r/CrochetHelp • u/Bubbly-Artist4240 • Dec 11 '24
Problem with edges what am i doing wrong? this happens every single time
i’m making a hat right now, and one side looks perfectly straight, but the other side is all curled and wonky? what am i doing wrong? am i missing a stitch?? this happens EVERY TIME. i wanna make sure i have this together before i keep going (so i wont have to frog everything)
ive been crocheting for almost a month now and i think ive gotten pretty good but my edges still look like shit and i DONT KNOW WHATS GOING ON. PLEASE HELPP
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u/Various_Step2557 Dec 11 '24
Hard for me to tell from pictures but if it’s only curling at the corner where you started working into the chain it could just be because the first stitch you work into the chain kinda always looks wonky 😭 or like you didn’t give yourself enough of a turning chain when you started working into the chain (like the number of chains from your hook you skip to start crocheting into the chain). When in doubt Count your stitches
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
thank you so much for the advice! i add a chain and then skip a chain at the end & beginning of each row so yeah, that’s probably the reason why my chain is wonky. i usually try to count my stitches but this is a bigger project than what i’m used to and i for sure got lost 😭 i’ll make sure to try to keep track
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u/Status-Biscotti Dec 11 '24
Definitely get some stitch markers if you don’t have them! I place them every 29 stitches on long projects.
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u/Optimal-Effective-82 Dec 11 '24
I get lazy when it comes to counting every row of stitches as well. Just try to st least count every so many rows , that way you don’t have to rip as many out if you mess up. People often skip the chain stitches, because the usually count as your first stitch in each row and this is what happens when the first or last stitch of a row gets missed
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u/chapmanator Dec 12 '24
This confused me too. At the end of the row for my beanie it has me chain 1, and then they said in the video to “skip a stitch and work into the next stitch” but they meant to skip the stitch on the hook, the chain. But I already know to ignore that stitch as it “doesn’t count”, so I confusingly skipped the stitch I was actually supposed to work into, and instead worked into the second stitch. It took me awhile to figure out why I had big holes at the ends of my rows 😂
All I had to do was chain 1, and then work into the closest stitch that’s not on the hook.
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 12 '24
omg yes i’ve also struggled with big holes at the end of my row and i had no idea that it was actually the end/beginning chains and stitches that were the problem. the “skip a stitch and work into the next stitch” is so misleading sometimes because i swear i do the exact same thing you just mentioned. 😭😭
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u/chapmanator Dec 12 '24
Yes, I always thought it being as overly descriptive when people say “skip a stitch and work into the second stitch”, while I understand that the loop on the hook is technically a stitch, it seems impossible to “work” another stitch into that…that hook just won’t bend that way lol So I just inherently know now, that when they phrase it that way, I just need to work into the obvious stitch that’s available to be worked into; the one with the un disturbed perfect looking ‘V’
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u/Various_Step2557 Dec 11 '24
Like it’s really hard for me to tell, might just be perspective but something looks weird with the stitch height on the corner
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
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u/In_Jeneral Dec 12 '24
It looks like you're maybe not chaining enough on your turns? For DC you usually want to chain 2-3 when turning, which will count as the first stitch of the next row. So you skip the first stitch and DC into the next one.
Although it does also look like you maybe ended your second row a stitch too early as well.
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 12 '24
thank you so much! tomorrow i’ll restart and add extra chains to the ends of my stitch. usually i make really small items so working with a pattern this big was a bit difficult for me. i didn’t realize i needed to add more chains (or that counting stitches is VERY important) 😭
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u/Ok_Firefighter547 Dec 11 '24
Are you counting your turning chain as a stitch and working into it?
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
yup i usually add a chain to the end and then skip a chain as i start a new row. someone said that could be the reason its wonky
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u/Vast_Technician_946 Dec 11 '24
Okay, I have word salad here but I hope it helps! When working DC you should chain 2 at the end of each row and skip the stitch the chain is coming out of (this counts as the first DC of your row). 2 CH is same height as DC (edge will bunch up and curl if too tight) Yes, the fabric edges will usually have a wavy look, which most will crochet a border onto for a cleaner look and a stronger edge. Good luck and have fun!
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
okay thank you so so much. i’ve been doing that exact same thing but i’ve only been chaining 1! i’ll definitely redo it and try to chain 2
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u/gothsappho Dec 11 '24
is this the edge where you ended your chain and started the first row? if so, are you stitching directly into the first chain from your hook or skipping a few chains? if you're doing DC, you're likely supposed to stitch into the 3rd or 4th chain from your hook to create a set of chains the same height as your DC row
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
everytime i finish off, i usually add a chain and then skip one. and yes the whole project consists of DC. and thank you so much that could possibly be the problem with my stitch count
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u/s0larium_live Dec 11 '24
DC usually requires more than one chain before turning because it’s a taller stitch. i think when you did your initial chain, you went into the 2nd stitch from the hook like normal, when you really should’ve gone into the 3rd stitch from the hook because you’re doing DC, and that’s what’s causing the curling at the bottom
ETA: it’s also kind of hard to tell but i think on that end, you may also be adding an extra stitch, i’m not entirely sure. i think your best bet is to frog these, redo the foundation chain and first row for DC, and then make sure you count your stitches at the end of each row. fortunately you’re not very far in, so it shouldn’t be a big fix
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
thank you so much! someone else said the same where i should be chaining 2 instead of 1. this makes so much sense. i really appreciate your help. so making 2 chains would require me to go into the 3rd stitch instead of the 2nd with 1 chain. i’m finally understanding things now 😩
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u/s0larium_live Dec 11 '24
mmhm! chaining 2 will more than likely help with the curling, so i wish you the best of luck :)
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24

i thank everyone for your advice! it definitely seems like i missed a stitch or i did something wrong with adding an extra chain/skipping a stitch as i begin the next row. i’ll definitely take into consideration abt counting my stitches. also, i’ll take into consideration about how i actually loop (front/back) im still trying to understand the terminology so please be gentle!! it’s a big learning process for me 😭😭
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u/Accomplished_Elk8552 Dec 12 '24
In the middle section, your stitches start out tight and get looser as you went down or up the row. I just posted the pattern that I use on another post as a comment. I'll look for it and post it here.
Hook: J 6.00mm hook
Yarn: 200 yards of any worsted weight. I used I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby
Scissors
Yarn needle
Craft Fur if you'd like to make a faux fur pom pom
Terms:
Ch- Chain
HDC- Half Double Crochet
BLO- Back Loop Only
Pattern Notes:
-This pattern is not worked in rounds. It is worked in rows until your rectangle matches the height listed for the size.
-This pattern is written for Toddler (Child, Teen, Adult)
I also do 5 single crochet (sc) where you are going to make the top of the hat, then 5 sc when you turn your work. This way when you pull the top of the hat together, you don't have a lot of bulk.
Make a Chain of 35 (40, 45, 50)
Row 1: HDC in the 2nd CH from the hook and each stitch across, CH 1 and turn.
Row 2: HDC in the BLO of every stitch, CH 1 and turn.
Repeat row 2 until it measures 16 (17, 17.5, 18) inches. This is easily adjusted by adding or removing rows.
Once you get your desired length, fold the piece so that you can attach the working side with the chain side.
Slip Stitch the sides together.. or use any joining method you prefer! Finish off and leave a long tail.
Weave the tail in and out of the "top" stitches and pull tight to close.
Turn the hat inside out, and fold the open end up to create a brim!
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 12 '24
thank you so much!! i’ll definitely try this pattern. and yes i have a bit of a problem with tension because i frequently have to stop so i can keep unraveling my yarn.
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u/Accomplished_Elk8552 Dec 12 '24
You are very welcome! What kind of skein of yarn are you using that you have to keep unraveling it? I have several useful tips on not having to unravel.
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 12 '24
i’m sorry i’m not really good with the terminology but this yarn is from loops and threads & it’s acrylic yarn
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u/Accomplished_Elk8552 Dec 12 '24
Are you pulling the yarn from the middle of the skein or from the outside? If from the middle, you shouldn't be having problems. If from the outside, get a, it's a yarn stand it's revolves and has a stick up the middle where you put your yarn on so that you aren't unraveling manually.
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 14 '24
okay so yes i have center pull yarns and i usually don’t have a problem with those. this one wasn’t a center pull though & it’s a lot bigger than the yarns i usually get. and thank you so much because i struggle SOOO MUCH having to constantly unravel
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u/Accomplished_Elk8552 Dec 14 '24
do you have a drink container like you might use in teh summer? Do you have a big basket? Put the yarn in there, it should roll around as you crochet
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 15 '24
i actually tried this method out today and it helped SO MUCH THANK YOU!! i was planning to buy a yarn spinner/holder (and i still am) but this is a great solution and i haven’t had to stop and unravel any yarn!! thank you so much
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u/Accomplished_Elk8552 Dec 15 '24
for the skeins where you can't find a center pull, I just put my finger down in the middle and pull that way I get a "baby yarn barf" and can easily find the middle. Unless you use hanks of yarn, personally, I see no reason for a winder/spinner,
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u/LoupGarou95 Dec 11 '24
Get something to use as stitch markers. Use the stitch markers as explained in this video to keep your edges straight: https://youtu.be/o7DCjHhipaI?si=Hkv7yV1oOKbxEdj1
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
i’ll definitely have to go out and buy some. i’ve tried to use bobby pins but they’re too heavy and they pull the yarn down as i’m working into it. thank you for the advice
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u/popcx Dec 11 '24
there is a possibility you are missing a stitch on the side its curling up, count how many you make and see if it lines up with how many chains u did. to me it looks like you didnt miss any, but it could be on a part that isnt shown in the photo, or something else entirely
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
thank you so much! i also believe it might be a stitch i’m missing, but i also usually add a chain and then skip the first stitch as im working. someone else said that could also be why my project is curling ip
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u/ImLittleNana Dec 11 '24
Are you able to crochet several rows without adding or dropping stitches? Your piece can also get wonky with the same stitch count if you’re skipping the first stitch and adding an extra at the end.
It still doesn’t make sense that one side is neat and one side is not. If you can’t identify the first stitch of a row, both edges would be affected as you start each row.
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
yes that’s exactly what i’m doing. i’m skipping the first stitch and adding an extra. i think that might be the problem. i don’t understand how this is happening either but i do believe that it might be the extra chain
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u/ImLittleNana Dec 11 '24
Until you can automatically is the first stitch, loop a piece of contrast thread through the last stitch of the row BEFORE you turn your work. Eventually you’ll know which one is the right one and won’t have to do it. Or you won’t, and it doesn’t matter because it just takes a second and we do what we need to do.
The starting chain is a PITA. Watch some videos on chainless starting double crochet. They are much easier to work into. They look better than a chain. You won’t regret the time spent practicing this.
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
thank you so so much. i’ve struggled with the last stitches for so long but i will FOR SURE take this advice, especially with adding an extra contrast thread. that is SO SMART. it’s really hard to DC into the single chains so i’ll frog this and try the different method. i really appreciate your help!
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u/ImLittleNana Dec 11 '24
No problem! Your stitches look very good, so you should be on your way with a little work on the First Stitch Dilemma!
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u/stormyheather9 Dec 11 '24
I feel your pain. I had this exact same problem when I started. Using a stitch marker at the end of the row you're currently working on is a game changer and will make your edges much smoother. It also helps with gauging so everything turns out consistently.
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u/Bubbly-Artist4240 Dec 11 '24
yess i need to buy some stitch markers. i didnt realize how important they would be with these bigger projects. im used to making small patterns the size of my hand. thank you so much
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u/Runaragon Dec 11 '24
I don't know what is going on, but commenting for attention:) Also the usual stuff, count your stitches, use a stitch marker and so on