Counting Stitches

[lrguyer]

I saw a pattern that called for 164 stitches in a chain...How in the world do you keep track of 30 stitches let alone 164??? I keep getting distracted and losing count. I'm just afraid that the blanket it will end up looking lopsided. Are there any tricks to keeping count??

[Everyday Crochet]

The difficulty of the pattern and stitches can make it hard. I am crocheting what will essentially be a pillowcase for a pet pillow (a piggie) and it's in rounds so I am having to use stitch markers to keep track of my rounds, but I'm counting the 112 stitches each time I go around.

My best trick, when interupted by one of my 4 kids, hubby or dogs, is to just count to the next 5 and remember where I left off. 105, 110, 115 etc.

Also, maybe this is one you could do when there aren't many distractions. Some patterns are so simple that I don't even need to count, but if it's a pattern inside a pattern... well, then you need to keep track. Many a time I've had to just go back to the beginning of that row and count.

[crochet smartcat]

When doing that many for a starting chain, I will put stitch markers or pieces of yarn every 20 or 50 stitches, so if I lose count, I do not have to recount the whole thing again.

[buggaboosmommy]

I don't make alot of large patterns that require a lot of stitches..but when I do, I keep a notepad and pencil near. So I count 1-10 stitches..write the number 10, then another 1-10, write 20..keep going every 10 or even 20 stitches until you have enough. Works for me anyway.

Donna

[ncmurray512]

For any large number say 164, I write down in 10's like this

10 10 10 10 10

10 10 10 10 10

10 10 10 10 10

10 4

Then just do 10 sts and check off a 10.

Hope this helps,

Natalie

[jchllm]

I just started an afghan that started out with 180 ch.......I used safety pins on every 20th 'stitch' just in case I lost track. Then when I was on my first row I took them out as I came across them. Easy as that.

 

Lisa

[Dejhia]

I put stitch markers in the chains every 25 or 50 stitches (depending on the starting chain). This way, at worst, I only have to re-count 50 stitces.

[monael]

I count out loud and if anyone dares try to interrupt, I just get louder and louder until they get the message that I am busy I also will recount once I get to the end of the chain.

[Aggie May]

Just keep going with your chain until you have at least the number you need then add a few.

When you do your first row, just do as many repeats of the patten as you need, along the chain and then un-pick the leftovers.

If there is lots left, cut off the tail to within 8 CH and un-pick the rest.

Saves worrying about counting.

After you have become experienced, you will be able to judge how long the chain needs to be without counting.

Have fun.

Colleen:hug