Top 5 Common Crochet Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Top 5 Common Crochet Mistakes and How to Fix Them – Kynova
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Top 5 Common Crochet Mistakes and How to Fix Them

by Ethan YUEN 04 Jun 2025

Introduction

Crocheting is a relaxing, rewarding hobby—but like any craft, it comes with a learning curve. If you’re new to crochet, chances are you’ve hit a few snags (pun intended). Uneven rows? Weird holes? A shrinking project that wasn't supposed to shrink?

Don’t worry—every crocheter has been there. In this post, we’ll walk you through the top 5 most common crochet mistakes beginners make—and more importantly, how to fix and avoid them. So grab your hook and let’s turn those “oops” into “aha!” moments.

1. Mistake: Adding or Dropping Stitches by Accident

The problem: Your square is turning into a triangle. Or your scarf is suddenly wider at one end. This usually means you're accidentally increasing or decreasing stitches without realizing it.

Why it happens:

  • Missing the first or last stitch in a row

  • Skipping chain spaces

  • Miscounting when working in rounds

How to fix it:

  • Count your stitches regularly. Seriously—do it every row until it's second nature.

  • Use stitch markers to mark the beginning and end of rows or important increases/decreases.

  • Double-check your pattern and make sure you know where to place the first and last stitch.

Bonus tip: Use kits like Kynova’s beginner sets, which include stitch markers and visual tutorials that show exactly where each stitch goes.

2. Mistake: Tension Troubles – Too Tight or Too Loose

The problem: Your stitches are hard to work into, or your fabric looks floppy and uneven.

Why it happens:

  • Holding the yarn too tightly or too loosely

  • Changing hand position mid-project

  • Stress or multitasking (yes, crochet tension reflects your mood!)

How to fix it:

  • Practice with medium-weight yarn and a 4mm–5mm hook for better control.

  • Try to relax your hands and shoulders—crochet should be comfy, not cramped.

  • Use practice projects like a leaf bookmark (included in some Kynova kits) to find your natural rhythm before starting big pieces.

Pro tip: If your tension is wildly inconsistent, don't rip it all out—block your project at the end to even things out!

3. Mistake: Twisting Chains or Working into the Wrong Side

The problem: Your foundation row is curled, twisted, or uneven.

Why it happens:

  • You twisted your starting chain before joining

  • You worked into the back “bump” instead of the top loops

  • You didn’t recognize the “right” and “wrong” sides of the work

How to fix it:

  • Lay your starting chain flat and untwisted before joining to work in the round.

  • When working flat, insert your hook under both top loops of the chain to avoid curling.

  • Mark the front (right side) of your project with a removable stitch marker to keep track.

Beginner advice: Always use video tutorials if you’re unsure—written patterns don’t always show the angle or hand position clearly.

4. Mistake: Skipping the Turning Chain (or Adding Extra Ones)

The problem: Your rows look jagged on the sides, or you have unexpected holes along the edges.

Why it happens:

  • Not adding the correct turning chain (ch 1, ch 2, etc.) at the beginning of a row

  • Confusing the turning chain with a real stitch

  • Accidentally crocheting into the turning chain when you shouldn’t

How to fix it:

  • Learn the correct turning chain for each stitch type:

    • ch 1 for single crochet (sc)

    • ch 2 for half double crochet (hdc)

    • ch 3 for double crochet (dc)

  • Don’t count the turning chain as a stitch—unless your pattern says so.

  • Use consistent technique: either always crochet into the turning chain or never do—it’ll keep your edges even.

Try this: Kynova's beginner patterns show exact stitch placement in both video and PDF format so there’s no guesswork.

5. Mistake: Not Finishing or Securing Ends Properly

The problem: Your project looks good—until it falls apart after one use or wash.

Why it happens:

  • Not weaving in ends securely

  • Cutting yarn too short

  • Skipping final knots or blocking

How to fix it:

  • Always leave a 6-inch tail of yarn at the beginning and end of a project.

  • Use a yarn needle to weave in ends in multiple directions to “lock” them in place.

  • Gently block your piece with steam or pinning to set the shape and hide minor flaws.

Smart strategy: Do finishing steps as you go—weave in tails after each section instead of all at once.

Final Thoughts: Mistakes Are Part of the Magic

Every experienced crocheter will tell you: mistakes are just part of learning. The good news? Most crochet mistakes are easy to fix with a little practice and the right tools.

That’s why Kynova’s crochet kits for beginners include:

FAQs

Q: Should I start with a full-size project or something small?
A: Start small! Practice with a coaster, bookmark, or flower motif. Once you're comfortable with basic stitches, move on to bigger items like tissue box covers or baskets.

Q: How long does it take to get “good” at crochet?
A: Most people get comfortable with basic stitches in a few days. Confidence comes from consistency—just 15 minutes a day can lead to fast progress!

Q: Can I fix mistakes in the middle of a project?
A: Yes! You can rip back (aka “frogging”) a few rows or use a crochet hook to correct a stitch without undoing everything.

Want to Crochet Without the Guesswork?

Try one of Kynova’s beginner-friendly crochet kits. Each set includes everything you need to start and finish your project—with confidence and joy.

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