Why Do I Keep Missing the Last Crochet Stitch?

A narrowing rectangle commonly begins with a missed final stitch. Turning chains and short edge stitches can make that last insertion point difficult to recognize.

Mark the edge as soon as it is made

Place a removable marker in the first actual stitch of every row. When you return, that marker identifies the final stitch to work. Move it only after the stitch is complete.

Know whether the turning chain counts

Patterns differ. Some treat the turning chain as the first stitch; others do not. Follow the pattern note and count it the same way on every row. Do not work into both a non-counting chain and an extra imagined edge stitch.

Count before turning again

Flatten the row, identify each top V and compare the total with the pattern. If the count is short, inspect the row just completed while it is still easy to undo. Two edge markers provide faster feedback than trying to repair width several rows later.

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