# [Fit shell and fan repeats](https://threadcabin.com/explore/223/fit-shell-and-fan-repeats)

> Count the base stitches consumed by one repeat, including skipped stitches. Add edge instructions once, not once per repeat.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/223/fit-shell-and-fan-repeats
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:34.0276539+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:40.7727218+00:00
- Craft: Crochet
- Primary image: [Fit shell and fan repeats — example diagram](https://threadcabin.com/images/learning/c38-plan.png)

Count the base stitches consumed by one repeat, including skipped stitches. Add edge instructions once, not once per repeat.

## Before you start

Gather the measurements, counts or timing sample needed below. Record their units and whether they describe a sample, the whole project or one purchased package. Use a finished sample when dimensions or material use depend on fabric structure.

## Try this example

For a reviewed multiple of six plus two edges, 40 stitches cannot fit exactly: 38 gives six repeats, while 44 gives seven. Compare their measured widths.

## Check your result

- Recheck the inputs against the actual sample or label, keep units consistent and round only the final count or purchase. Repeat a sample if a small measuring difference changes the decision.
- These arithmetic examples assume the measured structure stays comparable. Shaping, borders, dense textures and color changes require their own allowances or samples.

## Sources

- [www.craftyarncouncil.com: 020_CGauge3.pdf](https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/files/DiscoverPDFs/020_CGauge3.pdf)
- [media.craftyarncouncil.com: CYC_CIP_Crochet_Program_2017.pdf](https://media.craftyarncouncil.com/files/CIP/CYC_CIP_Crochet_Program_2017.pdf)

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts?craft=crochet)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [Reading crochet charts: symbols, rows, rounds, and repeats](https://threadcabin.com/explore/4/reading-crochet-charts-symbols-rows-rounds-and-repeats)
- [Read repeated crochet instructions](https://threadcabin.com/explore/200/read-repeated-crochet-instructions)
- [Calculate crochet stitches for a width](https://threadcabin.com/explore/208/calculate-crochet-stitches-for-a-width)
- [Stitch-repeat fitting planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/stitch-repeat-fitting)
- [Crochet loop placement changes texture and movement](https://threadcabin.com/explore/12/crochet-loop-placement-changes-texture-and-movement)

## [Stitch-repeat fitting planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/stitch-repeat-fitting)

Find the nearest stitch counts that preserve a pattern repeat and edge stitches.

A repeat is the sequence worked again; edge stitches sit outside it. Enter the fixed edge count per side.  Compare the lower and higher valid totals with their predicted widths and deliberately select the fit you want. A valid multiple alone does not establish a comfortable size.

Fixed edge stitches are removed first; the remaining count is rounded down and up to complete repeats. The optional gauge converts both valid counts to finished measurements so their size difference is visible.

- Target stitch count: 40
- Stitches per repeat: 6
- Edge stitches per side: 1
- Target width: 20 cm
- Gauge stitches: 20
- Gauge measurement: 10 cm