How to Keep Your Crochet Work Straight

Keeping your crocheted work straight is not always easy.

Crocheting back and forth in rows is a common method used for making crocheted projects such as scarves, washcloths and blankets. Keeping the worked edges of crocheted pieces straight can prove to be a tricky issue for crocheters. Using an even tension for making stitches, chaining specific numbers of stitches at the beginning of rows and blocking your work help prevent uneven edges and create neat, even and attractively straight edges.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Crochet hook
• Three bath towels
• Rust-proof pins
• Spray bottle
• Water

Instructions

1. Crochet every stitch of every row with an even tension, regardless of the stitch or stitch pattern you are using. Wrap the working yarn comfortably around your right hand and use your index finger to guide the yarn as you maneuver the crochet hook. Slip every loop on your hook over the hook's thickest part below the tip. This section is the "shank," and it will shape every loop to a uniform size.

2. Crochet a "turning chain" at the beginning of each row. A turning chain consists of one or more chain stitches that sometimes replace the first stitch of the row and establish the height of the row. Chain one stitch before crocheting into the first stitch of the row when working in single crochet. Chain two stitches before crocheting into the first row stitch when working in half-double crochet. Chain three stitches before crocheting into the second row stitch when working in double crochet. Chain four stitches before crocheting into the second row stitch.

3. Use the blocking method to straighten the sides of your finished crocheted piece. Layer three bath towels, then lay your finished piece on the top towel. Use rust-proof pins to pin the edges of the piece into its desired shape, taking special care to pin the edges of the work straight. Fill a spray bottle with water and thoroughly spray the piece. Allow your work to air dry, which will make the piece keep the shape created by the pins.

References

• Yarn Lover's Room: Tension
• "Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework"; 1979
• Crochet Spot; Blocking Crochet; Rachel Choi