Do you need to learn how to do the chain stitch in crochet? What is a chain in crochet anyway?

A Chain in crochet is the most fundamental knowledge in crochet. It is the key starter for beginning any new project. They are one of the top stitches every beginner should know. 

What is a Chain stitch?

A chain stitch is where you take the yarn after creating a slip knot, wrapping it around the crochet hook, and pulling up a loop. This is what makes a chain in crochet.

Repeating this process will inevitably create a longer chain, depending on how long you need it. You can use it as shoe laces, string for tying packages, or stay as chains alone.

Crochet chains can also be made throughout a project to create spaces in designs. They are also used as turning chains that help you start a new row.

Tools/Materials You’ll Need:

• Yarn
• Hook size (Appropriate)

Slip Knot

We want to start the majority of our crochet projects with the slipknot. This is where you wrap the yarn around your pointer and middle finger. Place your crochet hook facing you inside the loop. Grab the yarn drawn from the skein, pull it through the loop, and pull tightly.

Creating the chain

We then want to do a yarn over also abbreviated as YO. A yarn over is where you wrap the yarn around the shaft of the crochet hook. Once you yarn over, we want to pull up the loop already on the crochet hook. Continuing this pattern will create a long enough chain to start a project.

Tips on Creating a Chain

Counting

Remember to count every chain to get into a good habit. You start counting after creating your slip knot, the first chain would be one. Never count the loop on the hook.

Tension

Tension is important in crochet. So you want to make sure the chains are even. If they aren’t, it will come with practice. By creating chains a practice, you can start perfecting your tension one chain at a time.

You can adjust the hook size to compensate for tight/loose tension. If your chains are very loose, decrease the hook size. And vice versa if your chains are tight.

This post was all about how to create a chain in crochet.

Want to know why your crochet is tight?

This question of “Why is my crochet so tight” is common and normal. It can be a combination of not testing your tension using a gauge swatch, the tension in your hands, or using the wrong crochet size hook.

Take it from me, I had to practice my way out of this habit.  Luckily for you, I will show you why and how to fix this.

Let’s go over the main reasons your crochet is so tight. Let’s go!

Are you crocheting too tightly?

With tension, the best way to practice is by relaxing your hand and allowing the yarn to be easily grabbed by the crochet hook. You can also test your tension by tapping the bottom of your crochet hook while in your hand.

When you tap it, you can tell you have too much tension if it is too stiff. Your hand should be relaxed enough that if someone taps the bottom of your crochet hook, it will gently slide/move.

The yarn in your other hand should easily breeze through your fingers to the crochet hook. Try not to “death grip” your yarn but let it glaze on by like the wind.

A way to check your tension is by creating a swatch and gauging your stitches. This is where you can see if your stitches are too loose or tight (small or big). 

A gauge swatch is normally on a yarn label (14S x 19R) measured out to be 4×4 using a 4mm crochet hook. as an example. 

Using the wrong size hook

This is a very common mistake beginners make when crocheting too tightly. Which is using the wrong crochet hook size for your project.

I made this mistake more times than some, but learned that reading the crochet label for the recommended hook size is one of the best things you can do! 

As a crocheter, you have to buy more than one crochet hook if you can afford it. I prefer to use the clover crochet hook set for my crochet tools. They are comfortable, reliable (they don’t break easily), and lightweight. I highly recommend purchasing a Clover Crochet Hook Set, the most comfortable crochet hooks I’ve used for over 7 years!

Something that you can do while you work on perfecting your tension, you use a larger crochet hook to help compensate for the tension being too tightly.

Just remember to self-assess your tension before starting a project to look at your tension (this is gauging)

There you have it. You learned the key reasons why your crochet is so tight. Be sure to save this post and come back to it another time, and let me know in the comments if this helped you!

This post was all about answering your question “Why is my crochet so tight.”

Want to know how to crochet anything as a beginner? These are the best and proven tips to help you learn and better your crochet skills.

Learning to crochet is extremely fun and you can make many different projects.

As a crocheter, I will teach you the top ways how to crochet anything as a beginner.

Learning the fundamental abbreviations 

Learning the fundamental abbreviations will help you in many projects. One way to learn is by reviewing the fundamental abbreviations. 

The majority of projects involve the fundamentals. These fundamentals are like the single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, etc.

Without knowing the fundamentals, you may struggle with your creations. This is a staple in almost all crochet projects.

Practicing with Patterns

You can find a pattern for almost anything in this day of age. Patterns are essential for crocheting projects you may not know how to crochet. 

Patterns are step-by-step instructions to lead crocheters to create a specific pattern, project, or design.

By using patterns, you can also learn techniques of shaping and designing. 

For example, a magic circle is a simple technique to create a circular shape. With patterns, you will see that simple techniques such as the magic circle can create hats, a bee posh, bean bag chairs, etc.

Although you may not think that when learning a magic circle, patterns will expand your mind on creating projects.

It gives you step-by-step instructions on how to crochet a particular item. This also gives you insight into the designer’s mind on how to construct a pattern/project.

Sketch it

Another way is designing it first and then crocheting it out. Once you learn the fundamental abbreviations, designing/writing out the pattern will help you visualize what you want to crochet.

Regular Practice

As you learn more about the fundamentals, you will realize that you can make almost anything in crochet.

But the most important thing you should do is practice consistently.

You’re probably reading this because your crochet project is curving and you want to know how to fix it. 

And you ask yourself, “Why is my crochet curving?” with no possible clue!

It may be warped, curving, seems like it’s going outward, and not doing what you want it to do. 

What’s up with my crochet?

There are many reasons why your crochet project is curving. This can be due to tension in your crochet projects and/or adding or skipping stitches.

Find out the top reasons why your crochet project is curving and how you can perfect your crochet projects every time.

1. Tension is wrong

Tension is one of the main factors in how your crochet project will come out. If you are crocheting tightly, that can make your crochet project warp.

With time comes perfecting your tension and being able to crochet with ease. This is a mistake many beginners make. 

Ensuring your foundation chain is loose enough, will help down the line of your crochet project.

That also goes to say that you should check your tension in each row. Checking your tension will help not only your rows but the edging of your crochet project.

How to Fix it

Gauge Swatching is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting your tension right. This is where you create a small test piece, normally 4×4, to ensure your tension is where it needs to be.

You can fix this by changing the crochet hook size. If your tension is too tight, increase the hook size. If your tension is too loose, use a smaller crochet hook.

2. Adding/Skipping Stitches

Curving also happens when adding or skipping stitches unintentionally. This can make your crochet project turn inward or outward. 

This is making your crochet sides curved or not straight. Because there are either not enough stitches or too many in one row.

Almost every beginner in crochet went through adding or skipping stitches accidentally. Let’s get into the reasons for how to fix it.

How to Fix It

Counting: You want to count every stitch in each row, to ensure you are crocheting the correct amount every time. Until you get used to crocheting without counting (which takes time)

If you do not count your stitches in every row, it may cause a lot of frustration and waste of time.

You can also use a stitch marker as a checkpoint for your project or row counter as well.

It may cause you to “Rippit” which is a crochet term meaning the process of ripping out crochet stitches when you’ve made a mistake.

Conclusion

You should know how to stop your crochet from curving and with practice, you will not make the same mistakes again.

This post was about answering your question of “Why is my crochet curving” and solutions to your problem.

One of the most common questions in crochet is “Why is my crochet circle wavy?” Which can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know what to do.

If you’re anything like me, you want to know what you are doing wrong and how to correct it. Lets dive into the reasons on why your crochet circle is wavy and how to fix it.

Why is my crochet circle wavy?

You are doing a technique called ruffling. Where you strategically place multiple clusters of crochet stitches to make a ruffling (or wavy) effect.

You normally see this as borders to blankets or clothes.

In your case, because it wasn’t done intentionally it might’ve surprised you!

How do I fix this?

You can correct this in multiple ways. You may have to rippit (A crochet term where you have to rip or pull loose a part of your project due to a mistake made) to undo the technique.

After that, there are multiple ways to correct this error based on your crochet project.

Count, Adjust, Decrease

Count your stitches

When counting your stitches and doing the math, ensures that you are keeping the same amount of stitches in your rows.

For example, You make 10SC into a magic circle, then you increase in every SC, and you should have 20SC to end with. If you count and you now have 22, 25, or 30 .. Then that is an indication you placed too many stitches in this row.

Place a non-increasing row in between the increasing rows

This is one of my favorite techniques for your question of “why my crochet circle is wavy.” This technique helps to give breathing room for your circle to grow flat and not wavy. 

Make sure to count your stitches for extra assurance. This adjustment will make your project non-wavy and flat.

Gradually decrease the number of increase stitches in every row

This is another technique I love and swear by. This means to increase every row but decrease the amount of times you increase in each stitch.

For example, in my pattern Crochet Coaster Flower, it will say

“Row 1: Inc in every stitch, Row 2: Inc in every other stitch, Row 3: Inc in every third stitch.” This way the coaster will stay flat and won’t curve or stay wavy.

There you have it!

These are the easiest ways to keep your circle flat and not have your crochet circle be wavy. Check out some of my other crochet tips to help you get better at crochet!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links to products that I love and use personally. To support my journey, if you decide to click on the link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission to help me keep making posts like this.

Weaving in your ends after finishing your crochet project is a crucial step. You’ll want to weave in your ends so that there are no future problems with your crochet projects.

In this tutorial, I am going to show you crochet tips for weaving in ends. Once you complete implementing these tips, your projects will have a complete, polished, and professional look.

What does “Weave in your ends” mean?

Weaving in your ends (or tails) is a technique where you take the remaining strand of yarn and strategically intertwine it within your project. This will make your project less prone to unraveling and look very professional.

How many ways are there?

There are different ways of weaving in your ends in crochet, and for today we will be covering the easiest one that you can manage.

Why do we do this?

We should do this technique because it will make your project more secure so it doesn’t unravel. Also, we don’t want loose strands of yarn showing on your project, it makes it less appealing and gives an uncompleted look.

Do I need to buy more supplies?

You will need a tapestry needle to implement these tips for weaving in your ends.

What type of Tapestry Needle?

You’ll want a durable tapestry needle (preferably metal), that has a eye big enough to fit your yarn through. There are two types of tapestry needles you can purchase. There is the straight tapestry needle and the slightly curved tapestry needle. I prefer the straight tapestry needle.

What if I don’t have a tapestry needle?

You can swap out a tapestry needle for a smaller size crochet hook. I preferably use 2.5mm crochet hooks if I don’t have my tapestry needle handy.

Step-by-step on how to weave your ends in

1. Fasten Off: you want to cut at least 6” as a yarn tail
2. Thread the yarn tail through the eye of the tapestry needle
3. Place a knot so that the yarn and needle are inseparable

Let’s Get Started

There are several different directions on how to weave in your ends. We want to ensure we are going with the one that is least noticeable to the eye and weaving it in on the wrong side (WS) of your project. 

In case it is noticeable on the wrong side, we have the right side (RS) facing outwardly so that no one can practically see it. Only if they turned the workaround. 

With this technique, even if they did turn the workaround, it would still be hard to find it from an eye view.

Double Crochet

All of the crochet tips for weaving in ends are ones that I use daily. With double crochet, I prefer going horizontal because of how dense it is in that area. Many others weave in crochet ends vertically as well, which is another option. I prefer to horizontally as a personal preference. You want to take advantage of the area right behind the double crochet stitch. Weave your ends towards the top of the post where the yarn will be hidden.

Important note: It’s important to know that you should not be pulling too tightly when weaving in ends. We wouldn’t want our yarn to snap, lose the yarn within the crochet project, or damage the project itself. This is not a race but more like a brisk jog.

Single Crochet

Single crochet is very dense in comparison to double crochet that is very loose. As mentioned before, you want to be as delicate as possible when weaving in your ends. Use the tip of your tapestry needle to feel out where the back stitch is. The gently weave your needle or hook through the back post.

Tips for Granny Square Weave in’s

Granny squares can come in different styles, designs, etc … You’ll want to find the most dense area of your granny square the same as the double crochet to weave your ends through. If you have different colors within your granny square, weave in the color yarn before starting your next row to ensure you don’t get confused. Also, it’s much easier to weave in as you go in certain crochet projects.

If you have multiple colors that are close to one another, you can also create a knot for extra security.

Tapestry Needle Substitute

If you are without a tapestry needle but want to finish your project today. You can use a smaller crochet hook (preferably 2.5mm) or small enough not to overstretch your project. You’ll just weave into your project with the crochet hook and pull the yarn through.

Tips For Weaving in Your Yarn Ends:

1. Do not weave in too tightly
2. Be sure to stretch it a bit to see movement
3. Place a knot at the end of securing (if there are multiple colors)
4. Read over this tutorial if necessary

If this helped, tag me @crochetwithhadiya so that I can see you’re weaved in projects!

Have questions? Leave a comment and I’ll be more than happy to get back to you!

This post was about crochet tips for weaving in ends.

Did you know that you can create a crochet foundation without the actual chain? This is a super easy technique that even beginners can develop the habit of creating the foundation single crochet. Learn how to make this foundation single crochet chain stitch by stitch with reference photos.

Ditch the chain technique

You use this technique when you are first starting a project and you make the first chain and first row of single crochet all at once. 

This can be VERY exciting for most because it will add more flexibility and stretchiness to the project. Without the stiffness that comes with the traditional foundational chain.

Why Crocheters love this technique

Many crocheters love the foundation single crochet (FSC)  because you no longer deal with tight stitched chains, it makes counting stitches much simpler (especially if you’re a beginner) and becomes a much flatter project to handle.

You don’t have to worry about making your project longer to compensate for the tight stitching and add edging to cover up the look. This has completely changed the game.

With the right tension and gauge, we can make a beautiful foundation single crochet.

Materials

Crochet Hook

Yarn (works for any yarn type)

Scissors 

How-to foundation single crochet

 I have written instructions below that you can follow step-by-step to get this technique down pat.

Step 1: You first want to join your yarn with your hook with a slip knot, chain 2 stitches, then insert your hook inside of the 1st stitch and pull up a loop.

After drawing up a loop, there should be two loops on your hook. The very first line will be the 1st chain you will be making.

Step 2: Next, yarn over, and pull up a loop over the first stitch only. There should be two loops still on your hook.

Next, yarn over, and pull up both loops, resulting in your first single crochet! YAY!

In the image below, you will see there is a V that was created and the chain right below it.

We want to insert our hook into that chain, pull up a loop

Step 3: Next, yarn over, and pull up the 1st loop (this creates the chain part of the foundation single crochet)

Then yarn over, and pull up both loops, you now successfully finished your second FSC stitch.

That’s it! You’ll want to repeat this as many times as needed and be ready to start your project with ease.

I hope you enjoyed this foundation single crochet stitch and use it for your newest crochet projects. Please comment below if you found this content helpful or not.