How to Count Crochet Stitches (and Rows) Without Losing Track
Count the V's along the top of the row — one V is one stitch. How to count single, half double and double crochet, chains and rows, when the turning chain counts, and simple tricks so you never lose count.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 10 minutes
You'll need
- A swatch to practise on
- Stitch markers
In this post
To count crochet stitches, count the V shapes along the top of the row: each V is one stitch. Don't count the loop on the hook, and only count the turning chain if the pattern says it counts as a stitch. To count rows, count the stitch "posts" stacked up the side — each post of a double crochet is one row; single crochet rows show as horizontal ridges.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Counting step by step
- Stitches: Look down at the top edge. Count each V (two loops lying sideways) from right to left. Skip the loop on your hook.
- Turning chain: Add 1 for it only if it counts (usually ch 3 in double crochet). See the table in why crochet gets smaller.
- Chains: Count the Vs on the front of the chain. Don't count the slip knot or the loop on the hook.
- Rows of dc or hdc: Count the tall posts stacked up from the bottom; one post is one row.
- Rows of sc: Count the horizontal ridges — in sc, each pair of loops sitting one above the other is one row.
- Rounds: Count from the marker in the first stitch of each round down to the centre.
Never lose count
| Trick | How |
|---|---|
| Marker every 10 | On a long chain or row, clip a marker every 10th stitch |
| First and last markers | Shows if you skipped the end stitches |
| Row counter | A clicker or an app, tapped at the end of each row |
| Tally on the pattern | Tick each round as you finish it |
| Contrasting thread | Weave a strand of scrap yarn up every 10 rows |
Learning the stitches? Single crochet, half double and double crochet each show what the V looks like.
Common questions
Do you count the loop on the hook?
No. The loop on the hook is never a stitch.
Does the slip knot count as a chain?
No. Start counting from the first chain you make after the slip knot.
How often should I count my stitches?
Every row while learning, then every few rows. Always count after increase and decrease rounds.
Clicker, app or tally marks? 🔢
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YarnBloom
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YarnBloom shares cozy, beginner-friendly crochet patterns written in clear US terms, with a stitch count on every round and tips for the tricky bits. Grab your hook — let’s make something lovely.
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