I am trying to follow instructions for "Lacy Circle". The instructions do not call for any length of initial chains, so the first instruction is Round 1. Here it is verbatim:

Rnd 1: Ch 4 (counts as a hdc and ch-1 sp); (hdc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1) 7 times; 8 hdc and 8 ch-1 sps; join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4.

My problem: If I follow the instructions as given, I get something which is too complicated and messy. I've been counting ahead of where I am in a circle to find the 4th ch to hdc into, but that seems too unclear (except for the first time). Also, I guess I'd need to mark the 3rd ch of the beginning ch-4 when I start so I'd know where on earth it was when I join to finish Rnd 1.

If I assume that I was supposed to make a long chain before doing Rnd 1, I end up with a circle that's much too big.

Thanks for your suggestions and help!!