I wonder how to make only 3 of 10 channels of 4017 is used. Another question: how to make the channels are activated in pairs: 1 and 3, 2 and 4 and so on.
Regarding your first question:
Please go to 4017 datasheet and find the rest pin for the IC. Connect the fourth channel to the reset pin so that when the fourth channel becomes active, it resets the count and the first channel becomes active.
Second question: Please elaborate. Give the exact sequence you need. Logical ORing of two channels will help??
One idea to use some diodes to obtain a 9 LED chaser circuit. :-D
Sequences for this combination:
1. LED1, LED4, LED7 = ON
2. LED2, LED5, LED8 = ON
3. LED3, LED6, LED9 = ON
and so on