Top 5 Common Crochet Mistakes and How to Fix Them
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:
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Missing the first or last stitch in a row
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Skipping chain spaces
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Miscounting when working in rounds
How to fix it:
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Count your stitches regularly. Seriously—do it every row until it's second nature.
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Use stitch markers to mark the beginning and end of rows or important increases/decreases.
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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:
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Holding the yarn too tightly or too loosely
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Changing hand position mid-project
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Stress or multitasking (yes, crochet tension reflects your mood!)
How to fix it:
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Practice with medium-weight yarn and a 4mm–5mm hook for better control.
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Try to relax your hands and shoulders—crochet should be comfy, not cramped.
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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:
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You twisted your starting chain before joining
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You worked into the back “bump” instead of the top loops
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You didn’t recognize the “right” and “wrong” sides of the work
How to fix it:
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Lay your starting chain flat and untwisted before joining to work in the round.
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When working flat, insert your hook under both top loops of the chain to avoid curling.
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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:
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Not adding the correct turning chain (ch 1, ch 2, etc.) at the beginning of a row
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Confusing the turning chain with a real stitch
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Accidentally crocheting into the turning chain when you shouldn’t
How to fix it:
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Learn the correct turning chain for each stitch type:
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ch 1 for single crochet (sc)
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ch 2 for half double crochet (hdc)
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ch 3 for double crochet (dc)
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Don’t count the turning chain as a stitch—unless your pattern says so.
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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:
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Not weaving in ends securely
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Cutting yarn too short
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Skipping final knots or blocking
How to fix it:
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Always leave a 6-inch tail of yarn at the beginning and end of a project.
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Use a yarn needle to weave in ends in multiple directions to “lock” them in place.
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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:
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Step-by-step video instructions
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Free practice projects to build confidence
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Printable patterns for unlimited repeats
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.