How to get the Right Crochet Tension

[catalinaam]

Sooo...I have a tight tension when I crochet! >_< Now I just need to fix that! ^_^

[tjw1963]

@catalinaam Practice will help you learn how to crochet with different tensions.

[houseofsita]

im a newbie and its really the tension im having problem with. on my second doily practice set the edges still get to ruffles even if i followed the pattern correctly.

[tjw1963]

@houseofsita It is possible that you could have worked to many stitches on the round.  If it is your tension, you may want to try holding your thread/yarn a little more snug. I would suggest practicing a simple swatch of one of the basic stitches so you can work through the tension. Practice will help the stitches be more even.

[smilelykitty]

thank you i posted a comment on your profile and the next day i seen this

Brooke

[singnlass]

I have noticed that many times my pieces curl like yours did when you crocheted tighter. I usually will use a bigger hook to correct this.  However, now I know that I need to crochet a bit looser. Thanks for the information.

[Smirnoffali]

I am a newbie to crocheting... and I have been watching loads of your vids, and I think they are fantastic. Tension and finding a comfortable way of holding the yarn has been my problem for weeks. Your way of holding the yarn is SO much easier and better than any others I have seen... so thank you, and hopefully I can practise getting better :)

[tjw1963]

I appreciate the comment. Keep practicing and you will develop a tension that works for you. Keep in mind that you do not have to hold your crochet hook and yarn tight. A tight grip may cause pain from the repetitive motion.

[Dpositivelady]

Just starting to crochet today by watching your videos and I knew tension for knitting mattered for scarves but not for crocheting. Got lots to learn so thanks again for showing me correctly step by step how to start my crochet skills. You're a blessing to all,

Darla :)

[tjw1963]

Thank you Darla, I appreciate the comment. You do have a good understanding about the importance of tension related to knitting so that should be helpful to you in developing a consistency with crochet stitches.

[tiggerbear3]

I tend to have a very loose stitch--so to correct it, I have to go down at least one size hook to get correct gauges!

[tjw1963]

If you are making something, where size matters, like a sweater, you may want to consider going down one hook size to so it will fit the intended person. If it is an afghan and you are not to concerned that the size may be a bit larger, you can use the recommended hook if you want to.

[philosgal]

is it ok to loosen the tension in the beginning and then go tighter once your base is complete? i have done many projects but i find it difficult to start with a tight tension, it works just ok for me but i don't know if it will work with bigger projects.

[tjw1963]

If you are making an afghan and make your tension tighter later on, it may become distorted being very relaxed at the bottom and smaller at the finish. It is common to use a larger hook or crochet loose for the chain since many will make it to tight in the beginning distorting the project.

If you are making a hat, it may not be real noticeable although it could affect the over all size and fit.

[Jacotte89]

Very interesting question. It is the reply to the fact that my rectangles are never rectangles... Quite a discipline to get. The differences on your video are incredible... Thank you once more.

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. I have days where I may crochet looser than other days. There have been times I may put a project down for a few days and then have to rip out my work because I am crochet to loose.

[Jacotte89]

I thought I was the only one in the world. If you do that too, that's quite comforting. Thank you for your simplicity at your high level.

[cincyluv]

I think for some of us me too if i just want to make a scarf or ahfgan i never can figure out how manny chains to do before i turn. is ther a set number of chain per single crochet,dble. crochet etc.,also i found the rubber pencil/pen holders at staples it helps with hand cramps. thank you ,

[tjw1963]

There has been a standard that you will find in books but on occasion you will find that a shorter chain will eliminate a seam and/or gap that a longer chain will leave.

Double Crochet is 3 Chains

Half Double Crochet is 2 Chains

Single Crochet is 1 Chains.

The chain 1 for the single crochet does not count as the first stitch, where the chains in the others can count as the first stitch. You will find modifications to turning that stray away from the basic turn.

[llove3411]

You have been such an inspiration to me to learn how to crochet. Can you recommend some summer hat patterns to us?? I did the v stitch hat and want to do a few more in different styles. Thanks!!!

[tjw1963]

I am working on a solomon's knot cover for a hat that could work as a summer hat. It is very lacey. I should have it up in the next few days.

[tjw1963]

Since you are a beginner, you are still developing a consistent tension so your stitches may fluctuate at times. Practice will help you with consistent stitches. If the squares are all the same pattern, they should be close in size. Some could be a little larger than the others and your afghan will still fit together. It is up to you if you want to re-do your squares. It may not be real noticeable once you get it all together.

[teresa688]

i was wondering when the yarn package says' 4 and Medium.. does it mean its 4-ply yarn?

[bubblebuffy]

No the number 4 refers to a scale of yarn weights, it means worsted.

Google "standard yarn weight system" for more info.

Hope that helps :)

[bubblebuffy]

Oh sorry, I fear I may have confused you with my first comment, 4ply is a weight of yarn but it's a British term, not American. Even so, worsted is the actual weight (American) as it could be made up of more than 4 strands/ply

I'll shut up now....

[tjw1963]

The 4 means 4 ply. The medium is something new that the yarn companies have been doing. You can actually pull your end threads apart to see how many strands are in the yarn.

[CandyLV72]

this is definitely one of my biggest issues, thanks for the help!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)