Crochet Tip: Get Even Rows Without Counting

This crochet tip for keeping even rows will make you wonder why you didn't think of it before! Keeping even rows while crocheting WITHOUT counting is super easy to do with this simple tip.

Find the video below!

I'm going to assume when people learn how to crochet, they learn by chaining then making rows to create a blanket or dish cloth or some sort of retangular shape.

When I first learned how to crochet, I made a blanket (that I never finished).  I was a pro at increasing by accident and it made my blanket look uneven and wonky.

Not only was I 8 years old, but when you start crocheting it's difficult to see or even count the stitches because you just don't know what you're looking for.

My blanket looked a little like this picture, except is was bigger and made with baby pink and green/red ombre yarn. It was as hideous as it sounds. HA! But in my own defense, I was a kid.

So one way to get even rows is to go back and count the stitches, but if you're a beginner and are unsure of what you're even counting - this tip is for you.

Even if you're not a beginner, this may be a useful tip when making larger projects. I just started making a blanket in rows that is 200+ stitches across and I'm using this tip just so I'm sure I don't accidentally mess up along the way and have to take anything out.

So what's this tip? How can I get even rows and make sure I have the same amount of stitches in each row without counting?

Two words: STITCH MARKERS!

And you don't even have to go out and purchase stitch markers if you don't want to. You can use bobby pins, safety pins, or even small pieces of yarn in a different color.

Basically, you want to place a stitch marker in the first stitch in every row you start.

Once you have your chain and your first stitch of the row, place your stitch marker in that first stitch.
You can do this right away with your hook still in place, but if you are using a piece of yarn you will want to do another stitch then use your hook to place your piece of yarn in that first stitch.

Continue to make your stitches down the chain. It's easy to see where the last stitch will be in the chain.

Turn your work, chain up (however many you need for the stitch you are using) and make your first stitch.

Place you stitch marker in the first stitch as explained above. Continue to make your stitches along the row.

When you get to the end of the row, your first stitch marker will tell you where your last stitch will go! You don't have to second guess if it is the last stitch.

All you have to do now is keep moving the stitch marker up after each row and place it into the first stitch of each row! And ta-da! Even rows!

This may get tedious when making a small dishcloth, but it will ensure you will have even rows and takes less time than counting the stitches across!

Like I said in the beginning, I'm making a blanket that is 200+ single crochets in width, so this is a life saver for me so I don't ever have to second guess where my last stitch is!

I hope this is helpful to you!

**NOTE: When working in rows, I usually don't count the chain in the start of the row as a stitch. If you are counting your chain as a stitch, you will want to insert your stitch marker in the chain of each row.

Example: If you chain up 3 in the beginning of a row and are counting it as a double crochet, you will want to insert your stitch marker at the top of that chain 3 as your first stitch.