Carolin Why is it so hard to count double stitches correctly? Have you ever wondered? The problem is that each stitch consists of two half-hitches. I don't know about you, but my brain always wants to count the halves, not the wholes. Instead of 1, 2, 3, I find myself counting 1–2, 1–2, 1–2 in my head... after a while, I recount them only to realize I either need more or (once again) I’ve overshot the mark. That’s not what "flow" looks like.
Luckily, there are several simple methods to not only give your brain what it wants but to finally count correctly. This will help you avoid mistakes and make you faster. Plus, your stitches will become more even if you can work in one go without constantly stopping to recount.
Methods for Counting Double Stitches in Tatting
- Counting with a "Sub-Count"
With this method, you just have to push past the critical first two stitches. After that, counting becomes very easy.
Instead of counting 1–2, 1–2, 1–2, 1–2, 1–2 for five double stitches, try counting like this:
lieber
1 -2, 2 – 2, 3 – 2, 4 – 2, 5 – 2 - The "And" Method (The Reliable Way)
Damit die 2 mich nicht mehr durcheinander bringen kann, ersetze ich sie gerne durch ein „und“. Diese Methode ist übrigens auch unter Musikern weit verbreitet um komplizierte Takte zu zählen.
I count:
1 und, 2 und, 3 und, 4 und, 5 und - Counting Half-Stitches / Doubling the Count
For this method, you do a quick bit of math at the start and then almost completely switch off your brain.
Five double stitches equal 10 half-stitches (5×2=10).
Simply count every single half-hitch to reach the right total:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ,8 ,9 ,10 - Using Movement
Some people find it helpful to connect counting with a specific physical movement. This helps if you tend to forget the act of counting itself. After a bit of training, the movement becomes part of the stitch.
This could be a slight nod of the head or a tap of your foot with every completed double stitch.
Note: Listen to your body! If frequent nodding gives you a headache, this isn't the method for you. - The "Comfort Number"
Admittedly, this method isn't 100% reliable. On the plus side, it lets you feel like a human being rather than a counting machine. Have you noticed that when you stop to recount, it’s often after the same number of stitches? If so, this is your "comfort number." Maybe you start a chain and after three stitches you think, "Oops, forgot to count again!" Then three is your number. To use this, divide your target by your comfort number: 7 double stitches / comfort number 3 = 2 sets + 1 extra Work through two sets "on autopilot" and then add one final double stitch. Warning: This doesn't work if you overthink it. It's like breathing—you can do it consciously, or let the autopilot take over. You just have to let it happen!
How do you count your stitches? Was there a new technique here for you? Let me know in the comments!
