Once you learn to hold your crochet hook and work out a few basic stitches you can create anything from intricate lace doilies to cozy blankets and more. However, one common issue many crocheters, especially beginners encounter is their crochet project getting smaller. This can be frustrating, especially when you're midway through a project and realize that your rows are uneven or it is no longer the size it should be. Understanding the causes behind this problem is crucial to preventing it and ensuring your crochet projects turn out just as you envisioned. From choosing the wrong size of crochet hooks to missing stitches or not checking the gauge, the reasons are common and also easily corrected.
In this blog, the expert crocheters at KnitPro have come together to take you through the most common causes of why crochet gets smaller and offer practical solutions to help you keep your work consistent.
Cause 1 - Skipping Stitches or accidental decreases
This happens with many new crocheters or even experienced ones, you are working on your crochet project and lose count; you end up accidentally skipping stitches. This especially happens when you're working in rounds at the end or beginning and is a common cause of the crochet project shrinking. Over time, missing just one stitch per row can significantly reduce the width of your project.
Solution: Count your stitches regularly, especially at the end of each row or round. Using stitch markers can be incredibly helpful, particularly for marking the first and last stitch or points of change in stitch pattern. This way, you’ll be less likely to miss any stitches. Row counters are another crochet accessory that helps you keep track of the count. If you find that you’ve skipped a stitch, it’s better to undo that row or round and correct the mistake rather than continue with the error.
Cause 2 - Changing Crochet Hook Size
When you start with a project, it is essential to know about the crochet hook size. Using a different single-ended crochet hook or Tunisian hook size, either intentionally or accidentally, can cause your crochet work to shrink. Even mid-project if you switch to a smaller hook, your stitches will naturally become tighter and smaller, leading to a decrease in the overall size of your work.
Solution: Go through the pattern before starting any project. Double-check your hook size before starting and during your project. If you put down your hook to take a break, make a note of the hook size in your pattern or project notes to avoid accidentally picking up a different size.
Cause 3 - Inconsistent Tension
Inconsistent tension is a common crochet problem, especially among beginners. Tension refers to how tightly or loosely you hold your yarn while crocheting. If your tension is too tight, stitches will be smaller, causing your work to get smaller. As you progress through a project, it’s easy for your tension to change, especially if you’re not paying close attention.
Solution: To maintain consistent tension, practice is key. Before starting a project, take a few minutes to warm up by making a gauge swatch, paying attention to how you’re holding your yarn and crochet hook. If you notice your tension tightening as you crochet, take a short break to relax your hands and wrists. Remember to keep your hands in a comfortable position and grip the yarn and hook lightly. Over time, your tension will become even with practice. To avoid the problem before it arises choosing crochet hooks that feel comfortable in your hands is essential. If you are a beginner bamboo and wooden crochet hooks (Dreamz, Ginger, etc. ), aluminum or stainless steel (Zing) or ergonomic hooks (Oasis and Waves).
Cause 4 - Tight Turning Chains
Turning chains are used to bring your yarn up to the height of the next row when working in rows. If your turning chain is too tight, it can pull the edges of your work inward, causing the width of your project to decrease.
Solution: Make sure your turning chain is loose enough to match the height of the stitches you’re working with. You may want to experiment with making a slightly looser turning chain or using a larger hook just for the turning chain to prevent this issue. It’s also helpful to compare the width of your work after each row to ensure it remains consistent.
Cause 5 – Improper joining when Working in Rounds
When working in rounds, improper joining can lead to a gradual decrease in size. If you’re not joining your rounds correctly, or if you’re accidentally decreasing stitches when you join, your project may start to shrink.
Solution: Ensure you are joining your rounds correctly according to your pattern instructions. Use a crochet slip stitch to join and make sure you’re not accidentally skipping stitches or working into the wrong part of the stitch. If you’re unsure, confirm the correct joining method for the type of project you’re working on.
Cause 6 - Yarn Substitution
Using a different type of yarn than what is recommended in a pattern can also cause your crochet work to shrink. Different yarns have varying thicknesses, stretches, and fibers, which can all affect the size of your finished project.
Solution: When substituting yarn, try to choose a yarn with the same weight and fiber content as the one recommended in the pattern. If you must use a different yarn, make a swatch first to see how it behaves and adjust your hook size or tension accordingly. Be prepared for some variation in size and adjust your pattern if necessary to compensate for the differences in the yarn. Refer to our guide on what crochet hook to use with what yarn for times when you need to substitute your yarn.
Remember, even experienced crocheters encounter these issues from time to time. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to troubleshoot and correct any problems that arise, ensuring your crochet projects turn out beautifully every time. Always take the time to make a gauge swatch before starting your project, especially for items where size is crucial, like garments or blankets. Adjust your hook size or tension until your gauge matches the pattern’s instructions. This small step can save you a lot of frustration later on and ensure your project turns out the correct size.
Be a crochet pro with KnitPro crochet hooks collection! From bamboo, wood, stainless steel, aluminium and acrylic, explore single-ended, double-ended and even Tunisian crochet hooks and sets. Before you start: Your First Steps in Crochet, explore our guide on how to crochet for beginners.
