Expert: Marla - 4/8/2010

Question
Since it's been quite a while since I crocheted an afghan, can you please let me know how many chain stitches to start on a standard afghan?
Thanks in advance,

Answer
Hi Frances!

Thanks for asking! You could probably get a whole bunch of different answers for this. The size of an afghan is usually a personal preference. The number of stitches also depends on the person’s personal gauge and the size of the crochet hook. For example, one pattern using double crochet and an “I” hook calls for 167 chains. The result with their gauge is 52 inches wide. And then another pattern in another crochet book using the same number of stitches and size hook results in a width of 46 inches. This is because their gauges are different. Now, it sounds like the exact number of stitches or size is not a factor, so this is what I would do: I would chain a swatch, say four inches or so and crochet several rows to get an idea of how many stitches I have per inch. Then I would use the number of stitches as a guide for the width of the afghan. For example, if the swatch is four inches wide, and I want my afghan to be, say 52 inches wide, then I would multiply the number of stitches in my swatch by 13 to get the 52 inches.  I often use an “H” hook but this is a matter of personal choice.  
I hope this helps! Let me know if it doesn’t or if you need anything else.

Marla