Tell it how wide you want the piece and your gauge (or pick a typical one), and it gives the exact starting chain including the turning chain. For any stitch, with stitch-multiple repeats handled.
Chains = (width × stitches per unit) + turning chain. If your pattern says “chain a multiple of 3 + 2”, that number is for the foundation chain and the plus already includes the turning chain, so the chain itself is rounded to fit. If the multiple is given for the stitches instead, the stitch count is rounded first and the turning chain is added on top. Choose which one your pattern means and the calculator does the rest.
| Yarn | Hook | sc per 4 in | dc per 4 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Fingering | 2.25–3 mm | 28–32 | 24–28 |
| #2 Sport | 3–3.5 mm | 22–26 | 18–22 |
| #3 DK | 3.5–4.5 mm | 18–22 | 15–18 |
| #4 Worsted | 5–5.5 mm | 14–16 | 12–14 |
| #5 Bulky | 6–9 mm | 10–12 | 8–11 |
| #6 Super bulky | 9–15 mm | 6–8 | 5–7 |
These are starting points. Your hands are your gauge. Swatch before a big project.
Chains = (finished width × stitches per inch or cm from your gauge) + turning chain. For a 50 in throw at 3.5 sc per inch that's 175 + 1 = 176 chains. Because chains stretch and then relax, make a gauge swatch and measure it first.
The extra chains at the start that stand in for the first stitch's height: +1 for single crochet, +2 for half double, +3 for double crochet, +4 for treble (US terms). This calculator adds it on top of the stitches, the convention where the turning chain does not count as a stitch. If your pattern counts the chain 3 as the first double crochet, make one chain fewer.
Chains are naturally tighter than stitches worked into them. Use a hook one size larger for the chain only, or use a foundation single/double crochet, which builds the chain and first row together with the same stretch.
Count the V shapes on the front, never the loop on the hook and never the slip knot. For long chains, place a stitch marker every 20 or 50 chains.
Related: Yarn calculator · How to chain · Stitch dictionary
In Crochets you type the width you want and pick a stitch. It writes the foundation chain, every row and the yarn amount for you.
Start free →