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Why Is My Crochet Getting Narrower? How to Keep Your Crochet Straight
You are crocheting along, row after row, with your afghan project bunched on your lap. You finally open up the afghan to look at your work, only to notice it’s gotten narrower.
This happens to beginner and experienced crocheters alike. Very honestly, once you learn the basic stitches, getting your pieces even is the next hardest thing. It is not an uncommon occurrence.
Don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to keep your crochet edges straight and prevent your project from getting narrower.
Start With a Small Crochet Project
To begin with, let’s practice with something simple like a small washcloth. Working on a small project while you practice will give you more confidence. Soon, you’ll be ready to tackle that big project with gusto!
Use Stitch Markers to Keep Track of Your Rows
Next, you’ll need stitch markers. Head to the local hobby store and pick up a packet of locking stitch markers. These are usually located next to the knitting needles and crochet hooks.
Locking markers are the key here. If you can’t find them, you can use safety pins as well. You’ll just have to be mindful that the yarn may get caught in the coils of the pin. However, that is easily remedied should it happen.
Mark the Top of the Turning Chain
So, to begin, let’s look at the “top of the turning chain.” The turning chain is usually two to three chain stitches that you do at the end of a row. Its purpose is to bring your work up to the height of the next row.
In this case, we are working double crochet, so the standard is to chain three for the turning chain.
Once I have chained three, I will stop and clip the stitch marker through the loop on my hook. From there, you can ignore the marker until you reach it again.
Why is this helpful? It is easy to skip the last stitch of the row when working back across your project. Depending on the pattern and how the turning chain is treated, this can result in fewer stitches and cause your piece to narrow.
This is common to do, but it’s also easy to catch. Count your stitches every row or every few rows to make sure you have the number of stitches your pattern calls for. This way, you can make adjustments along the way or rip back a few rows to correct the problem.
Work the Last Stitch of the Row
Now let’s look at the “last stitch of the row.” Work your entire row of stitches as your pattern specifies.
Remember that to get nice, even rows, you need to work the final stitch where your pattern tells you to work it. In this double crochet example, the last stitch goes in the top of the turning chain.
That’s where your stitch marker comes in handy. You’ll come to the stitch marker you placed previously when you made the turning chain, and you’ll know right where to go.
Insert your hook in the stitch where the marker is clipped. That’s it!
Once you have worked your last stitch, stop and remove the stitch marker from the previous row. Then clip it through the appropriate loop or stitch for the next row. Complete your turning chain and continue with the next row.
Why Is My Crochet Getting Narrower?
There are a few reasons your crochet piece might narrow as you stitch. The most common cause is accidentally missing stitches at the beginning or end of a row.
It could also be that your tension has changed. Maybe your tension has been tightening up. It’s natural that when you are relaxed, your stitches are looser. When you are tense, your tension may tighten up.
Or maybe you picked up your afghan again and inadvertently changed hook size. Even a small change in hook size can affect your gauge and the overall size of your project.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to check your stitch count and gauge whenever your project suddenly starts looking different.
Can Blocking Fix a Crochet Project That Is Narrowing?
In some cases, you might be able to block the afghan to even things out. If there are only a few stitches missing and the narrowing is minor, blocking can be a great option.
However, blocking cannot replace missing stitches or correct every construction mistake. It can help reshape and even out the fabric, but significant stitch-count problems may require you to rip back and correct your work.
If your afghan is made using 100% acrylic yarn, you would generally want to use steam blocking rather than wet blocking if you are trying to reshape the acrylic fabric. Be careful when using steam, and never let a hot iron or steamer touch the acrylic directly. Always follow the yarn manufacturer’s care instructions.
What If Your Crochet Is Already Narrow?
If the narrowing is significant — more than a few stitches — and you don’t want to rip back, you can get creative.
One option is to cover up the irregularities with a lace edging or a wide border. A border can add a beautiful finishing touch while helping disguise uneven edges.
Or, try a free-form crochet technique to be completely unconventional and unique. Sometimes a little creativity is exactly what a project needs!
How to Keep Crochet From Narrowing
If you want to prevent your crochet project from getting narrower, keep these tips in mind:
- Count your stitches regularly. Check your stitch count every row or every few rows.
- Mark the turning chain. A locking stitch marker can help you find the last stitch of the row.
- Pay attention to the first and last stitches. These are easy to accidentally skip.
- Keep your hook size consistent. Changing hook sizes can change your gauge.
- Watch your tension. Try to keep your hands relaxed and your tension consistent.
- Check your pattern. Different patterns may treat turning chains differently, so always follow the pattern instructions for where to place the final stitch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crochet Getting Narrower
Why does my crochet get narrower as I work?
The most common reason is accidentally skipping stitches, especially at the beginning or end of a row. Changes in tension or hook size can also affect the width of your project.
How do I stop my crochet from getting narrower?
Count your stitches regularly and pay close attention to the first and last stitches of every row. A locking stitch marker can also help you identify important stitches, especially the top of a turning chain.
Why am I losing stitches when I crochet?
You may be accidentally skipping the first or last stitch of a row. This can gradually reduce your stitch count and make the project narrower. Counting your stitches regularly can help you catch the problem early.
Can blocking fix crochet that is too narrow?
Blocking can help reshape a slightly uneven or narrow crochet piece, but it cannot replace missing stitches. If the stitch count is significantly off, you may need to rip back and correct the rows.
Can I block an acrylic crochet afghan?
Yes, acrylic crochet can be shaped with heat, but you need to use caution. Steam blocking is commonly used for acrylic, but excessive heat can permanently damage or flatten the fibers. Follow the yarn manufacturer’s care instructions and avoid placing a hot iron directly on the acrylic.
How do I keep the edges of my crochet straight?
Count your stitches, consistently work the first and last stitches, and maintain steady tension. Stitch markers can also make it easier to identify where your final stitch belongs.
What are your tips for making sure your crochet projects don’t narrow?
We’d love to hear your experiences and favorite tips! Let us know in the comments below.
This article combines expertise from past articles by Tian Connaughton and Chris Hammond.
I have learned that the tension relates to your personal mood. If you are tense because of some trauma/upset in your life, your work will show it. I think it helps to have something other than your project to crochet on for the first few minutes, just concentrating on relaxing. Pay attention to your hands and the tension you are putting on the working yarn. When you feel comfortable with the tension, switch to the project you want to do. I hope that helps.
I use a small paper clip as a stitch marker.
Works great. I have been crocheting for over 50 years and am very happy to learn to tricks. The stacked sc instead of turning chain is a game changer. Thanks for you tips!
I recently made a baby blanket in merino and had some narrowing. I gave it a border in acrylic yarn which slapped it into shape in a hurry.
I use a stacked single crochet instead of a chain at the beginning of the row. It makes it easy to crochet into it when you get back to the end of the row.
I recently found out about stacked single crochet and it’s a game changer! I highly recommend anyone to try it, you won’t regret it.
I need to try this, thanks for the tip
Love the idea of a stitch marker in the top of the chain.
Thank you all for sharing all your tips. I have used stitch markers to keep track of the stitch count in large projects but never thought about using them to mark the turning chain. I will definitely start using that tip. From the beginning I have always had a pad of note paper for each project that had the needle size and other project specific information on it to help me keep track. That had helped immensely as well. If I have to adjust the needle size to maintain the needed gauge, I write that information directly on the pattern for future reference as well. I am currently learning the Tunisian crochet and so far absolutely love the results.
I often start my chain row and the following to with a slightly smaller hook. This seems to help with possible beginning tension issues.
Yes! I do this, too. I have found that a larger chain hook results and then immediate back to the “right” size hook for Row1, results in MUCH looser tension in the bottom of a project.
I have been crocheting 50 years and still occasionally fall into the ‘narrowing’ trap. I have become near-obsessive about counting, and that usually prevents the problem. I also like the stitch marker suggestion, and will try that on my next square or rectangular project. Thanks to all for helpful tips!
I have the narrowed edges, but I used them for recliner chair covers because the tops are wide and most narrow down, but after I read your tips, I am doing better. Thank you.
I use a bobby pin as a stitch marker. Just slip it though the stitch and easy to move when you need to.
Love this article! I just went thru this problem a week ago!
Such a pain! I un raveled two whole sections to get mine even! Thanks for your advice! I’ll count stitches next time
Rather than crocheting everything twice! Thanks again! Carolyn Huskisson
I always have several projects going so I use a locking stitch marker to attach a lettered bead to the right side of my project….then I always know which hook I was using.
Great Idea! I will give that a try.
Nice idea! ????
Same here. My ADD brain likes to have a lot going on at the same time, and I was frequently forgetting which hook was for which project. I now use a locking stitch marker with a little cardstock with the hook size written on it. I like the bead idea, though–a bit more elegant.
I count the stitches but I work on several projects at one time and I definitely need to keep a card telling me what crocheting hook I was using and the name of the design as well! It can make a big difference!
I’ve had this happen so I’m going to use your suggestion. Makes sense and would be helpful. Thanks for sharing this.
Sometimes I count backwards from where the ending stitch should go just to make sure that I start the stitch after the turning chain in the correct place. I also use a stitch marker.
Ragged side edges were a constant problem for me until I watched a tutorial and she recommended using fewer chains when turning….. for instance, ch 2 instead of 3 for a dc. I still watch my sides and count if I see any narrowing but rarely have a problem. Hope this helps someone. ????
Me too.
I am a recent convert to “stacked single crochet” stitches instead of turning chains. They prevent the gap between the turning chains and the next stitch if the chains count as the first stitch in the row.
I have never heard of stacking sc. Can you explain so I can get a visual, please?
Very helpful , thank you so very much.
This is always my problem! Thanks for this helpful article. I’ll give it a try.
I’ve been Tunisian Crocheting for a while and am currently making a large afghan for a queen size bed. It is 372 stitches long (I use the long, long hook with tube tail). I put a stitch marker every 100 stitches, then 50, then ending with 22. There is no turning in Tunisian which I love and, the edges are perfectly straight but, you can drop a stitch or even, add one or two in the returning operation. This afghan has four colors and each has 8-10 “rows” depending on the pattern which depict the width, and every color panel has a different stitch. So, narrowing or widening is very easy to do. I am now on the border and chose to do the shell pattern to “cover” any errs I may have committed. Anyway, the stitch markers are so very important and I thank you for your suggestions.
I remember I learned to crochet when I was around 8 years old, around 17 years ago. My squares would turn into triangles because I hadn’t figured out that turning chains and, subsequently, stitch count were a thing you had to pay attention to. I still forget about it when I’m working a complex piece. It is only natural for us to miss these little things because we are human and can’t always think about these small details when worrying about a new stitch pattern or an intricate flower in your work. These are good tips for people having a problem with keeping up with the small things.
I mark the first stitch in every row, on every project, no matter the stitch used or the size of the turning chain.
To get a straight edge at each end of my crochet projects ignore the “chain three directions and turn”…instead I turn and crochet in the very first stitch…result is even sides with no gaps.
I tried the pin at the end of each row and IT WORKED! Thanks much for the tip. It’s nice to know that experienced crocheters have the same issue. I’ve only been crocheting for a couple of years after more than than 40 years of knitting! I love crocheting.
You are ‘spot on’ in recommending the counting of stitches in a row! The first shawl I crocheted ended up being a cat blanket, because I wasn’t counting my stitches at all. I didn’t want to rip out all my work so the ‘shawl’ was presented to my cat. My next attempt worked out perfectly as I smartened up and counted my stitches. I’m still getting used to using stitch markets, though!
I always thought about crocheting and I don’t think I can but I believe your cat is spoiled, lol. One day I’ll try to create something.
Great tip!! Thanks so much!
The tension changing, is the reason I’ve had to stop so many times with this project that I’m trying to get finished. Any new ideas on how to prevent my tension from changing I’m listening.
I have learned that the tension relates to your personal mood. If you are tense because of some trauma/upset in your life, your work will show it. I think it helps to have something other than your project to crochet on for the first few minutes, just concentrating on relaxing. Pay attention to your hands and the tension you are putting on the working yarn. When you feel comfortable with the tension, switch to the project you want to do. I hope that helps.
Your mood can change your tension. If you are upset about something, it will show in your tension. Try working on a washcloth or something that doesn’t matter first so that you can calm down. When you are satisfied that your tension is correct and you are calm, switch to the main project. Hope that helps.
I love your tops and your patterns. Have done many projects from your site! Thank you.
You need to read the pattern carefully to be sure that the turning chain is included in your stitch count. Especially when doing rows of sc or hdc the turning chain may or may not be considered a stitch.