1. What is Stitch Increase in Crochet?

Stitch increasing is a fundamental technique in crochet where you add stitches to your work to make it wider or create shaping. This calculator helps beginners determine how many stitches they'll have after planned increases.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Old Stitches — Current number of stitches in your work
• Increase Amount — Number of stitches you plan to add
• New Stitches — Total stitches after increasing

Explanation: This basic calculation helps crocheters plan their projects and maintain consistent shaping.

3. Importance of Proper Stitch Counting

Details: Accurate stitch counting ensures your project maintains the correct shape and size. Too many increases can cause ruffling, while too few can make your work too tight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your current stitch count and how many stitches you want to add. The calculator will show your new total stitch count.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I actually increase stitches in my work?
A: The most common method is to work two stitches into one stitch from the previous row.

Q2: Where should I place my increases?
A: For even shaping, distribute increases evenly across the row. For specific shaping, follow your pattern instructions.

Q3: What if my stitch count doesn't match the pattern?
A: Double-check your counting and make sure you're not accidentally adding or missing stitches at the ends of rows.

Q4: Can I use this for decreasing stitches too?
A: No, this is only for increases. Decreasing involves subtracting stitches rather than adding.

Q5: How do I keep track of my stitch count?
A: Use stitch markers, especially at increase points, and count your stitches at the end of each row.