Does the Beginning Chain Count as a Stitch?

I get emails all the time asking for pattern help. One of the questions I hear the most is, “How do I know if the beginning chain is included in the stitch count?” – or similar versions of the same question. I can’t give you …

5 Crochet Techniques To Expand Your Skills

Once you have the basics of crochet down pat, and you’ve learned tons of stitches, you may get to a point where you want to expand your skills and knowledge. There are so many stitches and crochet techniques out there to explore. I have 5 …

Is Crochet Gauge Important?

What is crochet gauge?  Your crochet gauge refers to how many stitches, or pattern repeats, across and how many rows will fit into a 4″ X 4″ square. If for some reason the pattern repeat won’t fit into a 4″ square the designer will try …

Stitch Marker Alternatives

Do you use stitch markers?  I’ve always used Boye stitch markers, and liked them.  They work well and slide easily in and out of stitches….until recently. I finally found a project they don’t work for….a stuffed frog!  Because you use a smaller hook to make …