Repeats and Pattern Logic

📚 What you’ll learn

Understand crochet multiples — the “math” behind your foundation chain — so your stitch patterns start off correctly every time.

🎥 Watch

📋 Instructions

1. Write down “Starting chain = (multiple of x) + y + z” on a sheet of paper.
2. Spot the repeat in a stitch pattern. Every pattern has a group of stitches repeated across a row. This is your X.
3. Check for extra stitches: Some patterns add a stitch at the beginning or end for balance. This is your Y.
4. Include your turning chain. The chain you make at the end of the row to reach the proper height for the next row. This is your Z.
5. Plug the numbers into the formula to determine the length of a starting chain.

🔑 Key tips

• Always make a small swatch first to check your multiple.
• Use stitch dictionaries or online tools to verify your calculations.
• If unsure, round up — you can adjust at the end of your first row

🏋️ Practice

• Review the diagram example for the Open Checker Stitch shown above.
• Identify the stitch repeat (X), any extra edge stitches (Y), and the turning chain (Z).
• Use the formula Starting chain = (multiple of X) + Y + Z to calculate the correct starting chain.
• Check your calculation against the answers below to verify your answer.
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Correct answer

• X - Stitch repeat: 6
• Y - Extra edges: 2
• Z - Turning chain: 3

The starting chain is a multiple of 6, plus an additional 5 stitches

🎯 Goal

You can calculate and create a correct starting chain for any stitch pattern, giving your projects neat edges and accurate stitch counts.

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