Mikey from The Crochet Crowd uses textured crochet stitches in stitch samplers pretty consistently. For most projects, an 'odd number' stitch count is usually the easiest to pair fun stitches together.
In This Project
Defining the Odd Number
We need to define exactly what an odd number is; it's not the beginning chain count, but the number of stitches after the first row is completed. Mikey tends to use single crochet as the first row in nearly all projects.
When you crochet the 2nd chain from the hook, it removes just one chain count. Let's see this example:
- Chain 100 stitches. Single Crochet 2nd chain from the hook and all the way across. This leaves you with 99 single crochet.
If I wanted the number to be even in the first row. I would have to chain 101 instead.
Rule of Thumb
If you want an odd number and do single crochet on the first row, chain an EVEN NUMBER.
If you want an even number on the first row, chain an ODD NUMBER.
The Problem with Some Stitches
Some stitch pairs are horrible combinations. Not visually, but it's all about the tension of the stitches. Skipped spaces and the use of the front or back posts can cause the project to contract inward. Therefore, something like a blanket would have indentations along the edges where the stitches are. On their own, though, they are great stitches to play with.
The Linen Stitch can be done in an odd or even number, but the approach for each would be different. If you were to ask me which one is better, it's the one where the row will be an even number. WHY? It's because each row will be done exactly the same way. In an odd-number row, you would have 2 rows to complete for balance. Sometimes harder to remember.
Doing an odd chain count to start will create the first row to be an even number, and this type of stitching is easier to remember.
If you do the even number chain count, the rows will be an odd number, and this type of stitching requires 2 rows to be completed before you repeat again.
Also, stitches like the front or back posts can cause elasticity issues and can ruin a project if they are mixed with other stitches.
A great example of ruining a project is one we already have. The study of texture used the front and back posts on the basketweave section near the end of the project, causing those who are not watching their tension to end up with a square blanket, but the corners to jet outward. It's the type of stitch, not always the crocheter.
Another stitch you cannot mix is any linked stitch. It makes the stitchwork very tight, and regular stitches will not work out well.
Tutorial Extra Tip
The video descriptions include links to the left-handed versions if you want them.
Elizabeth Crochet Stitch
The Crochet Elizabeth Stitch works in an odd number count across. You will see in the video that I'm having you chain an even number. This means that, on the first row, there will be an ODD Number.
This stitch maintains a great structure without compression or expansion. You can mix this with other stitches.
Suzette Crochet Stitch
The Suzette Crochet Stitch is also referred to as the Grit Crochet Stitch. This works with an ODD number to balance the stitchwork.
Easy to remember, and the texture is scrumptious.
Crochet Feather Stitch
The Crochet Feather Stitch has such a rich textured look, so it's always a double-sided pattern, which is really great for those who prefer both sides to look identical. This works if there is an ODD number going across.
You may need to practice with this stitch to get used to it.
Crochet Cluster Stitch
Though it's harder to see in this pattern, the Crochet Cluster Stitch also pairs well with other stitches. Ridges pop up with this stitch, but there is a catch to using it.
You need to make sure you are crocheting this into your project on the wrong side. The popping out happens on the opposite side of the work you are on. If you crochet this on the right side of the project, the popping will be on the back of the work.
With certain yarns, this is a texture-rich stitch without any pulling or tension issues.
Easy Stacked Shell Stitch
The Stacking Shell Crochet Stitch. The pattern has a 2-row repeating pattern. This pattern works for odd numbers going across. However, the odd number must be divisible by 6 and leave only 1 stitch.
If you had 73 stitches going across.
- 73 divided by 6 = 12.16
- 12 x 6 = 72.
- 73 - 72 = 1 stitch left over, which is an odd number.
You could mix this with an existing project if the multiples work itself out.
Crochet Spiked Spaced Sedge Stitch
This will work in odd numbers and is a fun stitch called Crochet Spiked Spaced Sedge Stitch. It's a multiple of 3 chains + 5.
If you had 97 stitches across:
- 97 divided by 3 = 32.3
- 32 x 3 = 96
- 97 - 96 = 1 stitch left, which is an odd number.
This stitch is dense but not overpowering to create issues if mixing them with other stitches.
Crochet Drunken Stitch
The Crochet Drunken Stitch creates open lacework. This works out to be an ODD number across as well.
Depending on your application, if you are looking for something more airy and faster to crochet, you may want to choose this stitch. It's a one-row repeating pattern.
The drunken stitch reminds me of corner to corner, but done in rows and slightly different.
If you are ever looking for a great book to purchase. I highly recommend Edie Eckman's book of Around the Corner Crochet Borders.
Edie gives you the stitch counts needed to achieve the borders. Whether it's a multiple of 1 stitch, 2 stitches, or more to make it work. It takes some of the guesswork out and lets you really play with concepts.
I firmly believe every crocheter should have this book as a resource. It's well-written and beautifully done, with oodles of concepts to apply to your project.
In fact, the border applied to this blanket was directly from this book and permission was granted by Edie to use it for this stitch along.
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