Introduction: It’s Not Just You—Crochet Can Be Tricky at First

So you’ve got your yarn, your hook, and a whole lot of excitement. You sit down, follow the tutorial…and your project turns out wonky, tight, or full of mystery loops. Sound familiar?

Don’t worry—every crocheter has been there. Making mistakes is part of learning. The good news is, most beginner crochet errors are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 common crochet mistakes new crafters make—and how to correct or avoid them. Whether you're practicing your first stitches or halfway through your first plushie, this is your friendly reality check.

Mistake 1: Holding the Yarn Too Tightly

The Problem:
Your stitches are stiff, your fingers hurt, and your hook won’t glide.

The Fix:
Relax your grip and let the yarn flow more freely through your fingers. Practice chaining loosely before starting any real project. If your yarn constantly splits or feels tense, it may also be a material issue—smooth cotton yarns (like those in Kynova kits) are easier to manage.

Mistake 2: Adding or Dropping Stitches Without Realizing

The Problem:
Your “square” is turning into a triangle or blob.

The Fix:
Use stitch markers to mark the first and last stitch of each row. Always count your stitches—at least until your hands memorize the rhythm.

Tip: In Kynova’s kits, video tutorials show exactly where each row begins and ends—no guesswork needed.

Mistake 3: Misidentifying the Turning Chain

The Problem:
You either skip a stitch or crochet into the wrong one, throwing off your row.

The Fix:
Understand when to count the turning chain as a stitch. For example, a turning chain in double crochet usually counts as the first stitch, but not in single crochet. Patterns or tutorials should clarify—if not, experiment on a test swatch.

Mistake 4: Choosing Difficult Yarn

The Problem:
Your stitches disappear into the fuzz or tangle endlessly.

The Fix:
Begin with light-colored, medium-weight, smooth yarn. Avoid fuzzy or variegated yarns until you’re confident in identifying stitches. Kynova kits use beginner-tested yarn that’s soft, durable, and easy to see.

Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Hook Size

The Problem:
Your fabric is too stiff, too loose, or the wrong size entirely.

The Fix:
Check your yarn label or pattern for the recommended hook size. A 5.0mm hook with worsted weight yarn is a great beginner combo. Kynova kits are curated with matching yarn and hook—no guesswork required.

Mistake 6: Skipping the Foundation Practice

The Problem:
You jump into a complex project and immediately feel lost.

The Fix:
Take 20 minutes to practice the basics: chains, single crochet, double crochet. Use a scrap yarn and hook to build muscle memory. It’s like stretching before a workout—your hands will thank you.

Mistake 7: Not Watching the Full Tutorial First

The Problem:
You dive in and halfway through realize there’s a tricky stitch or missed step.

The Fix:
Always watch the full tutorial or scan the pattern before starting. That way, you’re mentally prepared and can pause with confidence.

All Kynova kits include step-by-step video tutorials—with nothing skipped or sped up.

Mistake 8: Not Finishing Off or Weaving Ends Properly

The Problem:
Your project looks great, but the yarn tails are messy or unravel over time.

The Fix:
Use a yarn needle to weave in ends in at least two directions through existing stitches. Trim the leftover neatly. Bonus: it also makes your work look clean and professional.

Mistake 9: Avoiding Mistakes Instead of Learning From Them

The Problem:
You keep starting over every time you mess up, leading to frustration.

The Fix:
Leave small mistakes in! They help you learn what to correct next time. Most people won’t notice an extra stitch or a wonky corner—done is better than perfect.

Mistake 10: Comparing Your Work to Others

The Problem:
You see flawless crochet on Pinterest or Etsy and think, “Mine will never look like that.”

The Fix:
You’re comparing your beginning to someone else’s 100th project. Everyone starts with uneven stitches and frogged yarn. Be kind to yourself and enjoy the process. Growth will follow.

Final Thoughts: Progress, Not Perfection

Crochet isn’t about making perfect stitches—it’s about enjoying the process, learning as you go, and turning yarn into something joyful. Mistakes are signs you’re doing the work.

So don’t give up when your first project looks a little wonky. Every crocheter started exactly where you are. And if you want a project designed for success—with tested yarn, ergonomic tools, and zero-confusion tutorials—check out one of our Kynova Beginner Crochet Kits.

Mistakes will happen. What matters is that you keep stitching.