DOWNLOAD THE FREE CHAIN START TABLE
We are constantly asked how many chains you need to do certain size afghans. Using my crochet hook and measuring tape, I figured out the average chain counts you need to do in order to get close to the size you want.
I am assuming 4 ply worsted yarn in the Medium 4 Weight Category. Yarn included in this category is examples like Caron Simply Soft, Caron One Pound, Bernat Super Value and etc. Just look at the ball band for the weight level of the yarn.
More Helpful Tips
I have provided in the worksheet below how many stitches I had per inch. I have done the math for you. But if you want to do the math on any other yarn types of hook types. This is what you can do.
- Crochet a 3″ Chain.
- 1 sc 2nd Chain from hook and sc in each chain across. Turn.
- Ch 2, 1 hdc in each stitch across. Turn.
- Repeat the last step 3 more times.
- Using a measuring tape, measure how many stitches per inch. It round to nearly 1/4 inch.
- Using that number how many stitches you had in an inch, times by the width you want. If you get a number with a decimal point, round to the nearest whole number.
- 3.75 stitches per inch x 39″ (twin size) = 146.25. Round to 146 stitches. That’s your starting chain.
Tip
The larger the hook you use, the fewer stitches you will have to do across a row. It’s something to consider for time and effort with your afghan.
Worksheet Below
Click the above button to download this worksheet if you would like to have it.
- I have provided 4 sizes of hooks which include the standard 5 mm / H Hook to 6.5 mm / J Hook that is typically suggested for this yarn level.
Mikey, I downloaded this a few years ago & it has come in so handy!!! Thank you so much. I was never very good at math & always had a hard time trying to figure out how many chains to start with. For those that have the same problem, this is a great thing to have. I keep a copy in my notebook with the patterns I print out. That way I have it handy when I need it.
I love this chart and the how to find your own gauge I’m also self learning
how many stichets for quenn size ripple
Here is an article to help you with that. Help you figure out how long to make your starting chain and account for the loss of length in the peaks and valleys of a Chevron/ripple/zigzag style piece.
https://thecrochetcrowd.com/crochet-chevron-afghan-downloadable-afghan-sizes/
The chart seems to have an error in the King and Cal King section on the last 2 columns. The numbers for starting chains to not change for with and without drape. Is this intentional ?
I’d almost have to say you are right, the cal king IS a couple of inches larger than a king, I’ve messaged the team to check into it, thanks!!
I’m making my sister a Afghan/throw size, she wanted am Appaloosa on the blanket. I know I can do it, but I need a pattern for it. How to you figure your pattern?
Hi. I hope you can help me. I have a bassinet that needs padding as the pad is so thin, (1″) thick. I am using Bernat Blanket yarn (6). Pad size is 31″ long x 14.5″ wide. I’ve tried knitting one and ripped it out twice. I thought maybe crochet would be better. Not sure how to do this. Any suggestions? Baby is due in 1½ weeks.
I want to crochet a blanket fotr a 3/4 bed with drape. My hook that I will be use are a 10mm and XL Chunky
Hoe many stitches should I used to begin?
Just chain until it hits the number of inches you need.
Thank you so much. This really helps. You guys are the greatest.
This is great for the starting chain, but how long does it need to be? Also is this worked as if you were starting from head to foot or left to right?
Thanks, this helpfull. Because I always over and again and over many times till I feel prefect size. I am carzy blanket chrochet. 3 time I make blanket for myself.
Thank you Mikey for posting this chart. Most patterns will tell you how many chains to start with but this makes it easier to calculate if you want to use that same pattern for a smaller blanket or to make a larger one. Thanks for all you the others do for us.
I concur with Sue McEndree. Nice to have this calculator; and thank you for all you do for us. May I suggest you add an approximate guesstimate for # of chains for ARM KNITTING, too? Thanks for listening….er….I mean….reading. 😀
Hi Mikey
Have nearly finished my blanket, just wondered if you can finish the edge of blanket with any type of edging?
I’ve only just started crocheting & cant read patterns, but finding your tutorials excellent!
I’m new to this site. Thank you so much for posting how to calculate how many stitches/chains needed to start an afghan. I live in a motorhome and don’t have room for lots of books. So thankful for the internet and people like you, willing to share your expertise. Blessings to you in abundance.
just what I needed…. thank you….
Very helpful to me since I’m a self teacher using tutorial videos to show me how to knit and crochet.
Thanks
thank you I now will go measure my lap blanket, hope its big enough! love you guys!
You are always bang on! Great projects and good directions ! ???
Thank you so very much for the chart you posted. I’m a self learning beginner crocheter. This info was very helpful. ?
thank you for this(how many chain) I am always asking myself this! no more second guesses!!