One of the biggest problems I had when I first started crocheting was uneven work. I would work for hours on a project, like a scarf or a blanket, just to lay it flat and realize that my work was uneven ☹.
This is so frustrating and disheartening. So I have decided to write this blog for all my beginner crochet friends so that they do not have to go through what I went through. My daughter who is 15 years old, just started crocheting and makes the most beautiful, even panels!
Here are the most common mistakes you are making to end up with uneven crochet work:
Trouble shooting guide to uneven crochet pieces
- You are not starting or ending in the right place
- You are crocheting more than one stitch in the same place
- You are mistakenly skipping stitches
- You are changing the type of yarn mid work – going from 3 ply to 4 ply
- You are changing the hook size mid work
- You are not keeping the same tension in your work throughout
- Most importantly… you are not making a turning chain!!
The turning chain is by far the most important thing you must do when crocheting something.
What is a turning chain?
A turning chain is 1,2 or 3 chains at the beginning of your row that is NOT counted in your total number of stiches.
If your pattern calls for single stiches, your turning chain has one chain. If it calls for half double crochet or double crochet, your turning chain will have 2 chains. Finally, it your work calls for treble crochet, your turning chain will have 3 chains.
When you start your row, your first stitch will be in the SAME space as your turning chain.
This is what it will look like:
Say my work says to make a ch 10
For the 1st row, you will sc in the first ch from the hook and in the 9 chains thereafter
Now, ch 1 – this is your turning chain!! And sc in the same space in the chain 1 space and the following 8 chains.
Say your pattern calls for a double crochet row for row 3.
Now, you start your row with a ch 2 as your turning chain!
You will double crochet in the SAME sc as the ch 2 and the 8 sc thereafter
So there you have it.
Following this advice will absolutely guarantee you less frustration and heartbreak with uneven crochet work.
Please comment below if this has been helpful for if I can help you out with any other crochet tips – I love to help my fellow crocheters.
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