Most people make the same crochet mistakes when starting out. This post will detail some of those common mistakes that everyone makes and explain why they happen. Most of these mistakes are really learning experiences. A lot of them cannot just be “fixed”, so you really need to learn why you make the mistakes and learn how to crochet without making them. Once you get past these 3 simple beginner mistakes, you can really focus on learning the art of crochet.
Learning to crochet is a marathon, not a sprint. Most of us have been crocheting for years, even decades, and still learn new things. If you put the time in and study the art, you will learn more and maybe even master it. But you have to stop just learning stitches and following videos. You have to learn HOW to crochet and understand the processes.
Tension
Tension is one of the first things you have to learn and understand. Tension is more of a technique instead of a crochet mistake, but it is problematic for beginners, nonetheless. Practicing is the only way to get through this one. You have to figure out the way of holding the yarn that allows you to keep your tension even. You might have to try holding the yarn several different ways before you find the method that works the best for you. Then, the more you practice it, the easier it becomes to go with the flow and keep your tension even and not too tight or loose.
Why is my crochet curling?
People often ask, “why is my crochet curling?” The main reason for your crochet curling is not counting your stitches OR not having even tension. When you accidentally add stitches, it does cause your project not to lie flat because the extra stitches are not added evenly and in an intentional manner. Uneven increases create “wrinkles”, and this is why you project is no longer flat.
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Your tension can also cause curling because some parts of your project have tight stitches and others have stitches that are too loose.
why are my edges not straight?
Straight edges are almost always a problem for beginners. Counting stitches can be such a pain, I admit I rarely do it. However, until you have crocheted enough to be able to recognize the last stitch of the row, you will miss it every time! That being said, sometimes these mistakes are the best way to learn.
If you end or start a row in the wrong place, you are either adding stitches or missing stitches. Once you miss a stitch, that edge is no longer even. You can add a stitch back later, sure, but the original edge you missed it on will still be sunk in and it will be visible. The same is true for adding a stitch, you can skip one later on, but that original added stitch will stick out like a sore thumb on the side of your work!
I can remember the moment I learned to recognize the last stitch. I had, like everyone else, missed stitches and was undoing (FROGGING) my project and as I pulled the stitches loose, I could see where I was missing the stitch. Ever since then, I can tell when I am actually at the last stitch.
If you look at the photo above, you can tell the last row has one less stitch than the row before it. This can EASILY be overlooked though, especially depending on which stitch you are doing. The stitch in the picture is half double crochet. This is why counting your stitches is important. You count them until you are skilled enough to recognize the last stitch and not skip it. Once you skip the last stitch on a couple rows your work begins to narrow.
how to fix crochet mistakes
How to fix mistakes really depends on what the mistakes are. Some mistakes you can fix or at least make look better, others you cannot. Unless you start over, of course.
Sometimes when you have edges that are not straight, you can add a border around it and make it appear straighter. However, I believe that to some degree the border won’t be straight either.
The easiest way to fix mistakes is to learn what is causing the mistake and learn not to let it happen. Perfect your tension, count your stitches, start with small projects, go slow, etc. Don’t rush into what you want to make until you have made a few different items learning from each one.
I crocheted several things that I had no interest in making, I made them for the lessons they would teach me! Keep this in mind, especially small projects. Find something that looks tricky or intimidating and give it a shot. You might just surprise yourself.
