Expanding Crochet Blanket: Wider With Each Stitch

Whether you're an experienced crocheter or a beginner, you may sometimes find that your crochet blanket is getting wider. This can be frustrating, but you're not alone – it's a common issue with a simple fix, once you know what the cause is.

There are several reasons why your crochet blanket might be getting wider. One common reason is inconsistent tension. If your stitches get looser, they get larger and can cause an increase in the width of your blanket. Another possible cause is accidental increases, where extra stitches are accidentally added to the project. This could happen at the start or end of a row, or anywhere in between.

Yarn weight and hook size can also impact the width of your blanket. Switching to a thicker yarn or a larger hook will make the stitches larger, effectively adding width to the blanket.

To fix a crochet blanket that's getting wider, you first need to identify the cause. Check your tension, stitch count, yarn weight, and hook size. Once you've identified the issue, you can make the necessary adjustments to get your blanket back to the desired width.

Inconsistent tension

• Develop a comfortable grip on the hook: Experiment with different grips like the pencil or knife hold to find what feels most comfortable and secure for you. A good grip will help you control the tension more effectively.
• Be mindful of yarn handling: Avoid holding the yarn too tightly or too loosely. The way you unravel the yarn from the ball can also impact your tension. Try different methods, such as pulling from the inside or the outside, to see which works best for you.
• Practise consistently: The more you crochet, the more natural your tension will become. With practice, you will develop a feel for the yarn and be able to maintain a more consistent tension.
• Maintain good posture: Ensure you are sitting comfortably and with proper posture while crocheting. Consider raising your work slightly, using a cushion, for example, to help with this.
• Practise new stitches: If your project involves a stitch that is new to you, take the time to practise it by making a small sample. This will help you become familiar with the stitch and achieve more consistent tension before starting your main project.
• Adjust your grip and hook size: If you notice that your tension is too tight or too loose, pay attention to your grip and try to relax it. You can also consider using a smaller or larger hook size, respectively, to help compensate for inconsistent tension.
• Check your yarn placement: Ensure that the yarn you are working with is not pulling on the ball as you crochet, as this can create additional tension and unevenness in your work. Using a yarn bowl or unravelling the yarn beforehand can help with this.
• Start with a good foundation: The foundation chain is important for maintaining even tension throughout your project. Use a hook that is one or two sizes bigger than your project hook to create a consistent chain size, then switch to your correct-sized hook for the rest of the project.
• Be mindful of your mood and environment: Factors such as stress, excitement, temperature, and distractions can impact your tension. Be aware of your surroundings and mood while crocheting, and make adjustments as needed to maintain consistent tension.

Accidental increases

To avoid accidental increases:

• Count your stitches at the end of each row.
• Use stitch markers to identify the first and last stitch of each row.
• Read the pattern carefully to check whether or not the turning chain counts as a stitch, and if you should be crocheting into it.
• Become familiar with the anatomy of the stitch you are working with.
• Keep a note of the hook size with your project.

If you have noticed that your project is getting wider due to accidental increases, you will need to undo your work and start over. First, count the number of stitches in the last row to determine how many extra stitches you have. If you have more stitches than you should, carefully pull out the last row and count the number of stitches in the next row. Continue pulling out rows one by one, counting as you go, until you're back to the correct number of stitches. Then you can start over safely.

Yarn weight adjustment

Yarn weight plays a significant role in determining the size of your crochet blanket. If you want to adjust the weight of your yarn, it is important to understand the different yarn weights and how they impact your crochet project.

Understanding Yarn Weights

Yarn comes in seven standard weight categories, ranging from 1 (superfine) to 7 (jumbo). Each weight category is suitable for specific types of projects:

• Superfine (1): Ideal for socks and shawls.
• Fine (2): Suitable for baby items and light sweaters.
• Light (3): Commonly used for garments and accessories.
• Medium (4): Versatile weight for a wide range of projects.
• Bulky (5): Great for sweaters and afghans.
• Super Bulky (6): Also suitable for sweaters and afghans.
• Jumbo (7): Perfect for afghans and accent pieces.

Adjusting Yarn Weight for Your Crochet Blanket

When adjusting the yarn weight for your crochet blanket, consider the following:

• Final Look: Changing yarn weight can significantly alter the appearance of your blanket. Some patterns look better with finer yarns as the stitch pattern is more visible.
• Project Type: It is advisable to stick with patterns that lay flat, such as blankets, scarves, and dishcloths. Flat patterns make it easier to adjust the gauge and stitch count.
• Stitch Count: Choose patterns that provide a breakdown of the stitch count. Look for patterns that specify a foundation chain with a multiple of a specific number plus additional stitches. This makes it easier to adjust the pattern.
• Gauge and Hook Size: When changing yarn weight, you may need to adjust the crochet hook size to achieve the desired look. A smaller or larger hook may be necessary to get the right gauge and stitch definition.
• Yarn Amount: Keep in mind that increasing yarn weight will require less yarn, while decreasing yarn weight will need more yarn to complete your project.

Tips for Yarn Weight Adjustment

• Same Fiber: Substituting yarn with the same fiber (e.g., wool, cotton, or alpaca) will likely give you a similar result.
• Different Fiber: Using a different fiber may lead to variations in the final product's appearance and behaviour. For example, cotton yarns tend to be slippery and may cause the crocheted fabric to "live" and slide more.
• Same Yarn Weight: Using the same yarn weight simplifies the process and ensures a consistent gauge without requiring calculations for sizes.
• Yarn Length: Consider the yarn length in meters or yards. A yarn with the same fiber, weight, and length as the original yarn will likely produce a very similar result.
• Online Resources: Utilize online resources like Yarnsub and Ravelry to find suitable yarn substitutes. Google searches can also help, but be specific about the yarn fiber, weight, and length in your queries.

Using a larger crochet hook

However, it is important to remember that using a larger hook will also make your stitches looser and will impact the texture and drape of your blanket. If your crochet hook is too large for your yarn, your blanket won't be very warm as the stitches will be much larger. Depending on the stitch pattern, your blanket may resemble a piece of lace.

Therefore, it is recommended to increase your crochet hook size while also increasing your yarn weight so that your stitches look neat and lay flat. Working a gauge swatch with your desired yarn and crochet hook will allow you to get a feel for how the two will work together.

Additionally, if you are working on a project again after a long break, and you find that your gauge has changed, you can adjust your hook size to compensate.

Blocking

There are several ways to block your crochet, including:

• Soak blocking: This involves submerging your crochet project in cold or room-temperature water for 15-30 minutes. It is commonly used with natural fibres such as wool, cotton, or bamboo. After soaking, gently squeeze out the excess water and lay the project flat on a towel. Roll it up and gently press out most of the water. Then, it is ready for the blocking bit (pinning it out to shape and size).
• Spritzing: This is a form of wet blocking that is useful for items that only need a light block. Use a spray bottle to spritz clean water over your crochet until the fabric is damp, and then pin it out to dry.
• Steam blocking: This method involves pinning out your crochet project to shape and size, and then using a steamer or steam iron to add moisture and relax the fabric. This is the recommended method for blocking acrylic yarn and fibres that don't respond well to wet blocking. However, it is important to never apply direct heat to acrylic yarn, as it can melt the fibres.
• Pin blocking: Pin your crochet project into the desired final shape, and then wet it so that the stitches set in place. This method is particularly useful for joining crochet squares of different sizes, as it helps to even out the edges and make them the same dimensions.

When blocking, it is important to use rust-proof pins to avoid getting orange marks on your work. You will also need a blocking board or a safe surface to pin out your project.

Additionally, if you are blocking a swatch to test your blocking method, be sure to treat it the same way you will treat the final project. For example, if you plan to wash and block the final item, then wash and block your swatch as well.

Finally, blocking is not usually permanent. When you wash your crochet project, you will likely need to block it again, although this depends on factors such as the stitch pattern and fibre content.

Frequently asked questions