain | Hook enters the | Usually counts? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | 1 | 2nd chain | never |
| Half double | 2 | 3rd chain | rarely |
| Double crochet | 3 | 4th chain | often |
| Treble | 4 | 5th chain | often |
Getting the Chain Right
- Chain loosely or a hook size up: a tight chain narrows the bottom edge no border fixes.
- Count chains as you make them, in tens with stitch markers every 20: recounting 150 chains flat is how twice-made chains happen.
- Long chains forgive: add 5 extra, work the row, and undo the spare chains from the slip-knot end afterward. The surplus unknots from that end only.
Assumptions and Defaults
- Width mode converts through your gauge and rounds to a whole stitch.
- Fsc, fhdc, and fdc replace the chain one-for-one with the row’s stitch count.
- Pattern repeats snap in the stitch calculator; this page takes the final count.
Chain Questions, Answered
How many chains do I start with in crochet?
A crochet starting chain is the stitches you want plus the turning chain, so 100 dc needs 103 chains when the ch-3 doesn’t count as a stitch, and 102 when it does. The toggle above writes whichever count your pattern uses.
What is foundation single crochet?
Foundation single crochet builds the chain and the first row together, stitch by stitch, so you work 100 fsc for a 100-stitch row with no chain to count. It also gives a stretchier edge than a chain and solves the problem of a chain that is always too tight.
Why is my first crochet row narrower than the rest?
The first crochet row comes out narrower when the chain is tighter than your stitches, which happens to most crocheters. Chain with a hook one size larger, or switch to foundation stitches, and the edge will relax to match the rest of the fabric.
What if I miscounted my starting chain?
If you miscounted your starting chain and it is too short, you can add chains at the slip knot end only before you have worked into it; otherwise undo the row. If it is too long, undo the extra chains from the slip knot end after row 1, and because the chain only extends from one end, many crocheters chain five extra as a habit.