Counting Crochet Stitches – 2 Easy Methods for Beginners

When I began crocheting, my frustration often came from my edges being uneven. I learned quickly that my mistake was linked to counting crochet stitches.

Crochet stitches are made along the horizontal. They can easily be counted by looking at the top of the last completed row. The “>” shape counts as 1 stitch.

It took me time to study the look of the basic stitches before I could without a doubt count stitches properly and accurately.

Turns out, counting the basic crochet stitches is not as hard as I initially thought. Follow along as I show you exactly how for the 4 basic stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and treble crochet. I also provide a few helpful tips along the way.

For the entire post, I am using US terms. If you need to convert any stitches, the Craft Yarn Council has a great chart here.

How to Count Crochet Stitches

There are a couple of different options when it comes to counting crochet stitches. You can count the stitches along the top row, or you can count the stitches themselves.

Both methods are simple. But I like to give options because in some instances one method may be easier. Plus, we are all different and you can choose the method you like the best.

Really quick, I want to link to a video where I explain what a turning chain is and when to count it as a stitch because I mention it in the following sections. I encourage you to not skip it, this is super important to get an accurate stitch count!

Method 1: Count the Stitches on the Top Row

Why I like this method: It works for all 4 basic stitches and most stitch patterns. Plus it is so easy!

Things to be cautious of: Know whether or not the turning chain counts as the first stitch because that will alter your numbers.

It is easiest to count stitches on the top row, where the last stitches were completed.

The top is lined with “>” shapes and each one counts as 1 stitch. For example, take a look at the picture below.

This is an example of single crochet stitches. I tend to use the turning chain as the first stitch of the row because I find that my edges are straighter this way. Therefore, the turning chain is in my count for the number of stitches. It has the “>” shape, but it’s a little harder to see compared to the others. You can see this below.

I also wanted to show you what the top row looks like if you don’t use the turning chain as the first stitch. You only count the “>” shapes.

There is not a whole lot of a difference between the two pictures. You just have to know what to look for.

I chose the single crochet stitch for the pictures, but it is important to note that the tops of the other 3 basic stitches look the same.

Method 2: Count the Stitches Themselves

Why I like this method: It makes it easy to count stitches in the middle of rows. Also, it is really easy to count double crochet and treble crochet stitches like this.

Things to be cautious of: Smaller stitches, such as the slip stitch, single crochet and half double crochet are harder to count this way.

I want to begin with the easiest stitches to count and work up to the hardest stitches to count when using this method.

Treble Crochet

The treble crochet stitch is probably the easiest stitch to count, just by the nature of it. It’s easiest to show you, so glance at the photo as you read the next section.

Each stitch has a long, straight post, which is outlined by the arrows below. And there is a lot of space between each stitch, making it easy to count the correct number of stitches. When I made this swatch, I used the turning chain as a stitch, which I also point out in the photo.

Double Crochet

The double crochet stitch is another easy stitch to count because it has a lot of height and space between the stitches. Again, glance at the photo as you read the next part.

Like the treble crochet, each double crochet stitch has a long, straight post, which is outlined by the arrows below. And there is space between each stitch, making it easy to count the correct number of stitches. When I made this swatch, I used the turning chain as a stitch, which I also point out in the photo.

Half Double Crochet

The half double crochet stitch is another basic stitch. The stitch height is much less than the previous two mentioned, making it a little more difficult to count. The photo below should help me explain though.

It is easiest to count the stitches by their shape. The row of “v’s” help to illustrate the shape you are looking for. If you look at every row, you can see that each has the “v” shaped stitches. Those are how you count the half double crochet. To help illustrate this further, I added arrows along a row that point out each of the 14 stitches.

I like to use the turning chain as my first stitch and I think it’s necessary to point out, which is why I included it in the photo.

Single Crochet

Finally, the smallest of the basic stitches. The single crochet has the least height of all that were discussed today, and they are squished together much more. Stitches are harder to count, but not impossible.

I like to count the single crochet stitches by the “pi” shapes. Each “pi” equals 1 stitch. Look at the photo below to see what I mean.

I count the turning chain as my first single crochet of the row. It helps me maintain even edges. But I know this might be unconventional. The swatch below is made in that manner. You will notice the last stitch of the row is not “pi” shaped, but it does count as a stitch.

I also made a video on this topic. I go into way more detail and cover how to count the rows as well. I should answer any questions you have on counting crochet stitches. But if you think of something, please leave me a comment below. Enjoy the video, I will link to it below.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy crocheting!