Why Stitch Counts Matter in Crochet Patterns
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It is always important to keep track of stitch counts when switching stitch patterns between rows.
Working a stitch sampler or any pattern where you have different stitches the best practice is always to know what your base row stitch is.
Example 1:
- You need to use 230 sts for the base row of your blanket ( pattern eg: 1 hdc st into each st of row )
- ( (1 st = Starting chain of row (ch2)) + ( 228 x 1hdc sts is the stitches your pattern repeats within ) + (1 st for the last stitch of your row ) = 230 sts
Example 2:
- You need to use 230 sts for the base row of your blanket ( pattern eg: sk1, *1 x 3dc, sk2 - rep until second last st, sk1 )
- ( (1 st = Starting chain of row (ch2)) + ( 76 x 3dc st repeats) + (1 st for the last stitch of your row ) = 230 sts
Example 3:
- You need to use 230 sts for the base row of your blanket ( pattern eg: sk1, *1 x 2dc, sk1 - rep until second last st, sk1 )
- ( (1 st = Starting chain of row (ch2)) + ( 144 x 2dc st repeats ) + (1 st for the last stitch of your row ) = 230 sts


Take note of skipped stitches in the pattern diagram and in the written instructions, For this example, we will reference rows: 11,12,13 of one of my patterns as shown in the image,
- Row 11, requires working 2 dc sts into 3dc sts of the previous row. which means row 11, requires 1 skipped stitch between 2 dc sts,
- In row 12, a 2dc stitch is worked in the space between each of the two(2) dc stitches of the row before,
- Always remember to chain 1 at the start of the row, and the 1 dc into the last stitch of the row.
- Example rows 11, 12 & 13 should have the same number of 2 dc stitches in every row.
Take note of pattern instructions in the beginning and end of each row
Follow the pattern repeat, as per the written instructions, and as indicated in the diagram, Some rows starts and ends differently.

For some rows an 1 hdc is indicated for the first two stitches of the row. You will skip the 2 last stitches of the pattern and repeat, at the end of the row, be sure you work the last hdc stitch of the row.
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Explore More Crochet Tutorials on the Website
If you need extra help while working on your stitch sampler blanket, you can explore the crochet tutorials section on the website. These guides explain crochet stitches, techniques, and pattern methods in a clear and beginner-friendly way.
You’ll find helpful stitch tutorials, visual diagrams, and step-by-step guides that make it easier to learn new stitches and improve your crochet skills while completing your project.
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