Shirley Quaskey

[Shirley Quaskey]

If you want a blanket to be 30" wide, how long should the foundation chain be?  It's a baby blanket, using a 4.5 mm hook.

 

[Granny Square]

Welcome to the 'ville!

The nice thing about foundation chains is that you can make too many chains by mistake or on purpose as 'insurance' in case you miscounted, turn, work back, and have left-over chains which can be picked out later - crochet does not unravel from the knot end.  I have been crocheting for eons and do this when chaining a large number 'just in case'.  

Also, specific to your situation, the width of a bare chain, versus the width of the chain with stitches made into it, may not always be the same.  

Edited June 26, 2021 by Granny Square

[ReniC]

I make my chains like Granny Square does when I'm not using a pattern. However, maybe this tutorial will help you decide on a length of chain to suit your needs.