Kittens In A Row

[iamkc]

Hi! I'm brand spankin' new here. I'm trying to crochet a kittens in a row afghan for a friend, but I can't find any patterns quite big enough for a throw for her. I have no idea how to increase the pattern width. I'm sure that there's a great, mathematical way to do such a thing, but I have no idea what it is. I've just about exhausted the Internet and have looked in every crochet book in every craft store...with no luck. I'm hoping that someone here might be able to help! THANK YOU!

[DreamsOfYarn]

What size are you wanting to make it?

[iamkc]

About 4 1/2 x 6...

[crochet.sandie]

Is this the pattern you're using? It is 40 x 60. Perhaps Bev could tell you what the multiple is since she has another for preemie...?

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/kitsinrow.html

Another way to increase size is to use a larger hook. You could also do a double strand, which would increase the size.

[darski]

I believe the pattern works on a multiple of 5 st plus 6 stitches - the six stitches form a 3-stitch border on each side.

However remember that the beginning chain includes that 3ch = 1st dc

When you find your gauge in the pattern, you will be able to determine how many stitches you need to get the size you want.

Try running a gauge swatch starting with chain 34, dc in 4th chain from hook and go from there but you don't need to change colours for the swatch.

That will give you enough info about your gauge to set your starting chain. If you are not sure how that works; post a note here when you have made your swatch and can give me numbers for dc per 4 inches and for 1 inch. I can still do simple arithmetic. :think :wlol

I will subscribe to this thread to keep an eye out for your note.

OH, and I did work from Bev's pattern for this info. it is the pattern I used years ago for this ghan.

[crochet.sandie]

I am the first to admit I have a hard time figuring multiples and often question myself, but I am getting multiple of 5 + 4 for the pattern. As I say, I could well be wrong.

However, all you have to do is guestimate how large you want it - chain a number close to the multiple whether it be + 4 or +6. Work the first row until you come to a size you like and ending with the 3 last dc in the "pattern". If you have extra stitches that is not a problem. You can undo them later.

For example, 5 x 40 = 200. So you might chain 210 just to be sure. When you get to a size that looks right to you (about 54" I think you said) then stop and begin the second row.

Does that make sense? :-)

[darski]

ok, my work here is finished. I'll unsub.

This is a neat ghan to make. You smile all the time at the kitties :wlol

[iamkc]

You ladies are fantastic! What you said makes sense...well, it would if I understood multiples and knowing how I can undo stitches I don't need later. I'm COMPLETELY new to crochet, so nothing is particularly intuitive to me yet. :/ I'm going to read up on multiples and see what I can come up with. I REALLY appreciate you getting me going!

Oh, and I AM looking forward to making this pattern. I think that I'm a little jealous that I'm not doing one for myself yet. :) The kitties are just TOO CUTE!