{multiples of 6 minus 2}

If your center block does not end with {multiple of 6 minus 2} stitches, no worries! Here are instructions on how to make any block to have a {multiple of 6 minus 2} number of stitches per side. Please note the sample builds on the base stitch count of 10 (10+1, 10+2, 10+3, etc.) just to show how to add different numbers of stitches.  Also, the pictures shows (sc, ch 2, sc) stitches but this is just an example and the same rule applies if you are putting (hdc, ch 3, hdc) or (dc, ch 3, dc).

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Perfect! – If your block ends with a {multiple of 6 minus 2}, you are in luck! Proceed to the CAL.

Examples: 10, 16, 22, 28, 34, 40, 46, 52, 58, 64, 70, 76, 82, 88, 94, 100, 106, etc.

For example, Dedri Uys’ beautiful Sophie’s Garden has 82 stitches at the end of Round 35 and will work perfectly! No additional row or adjustment is needed if you are starting with a Sophie’s Garden as the center block.

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Need 1 – If your block needs 1 more stitch per side (Examples: 9, 15, 21, 27, 33, 39, 45, 51, 57, 63, 69, 75, 81, 87, 93, 99, 105, etc.)

make one of the following in the corner space:

(sc, ch 2, sc), (hdc, ch 3, hdc), OR (dc, ch 3, dc)

AND skip the hidden stitch

BLANK SPACE

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Need 2 – If your block needs 2 more stitches per side (Examples: 8, 14, 20, 26, 32, 38, 44, 50, 56, 62, 68, 74, 80, 86, 92, 98, 104, etc.)

make one of the following in the corner space:

(sc, ch 2, sc), (hdc, ch 3, hdc), OR (dc, ch 3, dc)

AND sc/hdc/dc in the hidden stitch

Note: This is probably what most people usually think of when making corner stitches on a crochet square.  You are increasing each side by 2.

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Need 3 – If your block needs 3 more stitches per side (Examples: 7, 13, 19, 25, 31, 37, 43, 49, 55, 61, 67, 73, 79, 85, 91, 97, 103, etc.)

make one of the following in the corner space:

(2 sc, ch 2, sc), (2 hdc, ch 3, hdc), OR (2 dc, ch 3, dc)

AND  sc/hdc/dc in the hidden stitch

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Need 4 – If your block needs 4 more stitches per side (Examples: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96, 102, etc.)

Option 1: The best way to add 4 stitches is to add two more rows, each following “Need 2” instructions.  For example, in this sample (left), two rows (orange and light green) are added:

– (sc, ch 2, sc,) and sc in hidden st in orange row and

– (hdc, ch 3, hdc) and hdc in hidden st in light green row.

Option 2: You could also squeeze in 4 additional stitches in one row with:

(2 sc, ch 1 or 2, 2 sc), (2 hdc, ch 2 or 3, 2 hdc), OR (2 dc, ch 2 or 3, 2 ch), with a sc/hdc/dc in the hidden stitch.

This option makes your row a little crowded, especially if your previous row was with sc’s.

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Need 5: If your block needs 5 more stitches per side (Examples: 5, 11, 17, 23, 29, 35, 41, 47, 53, 59, 65, 71, 77, 83, 89, 95, 101, etc.)

Option 1: Again, the best way to adjust the number of stitches is to add two more rows.

You will follow “Need 2” directions in one row and “Need 3” directions in another row.

Option 2: It is still possible to squeeze in 5 additional stitches in one row with:

(3 sc, ch 1 or 2, 2 sc), (3 hdc, ch 2 or 3, 2 hdc), OR (3 dc, ch 2 or 3, 2 dc) AND sc/hdc/dc in the hidden stitch

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I hope all of this makes sense!

Questions?  Post your questions on FB group CAL – Crochet A Long ATB Event Page or Around-the-Bases CAL group on Ravelry; I am sure plenty of wonderful fellow crocheters will be happy to help you out!