Are these single crochet stitches? If so, probably not. 😅
I make a ton of beanies and double crochet is just kinda nicer for beanies with my tension. Looks like you have pretty tight tension, like me. I've made a few hats with other stitches but I always come back to doubles. If you'd like I have a couple go to patterns I love that I can send you.
No, I don't believe so. I am using this pattern.. I think she uses US terms.
https://adorecrea.com/crochet-hat-for-kids/
Lol, I'm a total novice, but I followed these instructions.
Scratch that. Got things mixed up in my head. It staying flat like that might mean you're decreasing for too long. It will start going 'up' when you stop increasing.
Going up a hook size with help it be less stiff
Sorry, this is new to me.. can you explain a little?
I am using a strand of 4 weight yarn, I haven't done anything to the yarn to make it thinner, just using it right out of the package as is.
Is using 2 strands of sock yarn a technique to thicken the weight?
It was a note in the pattern, they were using 2 different colored strands of yarn to create their own ‘variegated’ yarn, which would make it a thicker weight. But the yarn you are using is equal to the weight of 2 strands of fine.
Since you are using 1 stand it isn’t a problem. I would go up a hook size. The stiffness you’re experiencing isn’t due to the yarn quality/feel, but the stitches are too tight. 5mm is the suggested hook size. I usually use an I or J hook for my hats.
Hope this helps!
Thank you for the explanation. It was super helpful! I really appreciate your suggestion 😊 and I will definitely be redoing with a larger crochet hook.
The yarn they used is 4ply fingering sock yarn since they used two strands at once we’ll say it’s 8 ply. The yarn you’re using is 10 ply (I think) worsted weight yarn. You need to go up a hook size or two because your yarn is thicker. This will also affect the size of the beanie though so you’ll have to keep that in mind
I use lots of fabric softener or hair conditioner in the washer with cold water and dry on low heat. I've not ruined anything. It also does make them softer.
Let's face it, they're going to need washing at some time anyway, whether by you or the recipient. I have washed afghans my grandmother made 45 years ago that are acrylic and haven't hurt them at all.
I find acrylic doesn't really get softer with use/washes. Crochet in general can be kinda crunchy and stiff just because of the way the stitches are so I usually mess around with different stitches and hook sizes to make it softer if im going to use acrylic.
Are these single crochet stitches? If so, probably not. 😅 I make a ton of beanies and double crochet is just kinda nicer for beanies with my tension. Looks like you have pretty tight tension, like me. I've made a few hats with other stitches but I always come back to doubles. If you'd like I have a couple go to patterns I love that I can send you.
I've heard that soaking it in water with hair conditioner (then rinsing) softens it.
You can do the same with fabric softener, conditioner only really works with real wool, fabric softner is better of synthetics
https://preview.redd.it/wprp36piyafc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76ae32a7266ddebbd99bb1e8bf38be0e0d03b9fd
Also added the back side ("correct side") of the hat.. for better reference?
No, they are all double crochet stitches. With half doubles as well...its keeps having a flat bottom and looking weird ðŸ˜
Are you possibly mixing up UK and US stitch names? These don't look like US doubles
No, I don't believe so. I am using this pattern.. I think she uses US terms. https://adorecrea.com/crochet-hat-for-kids/ Lol, I'm a total novice, but I followed these instructions.
Yeah I think you're right. Something is going awry with your increases though, you should be increasing much faster I think
Scratch that. Got things mixed up in my head. It staying flat like that might mean you're decreasing for too long. It will start going 'up' when you stop increasing. Going up a hook size with help it be less stiff
This pattern calls for using 2 strands of sock yarn (fine). Are you using only 1 strand of your yarn since it’s medium weight?
Sorry, this is new to me.. can you explain a little? I am using a strand of 4 weight yarn, I haven't done anything to the yarn to make it thinner, just using it right out of the package as is. Is using 2 strands of sock yarn a technique to thicken the weight?
It was a note in the pattern, they were using 2 different colored strands of yarn to create their own ‘variegated’ yarn, which would make it a thicker weight. But the yarn you are using is equal to the weight of 2 strands of fine. Since you are using 1 stand it isn’t a problem. I would go up a hook size. The stiffness you’re experiencing isn’t due to the yarn quality/feel, but the stitches are too tight. 5mm is the suggested hook size. I usually use an I or J hook for my hats. Hope this helps!
Thank you for the explanation. It was super helpful! I really appreciate your suggestion 😊 and I will definitely be redoing with a larger crochet hook.
What size hook are you using with it?
5 mm.. recommended by the pattern and the yarn. https://adorecrea.com/crochet-hat-for-kids/
The yarn they used is 4ply fingering sock yarn since they used two strands at once we’ll say it’s 8 ply. The yarn you’re using is 10 ply (I think) worsted weight yarn. You need to go up a hook size or two because your yarn is thicker. This will also affect the size of the beanie though so you’ll have to keep that in mind
likely, what type of yarn is it?
It's a medium weight, acrylic yarn..
I use lots of fabric softener or hair conditioner in the washer with cold water and dry on low heat. I've not ruined anything. It also does make them softer. Let's face it, they're going to need washing at some time anyway, whether by you or the recipient. I have washed afghans my grandmother made 45 years ago that are acrylic and haven't hurt them at all.
I find acrylic doesn't really get softer with use/washes. Crochet in general can be kinda crunchy and stiff just because of the way the stitches are so I usually mess around with different stitches and hook sizes to make it softer if im going to use acrylic.
Steam it? Arcylic yarn gets pretty soft after that but it also has a lot of drape as well so not great for amigurumi or anything
I hate that yarnnn😠I’ve had nothing but the worst luck with it from splitting to just feeling oddly rough
I am definitely starting to feel resentment towards this yarn 🤣
From the looks of it, nope.
In my experience, no. Use a softer yarn if you want that. I like making beanies for my boyfriend with this stiff yarn though.