There’s nothing like ✨falling in love✨ with a pattern that starts with "Ch 287" to make you question your life choices! Long starting chains are a patience test, but they don’t have to knock you off track. Here’s how to manage them with your sanity intact:

Some crocheters like using a digital or manual row counter to track chains in groups of 10. Every time you chain 10, click once. It’s simple and can reduce mental load—if you remember to click! (👋)

Chain with a hook one size larger than what your pattern calls for, then switch back for row one. Looser tension on the chains makes it easier to work into them, especially if you’re using the back bump.

Speaking of which, crocheting into the back bump of the chain creates a clean, finished edge that looks almost identical to the top of your rows. It’s a bit slower, but worth it for neater edges. Use a hook with a pointed head like the Susan Bates line to stab into the stitches!

The chain and first row of stitches are combined to make a Foundation chain. It’s stretchier, easier to count, and you get to skip that awkward second row. This works for single, half-double, or double crochet foundations.

In your crazy world, this one is tough! Pause your show, silence your phone, lock the door, count out loud, do whatever you need to avoid interruptions and distractions while chaining so you don’t have to start over... again.

If you’re short a chain, just add one at the end. If you have a few extra at the end, use a blunt needle to remove the knot. It won’t ruin your project.

Long chains = long rows. Mark your first and last stitch of each row so you don’t miss or add extras on the turns.

Count stitches at the end of every row to stay on track. Use stitch markers on rows too!

Or...Just don’t! 🚫

No shame in skipping long chains altogether: “Crocheting in the round” is the self-care you didn’t know you needed.

Start with hats, mandalas, or circular blankets and live your best spiral life.

Long chains may be annoying, but with the right tools and a few mindset shifts, they don’t have to derail your momentum. Mark, count, breathe—and know that you're not alone in muttering under your breath at chain 212. 🧡

P.S. We’re accepting suggestions for features on crochet designers or industry professionals. If you’re a new crochet designer or have a new product or service you’d like us to feature and have less than 2k followers, pitch us at [email protected] with “Emerging Crochet Designer” in the subject.

IN STITCHES