What. The. Math. (And Crochet)

Mathematics is the most beautiful and most powerful creation of the human spirit. -Stefan Banach

Remember all of those times you asked "When am I ever going to use algebra (or any math for that matter) outside the classroom?" The fact of the matter is, a solid 80% of people hate math (and yes, I made that up). Just mention the word, and you'll be surround by groans and complaints in a matter of seconds. It easily the most hated subject in school across the United States.

But why?

Well, most of it comes down to how it is taught. With a mother who is very passionate about teaching math at the elementary level, I understand this. Math has been reduced to tips and tricks, learning how to get the right answer. But rarely do people understand the "why" of what they're doing, of why you have follow certain steps in certain orders to get the right answer. And so often, if the answer you got is wrong, the whole problem is wrong, rather than getting partial points for doing the correct steps along the way.

The point is, most people hate math. But when it comes to Crocheting, you use it a lot.

But if you're in the camp that hates math, don't worry. I'm going to explain to you the "why."

Math is used in pattern making all the time, whether you're making a blanket, scarf or a stuffed animal. Patterns are created with math in mind so that things are symmetrical, that they are shaped a certain way, and that your blanket doesn't continuously get bigger and bigger with every row.

Let's start with the blanket:

Often when you read a pattern, it will say something like "Make a foundation of 49 stitches. If you want to change the size, make a foundation chain of multiples of 8+1."

It is asking you to make a chain of multiples of 8, plus 1 additional stitch at the end. So, you could do

8(15)+1= 121

8(9)=73

The extra 1 chain at the end is going to essentially be your "chain 1" at the end of the row in order to move up to the next row. So the pattern is really needed the multiples of 8, because what ever pattern you're using repeats every 8 stitches. This is really common for Chevron Patterned blankets.

When making stuffed animals, you increase and decrease consistently. This is often done in multiples of 6, as most patterns begin with a magic ring of 6 stitches. There for, every time you increase, you add 6 more stitches to the row. This is why the number of single crochets between your increases goes up every round, so you continue to grow your project at a consistent rate. Knowing the number of stitches is important as you start to make more complex patterns that may not increase symmetrically around the pattern.

Keep in mind, this is very basic level, and if I have confused you even more, please let me know! I am happy to explain anything more in depth! If this is helpful, and you'd like me to make another post going more in depth, let me know that as well!

Stitched with love,

Meg