Achieving Perfectly Straight Edges For Your Crochet Blanket Project

Creating straight edges on a crochet blanket is a common challenge for crocheters, especially beginners. The good news is that there are several simple techniques to achieve straight edges and eliminate gaps. The most important tip is to maintain an accurate stitch count throughout the project. Other methods include using the right length of turning chain, keeping consistent tension, and blocking the finished work. Additionally, the foundation turning stitch technique, where two single crochets are stacked on top of each other, creates even edges without gaps. Practicing these techniques will help crocheters master the art of straight edges and improve the overall appearance of their crochet blankets.

Count your stitches

Counting your stitches is an essential skill for any crocheter, whether you are a beginner or an expert. It helps you keep track of the number of stitches in each row, which is important for maintaining the correct size and shape of your blanket. It also helps you avoid mistakes, such as adding or skipping stitches, which can cause your blanket to be uneven or misshapen.

There are two common ways to count stitches:

• Counting the 'v' shapes along the stitches as you work.
• Counting the 'post' of each stitch after they have been completed.

• Single crochet stitches: Count the V-shaped loops on the top of the stitch. Each V-shaped loop represents one single crochet stitch.
• Half-double crochet stitches: Identify the 'post' of the stitch by locating the vertical bar created by each half-double crochet stitch. Move along the row, counting each post as you come across – each post represents one half-double crochet stitch.
• Double crochet stitches: Count the posts. As the stitches get taller, each vertical bar becomes more obvious.
• Treble crochet stitches: Count the vertical posts or the 'v' shapes along the row.

Some additional tips for counting stitches include:

• Do not count the stitch on your hook when counting stitches.
• The slip knot does not count as a stitch.
• A yarn over (YO) does not count as a stitch.
• The first stitch in a row or round may or may not be counted as a stitch, depending on the pattern or technique.
• The turning chain may or may not be counted as a stitch, depending on the pattern.

To make counting stitches easier, consider using stitch markers, counting out loud, or using a row counter. It is also helpful to count your stitches at the end of each row to ensure they match the pattern. Taking breaks can also help you stay focused and avoid making mistakes.

Understand turning chains

Turning chains are an essential technique in crocheting, allowing you to transition smoothly from one row of stitches to the next while maintaining the required height for the first stitch in the new row. Here is everything you need to know about turning chains to achieve straight edges on your crochet blanket:

A turning chain is a crochet technique used to move from one row of stitches to the next while maintaining the correct height for the first stitch of the new row. It is typically worked in between rows of crochet stitches. The length of the turning chain depends on the height of the stitch you are working with. For example, a single crochet stitch usually has a turning chain of one stitch, while a double crochet stitch typically has a turning chain of three stitches.

Working the Turning Chain

When you reach the end of a row, you would typically turn your work and make a chain stitch (or a group of chain stitches, depending on the stitch type). This turning chain usually takes the place of the first stitch of the new row, except in single crochet rows, where you would work the first stitch of the new row after making the turning chain.

Counting the Turning Chain

There is some variation in how crochet designers treat the turning chain in their patterns. Sometimes, the turning chain is counted as a stitch, and other times it is not. It is important to check the pattern you are following to see how the turning chain should be treated. If the turning chain is not counted as a stitch, it can help to create straighter and less "holey" edges.

Skipping the First Stitch

After making the turning chain and turning your work, you may be instructed to skip the first stitch and insert your hook into the second stitch of the row. This can create a rounded corner on your crochet piece. Alternatively, inserting your hook into the first stitch will create a sharp corner.

Alternative Techniques

If you are looking for alternative ways to achieve straight edges on your crochet blanket, there are a few other techniques you can try. One method is to reduce the number of turning chains by one for taller stitches. For example, instead of chaining three for a double crochet stitch, you could chain two. Another technique is to use the Alternative Turning Chain or stacked single crochet method for stitches taller than double crochet.

Mind the gap

Gaps in crochet projects are a common issue, especially for beginners. The good news is that there are several ways to avoid them and achieve straight edges.

The turning chain

The turning chain is a common culprit for gaps in crochet projects. The chain might be the wrong length—the correct length is one for single crochet, two for half double, and three for double crochet.

If you are using a double crochet stitch, you can try using a chain two at the beginning of each row instead of a chain three. This will give you a neater edge. Alternatively, you can skip the first stitch when you are chaining two, which will also help to avoid gaps.

Extended stitches

If you find that your edges are relatively even but there is a gap on one or both sides between the edge stitch and the next stitch, try using an extended stitch. Crochet an extended version of the stitch (e.g. an extended single crochet or extended double crochet) into the first stitch, then crochet regular stitches into each stitch across, and work the last stitch of the row into the top of the extended stitch that began the previous row. The extended stitch is slightly taller and thicker, which usually eliminates the gap.

Stacked single crochet

Another technique to avoid gaps when working with double crochet is to use a "turning single crochet" or "stacked single crochet". Instead of a chain two or chain three at the turning point, you single crochet in the first stitch. Insert your hook under the vertical bar and work a second single crochet on top of the first single crochet to bring it to double crochet height.

Stitch count

Keeping track of your stitch count is important for avoiding gaps. If you have too many stitches in a row, you may have placed the first stitch in the wrong place (e.g. in the base of the turning chain instead of the next stitch), put two stitches in the same place, or crocheted a stitch into a space. If you have too few stitches, you may have skipped a stitch, which often happens at the beginning or end of a row.

Keep your colours on track

Keeping your colours on track is a crucial part of crocheting a blanket with straight edges. Here are some tips to help you stay organised when working with multiple colours of yarn:

Keep Track of Yarn Colours

It's easy to lose track of which colour is which, especially when working with several balls of yarn. A simple tip is to tie a small piece of yarn around the wrapper when you use a colour for the first time. This way, you can always identify the correct colour. Alternatively, you can create a file containing your yarn and colours or purchase shade cards from stores like Wool Warehouse and Caro's Atelier.

Changing Colours

When changing colours in crochet, there are a few techniques to ensure smooth transitions and neat edges. Here are the steps for a basic colour change:

• Stop crocheting just before you pull through the last two loops on your hook.
• Drop the old colour of yarn.
• Put the new colour on the hook by laying the new strand over the hook, holding the yarn tail to the back of your work.
• Use the new colour to pull through the last two loops on the hook, completing the stitch.
• Continue crocheting with the new colour.

This method works for single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, and half-double crochet stitches.

Carrying Unused Yarn

If you plan to change back to a previous colour, you can carry the unused yarn inside your stitches instead of cutting and weaving in ends. To do this, have the unused yarn sit above your hook as you make the stitch, embedding it inside. Before changing colours again, give the carried yarn end a tug to avoid bunching.

Tips for Changing Colours:

• Leave long yarn tails when changing colours to ensure enough length for weaving at the end.
• If changing colours frequently, carry the unused yarn along the side of your work to reduce the number of ends to weave in.

Keep even tension

Keeping Even Tension

Even tension is essential for a uniform crochet pattern. Here are some tips to help you keep your tension even throughout your project.

Choose the Right Hook

Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes and materials. Opting for a bigger hook will give you a looser pattern, while a smaller hook will give you a tighter one. Many expert crocheters recommend using a bigger hook when casting your stitches to give you more room to work with.

Hold the Yarn and Hook Correctly

There are various ways to hold the hook and yarn when crocheting, and you should find the most comfortable way for you. For example, you can hold the hook like a knife or a pen, and the yarn can be held in different ways depending on the tension you want. Try different methods until you find what works best for you.

Secure Your Yarn

How you secure your yarn is important for maintaining even tension. If you are working with a skein, ball, or cake, make sure that the yarn you are working with doesn't pull on the rest of the ball as you work, as this will create additional tension. You can secure the yarn by placing it in a bowl or unrolling some of it beforehand and letting it loose.

Start with a Good Foundation

The foundation chain can be challenging for beginners, with the chain often too tight or too loose. To help keep your tension even throughout the project, it is recommended to use a hook one or two sizes bigger than the one you need for your project when making the foundation chain. Then, when the foundation chain is done, switch to the correct-sized hook.

Practice Makes Perfect

The more you practice, the more even your yarn tension will become. Create gauge swatches with various types and weights of yarn to improve your tension before moving on to more complex projects.

Frequently asked questions