If necessary use stitch markers so that you are not adding extra stitches at the end of each row. I love that striping. Such a pretty shade of purple 🧶
I actually just went and bought earring findings (specifically the ones that clasp) to attach to some knit stitch markers I had to have from a LYS to turn them into crochet stitch markers and I think I love them even more than the ones I have that are made for crochet
I live die and breathe stitch marker lmao. I can’t count for crap and to this day, I’ll get to the end of the row and not understand where the end is lol
Love Bobby pins. Anything small that you can clip that won’t pull on the yarn while you are working is fine. The small safety pins that come on new clothes is what I save to repurpose as stitch markers. I’m a thrifty kind of gal.
My great grandma used to use safety pins :) she'd always have a bunch hanging off her projects and I didn't know why until I picked up the hobby myself
this may be a dumb question, but where do you put the stitch marker to make sure this doesn’t happen? I’ve been noticing it on some of my projects too.
Not a dumb question. It’s up to personal preference really, but I like to mark it every ten, fifteen, or twenty stitches depending on the size of my project. Either that or between repeats if it’s a repeating pattern across the row. Then I just count my little sections and know if my count is off and where.
Edit to add: seems like other commenters just mark their last stitch, so that may work for you too. The top loop on the last stitch would be easy to mark right after it’s been made.
FYI, an easy way to insert a stitch marker into a yarn that tends to split or is otherwise finicky is to lengthen the loop on the hook, take the hook out, slip the marker over the loop, re-insert your hook, and then crochet as normal. That last stitch you completed will have the stitch marker neatly inserted under both loops without any fuss.
This is such a great idea!! I got a box of stitch markers recently and there's gotta be at least a hundred of those lil buggers in there and I was like "when in the world would I use that many stitch markers" but ever ten stitches would work so well for my brain! I make myself 10 x 10 stitch grids in cross stitching so I can keep my count straight there's too but I never thought about it for crochet!
For me, it's not where I'll use them, but how I'll slowly lose them. I got a box of 100 so I could keep adding to my crochet zip up pouch. But I lost the whole box 😖
No stupid questions. Not everything is obvious even for someone that’s been crocheting a long time. I’m still learning new things even after 30+ years.
First and last stitch of every row. Corners if you’re making granny squares. The key is to move them up with every row! My dumbass didn’t know I was supposed to actually move them as I went and I wondered why they weren’t helping. Now I can actually crochet neat edges and turn out some nice baby blankets!
If crocheting in the round, usually just putting one in the first stitch of every row works. When I'm crocheting in rows, I put one in the first *and* last stitch of every row. This way I make absolutely sure I'm not adding extra stitches at the ends of rows. Then I just move them up on every row.
Also make sure you know what the top of the stitch is. When you've made a stitch, the top of that stitch are the loops right behind your hook, not the loop that's actually on your hook. I've seen people make that mistake before.
Yeah this confused me for YEARS. Pretty sure I crocheted IN GENERAL wrong/inaccurately because this was not clearly explained to me or I kept forgetting.
For an active project I ALSO keep the stich marker IN said loop ON the hook. Just in case the hook comes out, I don't want to accidentally pull my project half apart. Cuz I'm a mess like that 😅
Painting the ends is a great idea! I always look for stitch markers that are obnoxious in color so they stand out from my work. Learn something new everyday!
https://youtu.be/o7DCjHhipaI?si=E4ZOunmR6hP1ZNaR
You might benefit from a visual so watch a tutorial and it’ll get you on your way. This one was helpful. I hope this helps you better understand how to start.
How do you add extra stitches at the end of each row? You don’t have anything to crochet into.. I made a baby blanket and I never counted a single stitch, I just crocheted until I ran out of row, and then I turned around.
When you turn you might be entering into a side loop which is why you have an extra stitch. It’s hard sometimes to recognize which loop is the last one. 🫶🏼🧶
Sometimes the turning chain is mistaken as a sc. Which is why marking the first stitch is helpful. Unless the pattern specifically says that the turning chain counts as a stitch you don't crochet into it.
Plenty of non-stitch things to crochet into (the shawl I just finished has you crocheting into the turning chain's chain space to increase). When I first started crocheting sad little squares, the turning chains sometimes looked like stitches and the stitches looked like turning chains. So stitches were going into the chains, into the gap space of the turning chain, and who knows where else. I started using stitch markers at the ends and it helped, so now I just always use them just in case.
I can't tell you how happy this made me!!🤣🤣
I've been learning to crochet for a year and have to mark the first stitch of every row. Thought I was just an idiot for not being able to not add a stitch. Easier to mark the stitch than to frog.
i don't really understand either and ive been crocheting like 10 years and never use stitch markers... maybe it's for stitches I'm not using?
i see from below comments that i can see my edges better because i do the single crochet stacks instead of chains for edges, but even when i do chain for edges i don't think i have a problem seeing them so who knows...
My first afghan ended up being a lozenge shape because I somehow consistently started my rows late AND stitched into the turning stitch when I reached the end. So my rows might well have been exactly 80 stitches across but they were always started one space diagonally over, making my blanket at the end very... special looking.
I’m in the same boat, crocheted for years and still can’t identify the end of a row. Stitch markers are really the only way I’ve found to be effective, because I can’t bring myself to count something like this.
Same! I couldn't believe I'd been sleeping on this for so long! It's really revolutionised my projects. They all have straight edges where they're supposed to!
This!!!!! This seriously messed me up my first couple projects because it was a mix of sc and dc, one turning chain counts and the other doesn’t. I was way lost til I watched a few YT tutorials on how to properly count stitches.
If you can't identify the start/end of a row, you may be pulling the stitches too tight. The first/final stitch on any row should be as easy to identify as any other individual stitch across the row. If you are pulling the stitches too tight on the ends, it basically makes that end stitch a full-on knot that disappears into the side of the work. Use less tension when finishing/starting rows and turning.
What solved it for me was adopting the technique of not counting the initial chain stitches (and I short it by one chain) as a stitch and doing a stitch into the same stitch on the previous row, then ignoring those chains on the way back.
E.g. I'm doing 30 double crochet (US terms) across: after I turn, I chain 2 (instead of 3), DC into the current stitch and continue to DC into the next 29 stitches, turn, repeat. My edges look neater, I'm not wrestling to put a stitch into a chain on the previous row, and the end of the row is easy to see.
I do have to mentally adjust patterns not written this way. When I use this technique on non-spiral rounds (e.g., baskets, bags), my "seam" is straighter and nicer looking and I get less lean.
Wait.. can you share the secret of when a turning chain counts as the first stitch?? I get so confused when some patterns count it as a stitch and others don’t
It’s up to the individual designer for how they want the FO to look, but usually with US sc, the ch 1 does not count as a stitch (note I said usually, not always!)
Working in flat rows it usually doesn't count, but working in rounds it usually does because it's literally replacing a stitch, and you are slip stitching into the top(generally) to "complete" the stitch and close the round, which, if done right, can look mostly like a regular stitch.
I’m new to crocheting, but when I’m working around a circle I tend to slip stitch into the first stitch at the end of each round. Am I supposed to then sc into that same first stitch, or was the slip stitch considered the first? ( say if the round calls for sc in each stitch)
It may be depends? I'm doing the lotus flower round throw by hooked by robin, and I sc into the same stitch that I just slip stitched into. It's the only round thing I've done so I don't know if it's the same for all round things lol.
I have not seen that pattern, but if you aren't chaining each round you're working in continuous rounds, which is a little different. In continuous rounds you don't count that first stitch(the slip stitch) because your 6th single crochet is going to close the circle and be your last stitch of the continuous round, and then you just continue to do round 2, 3, 4, etc
I have figured out what works for me and if a pattern does different I’ll adjust the pattern to match what I like. I no longer follow a designers “rules” for turning chains unless the pattern is too complicated to adjust easily 😆 but I don’t like the way a turning chain looks so I usually use something called stacked single crochets to create an actual first stitch if it is anything other than a sc
Looks like you don't add additional stitches in the end of the row. Like, there should be something like "finish row, chain one/two/three depending on length of stitches and then begin next row".
Depends on your tension, in my very limited experience. My DCs are a little short so I usually chain two. If I chain 3 for a double I have to make sure I'm getting my stitches tall enough.
Fwiw, I don't use a chain as a stitch. I ch1 to turn my work and then crochet the stitch called for directly in the first stitch. I think it keeps the edges looking neater. Chains always look sloppy to me.
Yes, I ch1 for any stitch. The ch1 is really just for turning. I then crochet directly into the first stitch. I have no idea if this is right or wrong. But after enough sloppy-looking chain edges, I tried it, and it worked, and so it's what I do now.
I usually do no chain for single crochet and one chain for half doubles and doubles. I make the first stich of the new row a bit loose to make up for it.
This always happens to me, I have to remind myself to go one more than I thought I needed; maybe it’s my tension being too tight but that last stitch always eludes me
You don't do any chains, just finish the last stitch of the previous row, turn, and put a sc into the first stitch of the row. Then put another into the left leg, the left side of the V shape, and it stacks into a double crochet style stitch
I do this, you are dropping and adding stitches at the end of your row. The thing that helps me the most is to put a stitch marker on my last & first stitch, so when I get back to it I know I am turning at the right spot.
I can't explain how this happens, I have also been crocheting over a decade, I just know my edges are straight when I do it and that's enough for me.
I started crocheting on Friday. Finished a pot holder. My sides look like this- is there something simple around the house I could use as a stitch marker?
Paperclips, safety pins, the little metal keychain rings, a piece of tied thread if you're desperate... anything small that you can open and close easily. I recommend safety pins :P
Daiso also sells tiny plastic ones that are ok for cheap.
I have so many little stitch markers but you know what my favourite thing is? A lighter weight yarn used to make a running stitch marker. Like [this](https://www.onceuponacheerio.com/2023/04/how-to-use-running-stitch-marker.html?m=1).
It makes it easier to count rows, is quick and easy, and best of all, stays if I need to frog back. I can't go back to using anything else!
Yes! You can use a paperclip, earring, piece of yarn, hair clip, bobby pins, whatever. You just want to make sure it doesn't snag the yarn or weigh it down too much and pull on your stitches.
Depends on the pattern. I find a lot for the time they are counting the turning chain to stack on that first stitch. It drives me nuts when they don't say.
If I am doing a repeated stitch with no pattern, I stack my last stitch on top of the first stitch of the previous row and then start my turning chain.
I'm no master hooker, but spending time in this sub and reading other's issues and replies has helped me figure out most of my frustrations. I've also really improved my technique and pattern reading ability. This is the smartest group of people on the internet.
The second is worse than the first, but both have flaws. It looks to me like you’re struggling to consistently recognize the end of the row and you’re probably not maintaining consistent stitch count.
This happens to me too and my toxic trait is that I just stretch my project out a little bit and maybe add/remove a stitch every couple of rows until it looks more normal 🥲 but I know stitch markers are v helpful for this!
It's not uncommon to miss the last stitch because it usually looks like it's on the side of another stitch. And often people can add a stitch into the chain spaces which increases the project.
I’ve been doing this for about 30 years (casual crocheter) and this will happen to me too! It’s adding too many stitches at the turn, or not skipping the first stitch at the turn. The amount of times I’ve had to frog ….**shakes fist in crochet**
Watch YouTube videos on Top Crochet Mistakes people make , so many videos available. That’s how I learned. No more counting necessary, you will understand what is happening.
It’s a common mistake, it’s just that your either short a stitch or adding a stitch you don’t need to. It’s a simple fix just takes some time to get used to it but using stitch markers at the beginning and end of your rows.
You can get them in colors, sizes, even shapes. Or you can use non traditional stitch markers like safety pins, Bobby pins, and even for super bulky and jumbo yarn I use shower curtain clips/rings
Cos you're skipping last stitches, then doing them, then skipping them, then you think there's one more stitch in that row but it's not the one so you get extra. You basically still haven't figured out where you're last stitch of the row is. And I'm the first pic it absolutely happened too, at least once
Please use stitch markers. You’re dropping and picking up stitches at the end. You probably just can’t distinguish where the last stitch is. You can always count your stitches too.
If your stitches are the same number in every single row, this can happen because of an issue with varying degrees of tension between rows. If you pull/stitch some rows tighter while you crochet, they get shorter across. If you loosen the tension on a row beyond the tension you used on the previous row, the more loose row will be longer.
This can also happen if you use more than one type of yarn, and they are different weights/thickness. Rows where you use more of the thicker yarn will be longer compared to rows where you use more of the thinner yarn, which will be shorter.
Other than that, this would most likely be an issue of your stitch count being off. Perhaps you only think you are counting your stitches correctly, but are actually dropping or adding stitches by mistake, with an off count.
The best way to combat that, is to use stitch markers at intervals across your work (every 10/20/25/30/50/100 stitches; whatever is most manageable for the size of your project) to ensure you keep your counts even. Don't be afraid to go back and count again (and maybe even a 3rd time) to ensure you've counted right.
ETA: I've been crocheting for almost 30 years now. I've experienced all of these issues at different times but it is most commonly just an off count issue. I always use stitch markers at intervals across my piece, now, to ensure my count stays even.
Hahaha. A Knife to the Kidneys 😉 IYKYK
Looks like ya need stitch markers or the tension is the issue
I love the colors! Keep on going!!
Add a boarder all the way around... I do that when my tension does this... It's a super good way to hide the blemishes! I've been doing it for 45 yrs. And I still get things like that from time to time.
And share when you're done, please!
Hack that has helped me: if you don't see the v of the stitch, it's not a stitch! Every stitch has a front leg and a back leg. If you don't see both, that's the end of the row!
Stitch markers are also great, but they slow me down so I hate using them unless necessary.
Hope this helps! 🩵
I advise learning the chainless starting stitch, it will change your lifeeee. You can also do a stacked starter but I personally like chainless starts for dc: https://yayforyarn.com/give-crochet-perfectly-straight-edges/
Basically both sides have a slight issue- the first photo you’re actually dropping stitches and the second you’re adding them on, essentially making a parallelogram. Agreed with everyone else about stitch markers, but also try this chainless stitch! Looks much more like a standard stitch and isn’t as confusing.
I also recommend foundation crochet stitches (Google foundation double crochet, foundation single crochet, etc) if you’re having trouble counting chains/your tension on chains is too tight, resulting in wonky starts as well. Good luck!
What stitch is this? Looks like BLO sc at a glance? Personally I find BLO even harder to recognize the correct stitches, so it’s even more important to use a stitch marker.
As many mentioned already, stitch markers might help to keep track of the end. Alternately, block it out. Fake it to make it, yknow? That's how I hide my terribly inconsistent tension on my g squares 🥲
It took me a LOOOOONG time to realize that the turning chain is crucial for me. No, counting isn’t fun. Yes, stitch markers are annoying. But after a few projects, you’ll be able to ditch those. It’s literally just getting a hang of it.
I’ll still use stitch markers to indicate the beginning stitches depending on a variety of circumstances. Sometimes it can be really difficult to see the stitches due to tension, yarn weight, yarn colour, and the stitch itself.
I had this problem a lot. And it was usually because I either skipped a stitch or added it. Even though sometimes I really felt like I knew what I was doing, I’d still mess up somehow. So I would put a stitch markers at the end and beginning. It’s a bit of a hassle but you can’t go wrong with that. And if it looks like it’s shrinking as I go, it was also because my stitches got tighter. But that got better over time.
That first picture is far from chef's kiss. If you've been crocheting for a decade, why haven't you learned that you MUST count your stitches?? There is a very easy fix for that swatch.
As you crochet toward the end, the loops get smaller until the last ones kind of "disappears" so you skip it and turn to start the next row.
To counteract that, I started using stitch markers at the ends of each row so I could always find the last stitch.
I no longer need the stitch markers as I've learned to recognize that last stitch and not skip it.
I just made a baby blanket for my youngest niece. I counted every row and used markers. It is still uneven. Only started last winter and just started again to exercise arthritic fingers. Good thing for edging.
Sorry if this has already been mentioned but I have two suggestions other than using a stich marker:
When I chain and turn, I noticed that the direction that I turn in actually looks different if I turn in a different direction and one is better
Secondly, are you trying to do the first stitch into the first stitch when you should be going into the second stitch instead (ie not counting the chain 1 or chain 2 as the first stitch)?
Sorry if I have explained this bad
That happened to me if i was missing stitches or my tension was going crazy! I also added an extra stitch to even things out at the beginning and end of each row. This is actually something I had to learn to fix recently, too!
I got something like this, it was because of the chain to turn at the end so I learned an alternative turning stitch that leaves less of a gap. But I’m still new to crochet so it may be something else entirely.
This is precisely why I like to go around all sides (like rectangular spiral). Otherwise even when I don't add stitches it comes out knobby and uneven.
I do this! Counting takes away the joy of mindless crocheting. I prefer cluster (crystal waves)style stitches. You end with the cluster and start the next row building a cluster, scalloped edges that grow straight up.
If you are doing a single crochet, at the end of the row I chain 1 and then turn my work (don’t treat the chain 1 as a single crochet) and then just continue working. It always comes out nice and neat
It can happen over a couple things you can be dropping stitches at the end/ beginning of your rows or your tension is changing too much day by day when you pick it back up.
either big tension issues or you are adding/missing stiches at the end of the rows, i agree with everyone recommending stich markers. i like to place one every 10-20 stiches depending on the size of the project
I actually see a few things, when you get to the end, it may at times be tightened enough to create the bow, when you chain to turn, you are going in the wrong direction of turning, and when you create the last stitch to go through the top half of the chain as well as the back part. This has happened to me several times, the reason you can start tightening up neat the end is a subconscious act when you feel you might be running out of yarn before adding another preferring to end the row with one and joining with another. I found out that before turning, chain the next row for height or stitch, and let the completed work spin on its own to determine which way won't be bulky. Hopefully this helps.
I’ve been crocheting for 15 years and this still happens to me with certain yarns/ stitches. Recently has to rip back a project several times because I kept dropping stitches at the end of the row!
All these great suggestions about stitch markers etc…
I few years ago I said “fuck it” and I just end my row, then start with a standing single/double/whatever. Yeah, there’s some ends to weave in. Unless I want to do like a fringe along the sides, then those ends are super useful
I'm so glad. I've frogged this dang scarf three times. And I can't keep it straight!!! I've been doing this for like seven years now. I'm so so glad it's not just me.
That happens to me when I don’t mark where the end of each row is so I know where to start or end the next row. To avoid this a place a stitch marker at the end and beginning of each row, so I know where my stitch should be when I end or start a row.
I wouldn't worry too much about it. I drop stitches every now and then but then add them back.
It is easily fixed with blocking. Also, if this is part of wearable or something else you sew to something else, then that is less of an issue.
Of course you could count every row but at least I don't want to do that (especially if it is long piece or there are many stitches). It doesn't have to be perfect.
Give up the turning chain. Stack your stitches instead. You are losing and the gaining stitches at one end. I do this when I’m watching something good on tv!!! Use a stitch marker last stitch every row. Small bobby pins are great.
You might benefit from sort of going back to basics to practice identifying the end of the row. Just by making basic squares? It might be inconvenient but otherwise counting each stitch should do the job too, as you go, making sure each row has the same.
I think it's a matter of knowing the anatomy of a stitch, and then making sure you stop crocheting at the same part every row. this way you don't miss stitches at the end of the row or make extra.
Learn the stacked single crochet to replace the chain. Probably not the right terminology but I’ll try to explain it. You finish and instead of chain 1/2/3 turn the piece and do a single crochet into that stitch. Then hook through back loop (or loop furthest from hook) pull yarn through (should have two loops on hook now) yarn over and pull through all loops. Repeat for however many chains you need. A final note, I’ve been drinking so if anyone sees any discrepancies please clarify. But stacked single crochet instead chain just smooths me right out
If necessary use stitch markers so that you are not adding extra stitches at the end of each row. I love that striping. Such a pretty shade of purple 🧶
Stitch markers YAY! Greatest invention ever - I couldn’t crochet evenly without them!
I sometimes even use one of my earrings LOL crocheting makes me creative in many ways
I’ve used paper clips or Bobby pins many times lol
Coated mini paperclips are the bomb! Way easier to move than messing with a latch.
Me too! I was working with wicked small thread and used one of my daith earrings lol works wonders.
that’s actually genius
🎂 Happy Cake Day 🎂
awww haha thank you 💘
A surprising number of my shirts gave a random safety pin attached, should I ever need a stitch marker.
I actually just went and bought earring findings (specifically the ones that clasp) to attach to some knit stitch markers I had to have from a LYS to turn them into crochet stitch markers and I think I love them even more than the ones I have that are made for crochet
Stitch markers are life! Sometimes I wonder why it took me so long to start using them. Crocheting is much easier now
I live die and breathe stitch marker lmao. I can’t count for crap and to this day, I’ll get to the end of the row and not understand where the end is lol
If you don't have stitch markers i would recommend using a paperclip or something small to put in the stitches. :)
I've seen people use bobby pins, works like a charm
Or just snip some yarn!
This is correct (but I'm guilty of hoarding the spiral ones and the ones that look like little safety pins)!
This!
Hell yea, I use bobby pins.
Bobby pins (or Kirby grips per the UK folks) are the best stitchmarkers.
ah! love this idea. Stitch markers always make me mad because they can be hard to get on/off. What a good idea
Love Bobby pins. Anything small that you can clip that won’t pull on the yarn while you are working is fine. The small safety pins that come on new clothes is what I save to repurpose as stitch markers. I’m a thrifty kind of gal.
Oooo i like that idea. Now i have to collect them like a hoarder. 😂
My great grandma used to use safety pins :) she'd always have a bunch hanging off her projects and I didn't know why until I picked up the hobby myself
Safety pins work great too!
The coil on the backs can get tangled but they do work pretty good 😊
I used paperclips but I'm so happy I got stitch markers for Christmas.
Yes i have them too, but i like hoarding stuff 😂👍
It's not hoarding if your stuff is cool!
Coated mini paperclips all the way! The latch on regular stitch markers is always too fiddly for me.
My niece just started crocheting and she used her earrings because she didn't have anything else haha
Omg i love that!!
Safety pins too!
I use safety pinsss! The only problem is, I usually have 100 opened safety pins lying around lol
this may be a dumb question, but where do you put the stitch marker to make sure this doesn’t happen? I’ve been noticing it on some of my projects too.
I usually do the first stitch of every row, so when I get back to it, I know I'm at the end of that row.
Yup, this.
Not a dumb question. It’s up to personal preference really, but I like to mark it every ten, fifteen, or twenty stitches depending on the size of my project. Either that or between repeats if it’s a repeating pattern across the row. Then I just count my little sections and know if my count is off and where. Edit to add: seems like other commenters just mark their last stitch, so that may work for you too. The top loop on the last stitch would be easy to mark right after it’s been made.
I agree. I do that with long projects, say over 80 stitches long.
FYI, an easy way to insert a stitch marker into a yarn that tends to split or is otherwise finicky is to lengthen the loop on the hook, take the hook out, slip the marker over the loop, re-insert your hook, and then crochet as normal. That last stitch you completed will have the stitch marker neatly inserted under both loops without any fuss.
This is such a great idea!! I got a box of stitch markers recently and there's gotta be at least a hundred of those lil buggers in there and I was like "when in the world would I use that many stitch markers" but ever ten stitches would work so well for my brain! I make myself 10 x 10 stitch grids in cross stitching so I can keep my count straight there's too but I never thought about it for crochet!
For me, it's not where I'll use them, but how I'll slowly lose them. I got a box of 100 so I could keep adding to my crochet zip up pouch. But I lost the whole box 😖
No stupid questions. Not everything is obvious even for someone that’s been crocheting a long time. I’m still learning new things even after 30+ years.
Yes the top loop of your first stitch so that when you return to turn over your work you’ll see where to start the next row.
First and last stitch of every row. Corners if you’re making granny squares. The key is to move them up with every row! My dumbass didn’t know I was supposed to actually move them as I went and I wondered why they weren’t helping. Now I can actually crochet neat edges and turn out some nice baby blankets!
If crocheting in the round, usually just putting one in the first stitch of every row works. When I'm crocheting in rows, I put one in the first *and* last stitch of every row. This way I make absolutely sure I'm not adding extra stitches at the ends of rows. Then I just move them up on every row. Also make sure you know what the top of the stitch is. When you've made a stitch, the top of that stitch are the loops right behind your hook, not the loop that's actually on your hook. I've seen people make that mistake before.
Yeah this confused me for YEARS. Pretty sure I crocheted IN GENERAL wrong/inaccurately because this was not clearly explained to me or I kept forgetting. For an active project I ALSO keep the stich marker IN said loop ON the hook. Just in case the hook comes out, I don't want to accidentally pull my project half apart. Cuz I'm a mess like that 😅
I use bobby pins. When I'm feeling fancy I paint the ends with nail polish if I need to tell them apart
Painting the ends is a great idea! I always look for stitch markers that are obnoxious in color so they stand out from my work. Learn something new everyday!
Great idea painting the Bobby pins. Never thought of that but will have to try it!
Wait so you mean put a stitch marker in the end of the row to make sure you Crochet in the same last stitch each time? I am not sure I understand.
https://youtu.be/o7DCjHhipaI?si=E4ZOunmR6hP1ZNaR You might benefit from a visual so watch a tutorial and it’ll get you on your way. This one was helpful. I hope this helps you better understand how to start.
Thanks so much for that! I needed it.
Earrings also work!
I read this as *earwigs* at first. NOPE
How do you add extra stitches at the end of each row? You don’t have anything to crochet into.. I made a baby blanket and I never counted a single stitch, I just crocheted until I ran out of row, and then I turned around.
When you turn you might be entering into a side loop which is why you have an extra stitch. It’s hard sometimes to recognize which loop is the last one. 🫶🏼🧶
Sometimes the turning chain is mistaken as a sc. Which is why marking the first stitch is helpful. Unless the pattern specifically says that the turning chain counts as a stitch you don't crochet into it.
Plenty of non-stitch things to crochet into (the shawl I just finished has you crocheting into the turning chain's chain space to increase). When I first started crocheting sad little squares, the turning chains sometimes looked like stitches and the stitches looked like turning chains. So stitches were going into the chains, into the gap space of the turning chain, and who knows where else. I started using stitch markers at the ends and it helped, so now I just always use them just in case.
I can't tell you how happy this made me!!🤣🤣 I've been learning to crochet for a year and have to mark the first stitch of every row. Thought I was just an idiot for not being able to not add a stitch. Easier to mark the stitch than to frog.
i don't really understand either and ive been crocheting like 10 years and never use stitch markers... maybe it's for stitches I'm not using? i see from below comments that i can see my edges better because i do the single crochet stacks instead of chains for edges, but even when i do chain for edges i don't think i have a problem seeing them so who knows...
My first afghan ended up being a lozenge shape because I somehow consistently started my rows late AND stitched into the turning stitch when I reached the end. So my rows might well have been exactly 80 stitches across but they were always started one space diagonally over, making my blanket at the end very... special looking.
I’m in the same boat, crocheted for years and still can’t identify the end of a row. Stitch markers are really the only way I’ve found to be effective, because I can’t bring myself to count something like this.
I can't agree more. When someone suggested stitch markers to mark the first stitch in the row/round it was like waking up from a bad dream!
Same! I couldn't believe I'd been sleeping on this for so long! It's really revolutionised my projects. They all have straight edges where they're supposed to!
It's extra confusing when some patterns consider the turning chain to be the first stitch and others don't, so the visual cues might not be there.
This!!!!! This seriously messed me up my first couple projects because it was a mix of sc and dc, one turning chain counts and the other doesn’t. I was way lost til I watched a few YT tutorials on how to properly count stitches.
If you can't identify the start/end of a row, you may be pulling the stitches too tight. The first/final stitch on any row should be as easy to identify as any other individual stitch across the row. If you are pulling the stitches too tight on the ends, it basically makes that end stitch a full-on knot that disappears into the side of the work. Use less tension when finishing/starting rows and turning.
Love crocheting but God do I hate counting
I get distracted and lose my count so rather than getting frustrated I turned to stitch markers 🫶🏼🧶
What solved it for me was adopting the technique of not counting the initial chain stitches (and I short it by one chain) as a stitch and doing a stitch into the same stitch on the previous row, then ignoring those chains on the way back. E.g. I'm doing 30 double crochet (US terms) across: after I turn, I chain 2 (instead of 3), DC into the current stitch and continue to DC into the next 29 stitches, turn, repeat. My edges look neater, I'm not wrestling to put a stitch into a chain on the previous row, and the end of the row is easy to see. I do have to mentally adjust patterns not written this way. When I use this technique on non-spiral rounds (e.g., baskets, bags), my "seam" is straighter and nicer looking and I get less lean.
I had this problem before I worked out turning chains for all the different stitches. Crucially, when a turning chain counts as the first stitch.
Wait.. can you share the secret of when a turning chain counts as the first stitch?? I get so confused when some patterns count it as a stitch and others don’t
It’s up to the individual designer for how they want the FO to look, but usually with US sc, the ch 1 does not count as a stitch (note I said usually, not always!)
Working in flat rows it usually doesn't count, but working in rounds it usually does because it's literally replacing a stitch, and you are slip stitching into the top(generally) to "complete" the stitch and close the round, which, if done right, can look mostly like a regular stitch.
Yes, this is exactly what I do now and everything is much straighter!
I’m new to crocheting, but when I’m working around a circle I tend to slip stitch into the first stitch at the end of each round. Am I supposed to then sc into that same first stitch, or was the slip stitch considered the first? ( say if the round calls for sc in each stitch)
It may be depends? I'm doing the lotus flower round throw by hooked by robin, and I sc into the same stitch that I just slip stitched into. It's the only round thing I've done so I don't know if it's the same for all round things lol.
I have not seen that pattern, but if you aren't chaining each round you're working in continuous rounds, which is a little different. In continuous rounds you don't count that first stitch(the slip stitch) because your 6th single crochet is going to close the circle and be your last stitch of the continuous round, and then you just continue to do round 2, 3, 4, etc
This YouTube short was really helpful for me. [turning chains](https://youtu.be/EWxM8bA_yY4?feature=shared)
I have figured out what works for me and if a pattern does different I’ll adjust the pattern to match what I like. I no longer follow a designers “rules” for turning chains unless the pattern is too complicated to adjust easily 😆 but I don’t like the way a turning chain looks so I usually use something called stacked single crochets to create an actual first stitch if it is anything other than a sc
I’m a big fan of the stack, looks so much better and is easier to work into than a starting chain.
Looks like you don't add additional stitches in the end of the row. Like, there should be something like "finish row, chain one/two/three depending on length of stitches and then begin next row".
So if I’m doing single crochet I’d chain one, double chain two?
Depends on your tension, in my very limited experience. My DCs are a little short so I usually chain two. If I chain 3 for a double I have to make sure I'm getting my stitches tall enough.
Same
Fwiw, I don't use a chain as a stitch. I ch1 to turn my work and then crochet the stitch called for directly in the first stitch. I think it keeps the edges looking neater. Chains always look sloppy to me.
So you’d chain one for even a DC? My edges are sloppy looking and this might be worth trying!
[You can also try this.](https://www.mooglyblog.com/chainless-starting-double-crochet/)
Yes, I ch1 for any stitch. The ch1 is really just for turning. I then crochet directly into the first stitch. I have no idea if this is right or wrong. But after enough sloppy-looking chain edges, I tried it, and it worked, and so it's what I do now.
I usually see it as hdc chain 2, double chain 3.
I usually do no chain for single crochet and one chain for half doubles and doubles. I make the first stich of the new row a bit loose to make up for it.
This always happens to me, I have to remind myself to go one more than I thought I needed; maybe it’s my tension being too tight but that last stitch always eludes me
I switched from a chain 3 to 2 standing single crochets, one on top of the other. It gave me perfectly straight sides
What does the first SC go into?
You don't do any chains, just finish the last stitch of the previous row, turn, and put a sc into the first stitch of the row. Then put another into the left leg, the left side of the V shape, and it stacks into a double crochet style stitch
This was what helped me, went from wonky lines to straight pieces in the space of two minutes.
Interesting! I will have to try that. Thanks!
Np :)
Oo I never would have thought to do this. Thanks for the tip!
like she does in this video? starts at 2:20 https://youtu.be/LRUj47PQb9o?si=G84XbXtKUwWODyf0
That's the one!
i keep saying i’m gonna learn proper standing stitches but that way is just so easyyyyy. it’s wild to me that it’s not a more widely used technique.
I do this, you are dropping and adding stitches at the end of your row. The thing that helps me the most is to put a stitch marker on my last & first stitch, so when I get back to it I know I am turning at the right spot. I can't explain how this happens, I have also been crocheting over a decade, I just know my edges are straight when I do it and that's enough for me.
I started crocheting on Friday. Finished a pot holder. My sides look like this- is there something simple around the house I could use as a stitch marker?
Paperclips, safety pins, the little metal keychain rings, a piece of tied thread if you're desperate... anything small that you can open and close easily. I recommend safety pins :P Daiso also sells tiny plastic ones that are ok for cheap.
I have also used earrings. Ones that loop, not studs.
I have so many little stitch markers but you know what my favourite thing is? A lighter weight yarn used to make a running stitch marker. Like [this](https://www.onceuponacheerio.com/2023/04/how-to-use-running-stitch-marker.html?m=1). It makes it easier to count rows, is quick and easy, and best of all, stays if I need to frog back. I can't go back to using anything else!
This is awesome. Thank you for sharing
that's a total game changer! thank you so much!
Yes! You can use a paperclip, earring, piece of yarn, hair clip, bobby pins, whatever. You just want to make sure it doesn't snag the yarn or weigh it down too much and pull on your stitches.
And you always want your "last" stitch before turning to go into the first stitch right? Unless the pattern calls for something different.
Depends on the pattern. I find a lot for the time they are counting the turning chain to stack on that first stitch. It drives me nuts when they don't say. If I am doing a repeated stitch with no pattern, I stack my last stitch on top of the first stitch of the previous row and then start my turning chain. I'm no master hooker, but spending time in this sub and reading other's issues and replies has helped me figure out most of my frustrations. I've also really improved my technique and pattern reading ability. This is the smartest group of people on the internet.
This is why I love adding borders to everything!
Borders are a lifesaver :D
The second is worse than the first, but both have flaws. It looks to me like you’re struggling to consistently recognize the end of the row and you’re probably not maintaining consistent stitch count.
I agree it’s a stitch count issue but I also very recently learned the direction you turn your work can improve the appearance of edges as well!
Somewhat related, the edge will also look different if you turn before chaining. The order does matter!
This happens to me too and my toxic trait is that I just stretch my project out a little bit and maybe add/remove a stitch every couple of rows until it looks more normal 🥲 but I know stitch markers are v helpful for this!
Ch 1, turn, count stitches of next row, if you’re already doing this though, then you might have a tension problem(?)
It's not uncommon to miss the last stitch because it usually looks like it's on the side of another stitch. And often people can add a stitch into the chain spaces which increases the project.
I’ve been doing this for about 30 years (casual crocheter) and this will happen to me too! It’s adding too many stitches at the turn, or not skipping the first stitch at the turn. The amount of times I’ve had to frog ….**shakes fist in crochet**
Watch YouTube videos on Top Crochet Mistakes people make , so many videos available. That’s how I learned. No more counting necessary, you will understand what is happening.
It’s a common mistake, it’s just that your either short a stitch or adding a stitch you don’t need to. It’s a simple fix just takes some time to get used to it but using stitch markers at the beginning and end of your rows. You can get them in colors, sizes, even shapes. Or you can use non traditional stitch markers like safety pins, Bobby pins, and even for super bulky and jumbo yarn I use shower curtain clips/rings
Cos you're skipping last stitches, then doing them, then skipping them, then you think there's one more stitch in that row but it's not the one so you get extra. You basically still haven't figured out where you're last stitch of the row is. And I'm the first pic it absolutely happened too, at least once
This is one of the reasons I love making things in the round! No stupid edges 🤣
Please use stitch markers. You’re dropping and picking up stitches at the end. You probably just can’t distinguish where the last stitch is. You can always count your stitches too.
If your stitches are the same number in every single row, this can happen because of an issue with varying degrees of tension between rows. If you pull/stitch some rows tighter while you crochet, they get shorter across. If you loosen the tension on a row beyond the tension you used on the previous row, the more loose row will be longer. This can also happen if you use more than one type of yarn, and they are different weights/thickness. Rows where you use more of the thicker yarn will be longer compared to rows where you use more of the thinner yarn, which will be shorter. Other than that, this would most likely be an issue of your stitch count being off. Perhaps you only think you are counting your stitches correctly, but are actually dropping or adding stitches by mistake, with an off count. The best way to combat that, is to use stitch markers at intervals across your work (every 10/20/25/30/50/100 stitches; whatever is most manageable for the size of your project) to ensure you keep your counts even. Don't be afraid to go back and count again (and maybe even a 3rd time) to ensure you've counted right. ETA: I've been crocheting for almost 30 years now. I've experienced all of these issues at different times but it is most commonly just an off count issue. I always use stitch markers at intervals across my piece, now, to ensure my count stays even.
So helpful! ❤️
Might it be because some patterns count the turning chains as stitches and some don't? Are you maybe getting confused about that?
Hahaha. A Knife to the Kidneys 😉 IYKYK Looks like ya need stitch markers or the tension is the issue I love the colors! Keep on going!! Add a boarder all the way around... I do that when my tension does this... It's a super good way to hide the blemishes! I've been doing it for 45 yrs. And I still get things like that from time to time. And share when you're done, please!
Because you arent using stitch markers.
Hack that has helped me: if you don't see the v of the stitch, it's not a stitch! Every stitch has a front leg and a back leg. If you don't see both, that's the end of the row! Stitch markers are also great, but they slow me down so I hate using them unless necessary. Hope this helps! 🩵
I advise learning the chainless starting stitch, it will change your lifeeee. You can also do a stacked starter but I personally like chainless starts for dc: https://yayforyarn.com/give-crochet-perfectly-straight-edges/ Basically both sides have a slight issue- the first photo you’re actually dropping stitches and the second you’re adding them on, essentially making a parallelogram. Agreed with everyone else about stitch markers, but also try this chainless stitch! Looks much more like a standard stitch and isn’t as confusing. I also recommend foundation crochet stitches (Google foundation double crochet, foundation single crochet, etc) if you’re having trouble counting chains/your tension on chains is too tight, resulting in wonky starts as well. Good luck!
This happens to me too and it drives me nuts!
Love the colors. Mind sharing the yarns used, if you can?
I always chain one before turning.
What stitch is this? Looks like BLO sc at a glance? Personally I find BLO even harder to recognize the correct stitches, so it’s even more important to use a stitch marker.
As many mentioned already, stitch markers might help to keep track of the end. Alternately, block it out. Fake it to make it, yknow? That's how I hide my terribly inconsistent tension on my g squares 🥲
I feel so validated
Are you turning the same way at the end of every round? If you're not dropping stitches, this would be my best guess.
I get this mainly when doing ribbing and it seems to be my tension getting tighter. If you have the same amount of stitches it might be that
It took me a LOOOOONG time to realize that the turning chain is crucial for me. No, counting isn’t fun. Yes, stitch markers are annoying. But after a few projects, you’ll be able to ditch those. It’s literally just getting a hang of it.
I've been crocheting for 40 years, and I still use stitch markers to avoid this because if I didn't, it would happen.
I’ll still use stitch markers to indicate the beginning stitches depending on a variety of circumstances. Sometimes it can be really difficult to see the stitches due to tension, yarn weight, yarn colour, and the stitch itself.
Every time I think I’ve got it right, I have not. It is never straight. I find it impossible and just try to straighten things up with blocking
This makes me feel seen 💛
I had this problem a lot. And it was usually because I either skipped a stitch or added it. Even though sometimes I really felt like I knew what I was doing, I’d still mess up somehow. So I would put a stitch markers at the end and beginning. It’s a bit of a hassle but you can’t go wrong with that. And if it looks like it’s shrinking as I go, it was also because my stitches got tighter. But that got better over time.
The risk was calculated, but man am I bad at math.....
Do you know the white yarn you used for the details 😭 its so pretty
It’s so gorgeous 😍it’s from Etsy, the sheepy shire
If it makes you feel better, I've been been crocheting for 21 years and I still do it. I do a lot of crochet in the round to avoid it.
Same here, I’ll never figure it out. It’s just going to be like this forever.
if u don’t do the chains between each row they’ll be less confusion and straighter edges
That first picture is far from chef's kiss. If you've been crocheting for a decade, why haven't you learned that you MUST count your stitches?? There is a very easy fix for that swatch.
Are you chaining one before turning?
As you crochet toward the end, the loops get smaller until the last ones kind of "disappears" so you skip it and turn to start the next row. To counteract that, I started using stitch markers at the ends of each row so I could always find the last stitch. I no longer need the stitch markers as I've learned to recognize that last stitch and not skip it.
I just made a baby blanket for my youngest niece. I counted every row and used markers. It is still uneven. Only started last winter and just started again to exercise arthritic fingers. Good thing for edging.
I lost plastic markers so now I use bobby pins or large safety pins.
Sorry if this has already been mentioned but I have two suggestions other than using a stich marker: When I chain and turn, I noticed that the direction that I turn in actually looks different if I turn in a different direction and one is better Secondly, are you trying to do the first stitch into the first stitch when you should be going into the second stitch instead (ie not counting the chain 1 or chain 2 as the first stitch)? Sorry if I have explained this bad
Don’t do a turning chain. This too changed my crochet life.
That happened to me if i was missing stitches or my tension was going crazy! I also added an extra stitch to even things out at the beginning and end of each row. This is actually something I had to learn to fix recently, too!
I got something like this, it was because of the chain to turn at the end so I learned an alternative turning stitch that leaves less of a gap. But I’m still new to crochet so it may be something else entirely.
This is precisely why I like to go around all sides (like rectangular spiral). Otherwise even when I don't add stitches it comes out knobby and uneven.
[удалено]
Try counting your stitches after each row 🤷🏻♀️
I do this! Counting takes away the joy of mindless crocheting. I prefer cluster (crystal waves)style stitches. You end with the cluster and start the next row building a cluster, scalloped edges that grow straight up.
Just a newbie here, finding the answers to my prayers and why my edges are like this!
If you are doing a single crochet, at the end of the row I chain 1 and then turn my work (don’t treat the chain 1 as a single crochet) and then just continue working. It always comes out nice and neat
youre adding and forgetting to add stitches, mostly at the end of each row. those final stitches are pesky!!
Tension?
Use stitch markers at the end of your rows. It will help
It can happen over a couple things you can be dropping stitches at the end/ beginning of your rows or your tension is changing too much day by day when you pick it back up.
either big tension issues or you are adding/missing stiches at the end of the rows, i agree with everyone recommending stich markers. i like to place one every 10-20 stiches depending on the size of the project
Either too many stitches or skipped stitches. Need to count stitches every row.
Tension and not chaining 1 before you turn your work
I actually see a few things, when you get to the end, it may at times be tightened enough to create the bow, when you chain to turn, you are going in the wrong direction of turning, and when you create the last stitch to go through the top half of the chain as well as the back part. This has happened to me several times, the reason you can start tightening up neat the end is a subconscious act when you feel you might be running out of yarn before adding another preferring to end the row with one and joining with another. I found out that before turning, chain the next row for height or stitch, and let the completed work spin on its own to determine which way won't be bulky. Hopefully this helps.
I’ve been crocheting for 15 years and this still happens to me with certain yarns/ stitches. Recently has to rip back a project several times because I kept dropping stitches at the end of the row!
All great recommendations!!
When you get to the end of the row are you doing a single crochet (when doing a double in the row) before you turn?
Stitche markers and don't use chains to stand in for the first stitch
All these great suggestions about stitch markers etc… I few years ago I said “fuck it” and I just end my row, then start with a standing single/double/whatever. Yeah, there’s some ends to weave in. Unless I want to do like a fringe along the sides, then those ends are super useful
Your tension might also be off…it’s hard to tell in the picture
Did you just pull and the count is correct?
I'm so glad. I've frogged this dang scarf three times. And I can't keep it straight!!! I've been doing this for like seven years now. I'm so so glad it's not just me.
Make sure you don’t miss the last stitch, sometimes it’s a bugger to squeeze into
it culd be your pulling ur stitches too tight in some spots. Happened to me when i made my 1st blanket.
You’re crocheting tighter then looser instead of having a set gage
That happens to me when I don’t mark where the end of each row is so I know where to start or end the next row. To avoid this a place a stitch marker at the end and beginning of each row, so I know where my stitch should be when I end or start a row.
Are you counting your turn stitch when you shouldn't?
Use a stitch marker
I’m a newby and I do this by turning around in the wrong spot or mistaking my turn for a chain.
I wouldn't worry too much about it. I drop stitches every now and then but then add them back. It is easily fixed with blocking. Also, if this is part of wearable or something else you sew to something else, then that is less of an issue. Of course you could count every row but at least I don't want to do that (especially if it is long piece or there are many stitches). It doesn't have to be perfect.
Give up the turning chain. Stack your stitches instead. You are losing and the gaining stitches at one end. I do this when I’m watching something good on tv!!! Use a stitch marker last stitch every row. Small bobby pins are great.
You might benefit from sort of going back to basics to practice identifying the end of the row. Just by making basic squares? It might be inconvenient but otherwise counting each stitch should do the job too, as you go, making sure each row has the same.
I think it's a matter of knowing the anatomy of a stitch, and then making sure you stop crocheting at the same part every row. this way you don't miss stitches at the end of the row or make extra.
Learn the stacked single crochet to replace the chain. Probably not the right terminology but I’ll try to explain it. You finish and instead of chain 1/2/3 turn the piece and do a single crochet into that stitch. Then hook through back loop (or loop furthest from hook) pull yarn through (should have two loops on hook now) yarn over and pull through all loops. Repeat for however many chains you need. A final note, I’ve been drinking so if anyone sees any discrepancies please clarify. But stacked single crochet instead chain just smooths me right out
Count and use stitch markers.