A common problem many face when making their crochet projects is that there is unwanted curling at the edges.
We’ve all been there before. You’re making a crochet blanket and it feels like you’re doing something wrong because the edges are curling.
This can be really frustrating to deal with as a beginner. Here we go over the reasons why crochet curls and how to prevent it in your projects.
Why is My Crochet Curling?
Tight Tension
The most common reason that crochet curls is because the tension is too tight. If your stitches are worked together too tightly your project may become a little stiff and the edges may curl in. This common in crochet blankets and many other projects.
Chains
Another common reason for curls is the foundation chain. If it’s too loose or too tight you will run into problems.
If it’s too loose the new stitches made into it will cause your piece to lose its shape. If it’s too tight the stitches will pull out of shape.
You can also end up with twisting problems which create even more issues.
How to Keep Your Crochet from Curling
There are a few ways to prevent curling in your crochet projects. If you’re curling is caused by having tight tension, you can try going up a hook size.
By using a larger hook size you give your stitches more room which can reduce the tension.
Another option is to make a gauge swatch. This will help ensure you’re staying on a good tension when following your pattern.
If your curling is caused by your foundation chain, a remedy many crocheters use is to make their foundation chain with a hook one size larger than they use for the rest of the project.
If twisting is causing your curving, a foundationless chain might be a good option.
How to Fix Crochet Blanket Curving
Curving problems when making a crochet blanket are pretty common problems. They are also very frustrating. Here’s 3 ways to fix curving in a crochet blanket:
- Blocking
- Adding a Border
- Ripping or Frogging to a Previous Row
Blocking
Blocking is a technique used by many crocheters on their finished projects when they don’t really turn out quite the shape they need to be.
The technique usually involves soaking the piece and stretching it out and pinning it into the desired shape. This is done by laying it on a flat surface and pinning it down until it dries.
Blocking works best for mild curving issues because it doesn’t really address the root problem of the curving. It’s just a band-aid that will help address mild problems. It also works better on certain types of yarn than others, so this is something to keep in mind
Adding a Border
If you’re close to finishing your blanket and you realize it’s starting to curve, it’s not realistic to go back into your rows and fix them. At this point, adding a border is likely your best choice to fix this issue.
You can use a new color and add a border around the edge of your blanket to create a cool look for your project. Just make sure to go slow so that you get a nice even edge around your blanket that will solve your curving problem.
Ripping or Frogging to a Previous Row
If tension issues are causing your blanket to curve, ripping or “frogging” back to a previous row is going to be the best way of fixing it. It’s also the most time-consuming method, and many crocheters despise it.
Find the last point where your stitches are correct and rip back to fix this error. Make sure you get the tension right on the next go around so you don’t have to rip back to the same spot twice!
Closing Thoughts
Unwanted curls, waves, and ripples in your crochet projects can be fixed with a little know-how. It’s a common problem that you will probably experience many times on your crochet journey.
Don’t get too discouraged if you find it happening on a project you are working on.
Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Pay attention to your tension and make sure you’re getting it right the first time, and you might save yourself a ton of headaches down the road.
Related Posts:
How Many Skeins to Crochet a Blanket?
How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Blanket?
Fixing Uneven Blankets