Crochet Pattern: Summer Shirt "Ocean"

Hi everyone, I’m new here and would like to crochet mesh pattern 2 from this pattern, but I’m already getting stuck on the first row ;(
It says:
Row 1: 3 ch (= 1 dc), 3 ch, skip 4 sts (or insert hook into the 9th st from the hook), * in the next st: 1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc, 3 ch, skip 5 sts *, repeat from * to *...
Does that mean I should chain 6 in a row at the beginning, or just 3 and then skip the 4 sts??? 🤔
Thanks for your help 

That probably means 6 ch at the beginning. The first 3 ch replace one dc, and the following 3 bridge the gap over the 4 skipped stitches.

So, 6 ch, and then start crocheting into the 5th st?

Exactly!

Thank you so much!

I’ve already started over 4 times—it’s not working; this crochet chart is driving me crazy. I have no problem crocheting along with videos ;(((

Maybe you should write to the author directly?

Hello Daniela

I'm sure you have a foundation chain at the beginning.
Then you continue as described....

(insert into the 9th st from the hook), * in the following st: crochet 1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc, 3 ch, skip 5 sts *, continue from * to *

This is what it looks like for me.

 The author also says she’ll be happy to help you with any problems.

The hole ends up way too big for me... I make 6 ch and then am supposed to insert the hook into the 9th stitch? What about the other 3? I don’t get it! ;(

At the beginning of the row, you need to insert the hook into the 9th stitch.
In this 9th stitch, you crochet 1 double crochet, 1 chain stitch, and 1 double crochet.
Then make 3 chain stitches and skip 5 stitches.
In the next stitch, you again work 1 double crochet, 1 chain stitch, and 1 double crochet.
Again, ch 3, skip 5 stitches, in the next stitch again 1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc. 
Repeat this until the end of the row.

I can’t explain it to you any other way. Maybe this will help you.

That’s how I did it, but I think the 9th stitch is 3 too many, because the end holes in the other rows are much smaller. This first hole doesn’t match the rest