How do you figure out afghan sizes?
I have created a formula to calculate the chain counts needed to get to the sizes you need. The formula will also calculate stitch sets for those who require a pattern, such as a wave afghan to stay in balance for stitches.
Sizes of afghans have been provided in the equation for those interested to know the standard sizes of crochet afghans. I have included everything from receiving blanket sizes to king size.
For my calculator, you will need a measuring tape to give me a few dimensions. Due to everyone having their own gauge for stitching, this formula will adjust to your own tension to provide you with accurate details.
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Crochet Afghan Pattern Ideas
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Tanya A. says
Does this work for graphghan blankets too??
dianne says
the calculator is good, however it does not calculate how many skeins of yarn you would need. Im no math guru, but I think there must be a way to plug in hook and yarn size to come up with # of skeins.
Leslie says
Well I think this is a great tool, but let me tell you how I figure out my size (s) I take a length of old yarn and measure it out to the width and if it is for a double (full) bed I measure down the side too (some folks are wider than others) then lets say my pattern stitch is multiples of 3 plus 4 I then just chain in 3's until I get to the width of my 'measuring yarn' I then add 4. to check the count I count in 3's and make sure there are 4 chains left.
As for how much yarn I will need I find a similar size and pattern somewhere in a book or online and see what is recommended and add 1 or 2 more skeins. ( you can usually return extras, but I keep them all to later make a 'crazy quilt' using all different patterns for my squares and sew them on the outside using the blanket stitch, all different sizes of yarn and if they are finer than the heaviest I mix 2 strands tog regardless of colour.
Sometimes I take some old fabric or even a sheet and sew my crochet onto that (sewing machine and tissue paper) i can then use it pretty much anywhere as anything, coverlet, rug, back of car as emergency blanket.
Or just give it to someone who is plain cold. It is the fun of creating that spurs me on, I do not keep the ones i do not need for gifts. sometimes they are small and sometimes big. Who really cares if there are 4-5 extra or less stitches.... give yourself some slack, I find when the need for perfection crawls in the love of creation and joy of crochet or knitting or sewing becomes a chore and the fun goes out the window.... I do strive for perfection in anything I do but obsession is not part of my vocabulary... 🙂
Many times over history you see that an error has become a great discovery!
Oh, I shall also add here that in my 50 odd years of crochet (learned from a book) I have NEVER used a chain 3 at the end of a row, too messy too loopy, I just make a double crochet and then turn my work, neater sides for me anyway...
Maybe this is not as precise as this wonderful calculation is but I always had to figure things out for myself and math is so not one of my finer skills.... perhaps my methods will help you or not, but just remember it has to be fun, use your imagination let the creator inside, out and don't worry one stitch here or there will never be noticed. If it is, get new friends!! LOL!
Susan Roush says
Hurrah for Leslie! Being willing to think for yourself and not expect someone else to do all the work for you is rare these days. I cringe when I see some of these comments, so yours is very refreshing!
Mary says
Well said Leslie! what is the fun of crocheting if everything is figured out for you! I follow a pattern but if I want it bigger or smaller I figure it out if it comes out right good for me if not it's handmade whatta want LOL. It still works! Don't be so picky that you go in a tizzy over it.
Brenda says
I thought this calculator was amazing, but when I tried to return a few days later(because I'm OCD and wanted to double check my measurements) the calculator section of the article was missing. Was it removed for some reason? I'm using the same browser I was using last time.
Mikey, The Crochet Crowd says
We are unsure why it's not working. sorry
Helga says
I can't find it either. It was here several months ago but now that I need it again I can't find it anywhere.