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Crochet Blanket Starting Chain & Stitch Calculator

Key takeaway: Stitches across = blanket width × (stitches in 4" ÷ 4). Rows = length × (rows in 4" ÷ 4). Enter your gauge and target size to get starting chain (stitches + turning chain) and total stitch estimates.

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Diagram of Craft Yarn Council yarn weight categories 0 through 7 with relative yarn thickness
Reference diagram for this tool family. Redrawn for FiberCalc; see Sources for the authoritative charts.

How it works

After you swatch in your stitch pattern, measure stitches and rows per 4 inches. The calculator scales those rates to your blanket size.

Worked example

36×40" blanket at 12 sts / 14 rows per 4": 108 stitches across, starting chain 109, 140 rows.

Tips

For granny squares, plan motif count instead of a single starting chain. Add border rows separately.

Common mistakes

Using ball-band gauge instead of your stitch pattern; chaining too tightly.

Stitch patterns and borders

Single crochet, half double, and granny-based patterns have different stitches-per-inch even at the same hook size. Always swatch the stitch you will use. Borders can add 1–4" per side—either include them in the target size or add rows afterward. Join-as-you-go motifs need a motif count plan instead of one long foundation chain.

Limits and how to use the results

Estimates run only in your browser. Prefer a published pattern’s tested yardage when it conflicts with this planner. Density factors and assumptions are documented on the methodology page; legal terms cover planning-use limits.

FAQ

How many chains for a crochet blanket?

Chains ≈ stitches across + turning chain. Get stitches across from width and gauge with this tool.

What size is a baby blanket?

Common crochet baby blankets are about 30×36" to 36×52".

Sources

  1. Craft Yarn Council — Standards and guidelines. Used for: CYC yarn-weight and hook conventions for starting-chain estimates. Checked .
  2. Craft Yarn Council — Crochet abbreviations. Used for: CYC yarn-weight and hook conventions for starting-chain estimates. Checked .

Estimates only for planning. Fibers, stitch patterns, personal tension, and finishing change real-world usage. When a published pattern conflicts with this tool, prefer the pattern. Not affiliated with Craft Yarn Council or any yarn brand. Found an error? Tell me.

Calculator version 1.0 · Changelog

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