Learn to crochet
How to fix crochet mistakes
Fix crochet mistakes by removing the hook, gently pulling the working yarn to unravel stitches back to the error, and reinserting the hook into the last good loop. Most common mistakes, such as uneven edges, curling and wrong stitch counts, come from missed or added stitches at row ends or tight tension.
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How do you unravel crochet to fix a mistake?
Unravel crochet to fix a mistake by pulling the working yarn back one stitch at a time to the error.
- Take the hook out of the working loop.
- Pull the working yarn gently; stitches unravel in reverse order.
- Stop when the last correct stitch is intact.
- Insert the hook into the live loop of that stitch.
- Count the stitches in the current row before continuing.
Why are my crochet edges uneven?
Crochet edges are uneven when stitches are skipped or added at the beginning or end of rows. The last stitch is easy to miss because it hides next to the turning chain.
Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of every row and count stitches after each row.
Why is my crochet curling?
Crochet curls when the foundation chain is tighter than the stitches worked into it, or when tension varies across the fabric. Use a hook one size larger for the chain, or start with foundation single crochet.
Why is my crochet getting wider or narrower?
Crochet gets wider when extra stitches are added, often by working into the turning chain or the first stitch twice. Crochet gets narrower when the last stitch of each row is skipped.
Compare the stitch count to the first row, then unravel to the row where the count changed.
Can you fix a crochet mistake without unraveling?
A small crochet mistake can sometimes be fixed without unraveling: a single missed stitch can be hidden by adding an increase in the next row, and a small hole can be closed with a matching yarn tail and a tapestry needle.
Patterns to practise on
How to crochet a classic granny square
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 35 yd
Free pattern
Easy moss stitch crochet dishcloth
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 100 yd
Free pattern
Simple half double crochet baby beanie in the round
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 130 yd
Free pattern
Quick round crochet coaster in cotton
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 4.5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 18 yd
Free pattern
Frequently asked questions
What is frogging in crochet?
Frogging means unraveling crochet stitches, named because you 'rip it, rip it' like a frog's croak.
Can I reuse frogged yarn?
Yes. Wind it into a loose ball; kinked yarn can be relaxed by steaming or soaking before reuse.
How do I stop losing count?
Use stitch markers every 10 or 20 stitches and a row counter or tally marks on the pattern.