How to Fix a Crochet Blanket That’s Not Wide Enough

How to Fix a Crochet Blanket That’s Not Wide Enough

Assessing the Issue

There are various reasons why your blanket might not be wide enough. In many cases, a blanket has a constant width which is simply too narrow throughout. However, in other instances, the blanket width may vary, leading to some areas being wider than others.

In this section, we’ll discuss possible reasons why your blanket may be too narrow.

Too Few Stitches Per Row

Sometimes, a blanket made in rows is simply started with too few stitches per row to achieve the desired width. This is usually due to mis-estimating the number of stitches required to achieve the desired width. For example, perhaps a swatch was not made before the project was started to check the required number of stitches per row. Even if a swatch was made, perhaps your tension when making the swatch was looser than that when you actually made the blanket.

Incorrect Gauge

Another reason why a blanket may be too narrow is that your gauge is too high (i.e. too many stitches per cm). For example, even if you are simply following a pattern, with the pattern’s recommended hook size, you still might not necessarily reach the same width as that stated in the pattern. This could be due to:

• Your tension being tighter than that of the pattern designer.
• Using a thinner yarn than that recommended in the pattern.

Uneven Stitches

If your stitches are uneven then this can result in some parts of your blanket being narrower than others. Uneven stitches can occur due to variations in tension, yarn thickness, or the use of an incorrect hook size. To assess the issue, examine the blanket for areas of inconsistency. It’s important to maintain consistent tension throughout the project to keep the gauge even.

Missed Stitches

Another factor contributing to a crochet blanket not being wide enough in parts may be missed stitches. Missed stitches can lead to gaps and cause the blanket to be narrower than intended. To identify missed stitches, carefully review the blanket for any missing loops, looking for incomplete rows. One common place where stitches are often missed is at the start of end of rows.

Correcting the Problem

Once you have worked out why your blanket is narrower than intended, you can work to fix the problem. There are various options available for fixing a blanket that is not wide enough. The ones you select will depend on whether the blanket is too narrow throughout, or whether it is only too narrow in some parts, and whether or not you are happy to re-do any of your existing work.

Adding Extra Rows

One way to fix a crochet blanket that isn’t wide enough is to add extra rows down the sides of your blanket. Be sure to add them to both sides if you wish to maintain a symmetric look.

Here’s how:

1. Select a complimentary yarn color and appropriate stitch for your project. Ideally, you should use the same type of yarn that you used for the rest of your blanket. You may wish to use the same color as the rest of your blanket or go for something contrasting. Similarly, with regards to stitch choice, you could use the same stitch as used in your blanket or something different.
2. Carefully join the new yarn to one corner of the blanket with a slip stitch.
3. Proceed to crochet additional rows back and forth along the side(s) of the blanket until your blanket reaches the desired width.
4. When working into the sides of existing stitches, be sure to place your new stitches at suitable intervals to avoid puckering. For example:
   • When working into the side of single crochet stitches, work one stitch per single crochet stitch
   • When working into the side of half double crochet stitches, work three stitches into the side of every two half double crochet stitches
   • When working into the side of double crochet stitches, work two stitches per double crochet stitch
5. Be mindful of the overall gauge and tension, ensuring that your extra rows blend seamlessly with the existing ones.

Adding Motifs

Another way to add extra width to a blanket is with motifs such as granny squares. You could do this whether or not your blanket already contains motifs.

In order to add extra width with granny square motifs, follow these steps:

1. Choose which yarn color or colors you would like to use for the granny squares. This should be with the same type of yarn as used for the rest of your blanket.
2. Start making a granny square, adding rounds until you reach the desired size for the extra width you wish to add.
3. Measure the length of your blanket and the width of your granny square to calculate how many granny squares you will need to add.
4. Make enough granny squares to cover the whole length of your blanket, or a little less.
5. Join your granny squares to form a strip and then join that strip to the edge of your blanket. You could do this by sewing them together, e.g. with whip stitch, or by crocheting them together, e.g. with a slip stitch or single crochet join.
6. If you granny squares do not quite cover the whole length of your blanket, fill in the remaining gap with one or more rows of double crochet stitches.

Adding a Border

Another option is to add a border, or a larger border, to a blanket that isn’t wide enough. However, one thing to note with this option is that it will also add length to your blanket, as well as width.

Begin by choosing a border pattern that compliments your blanket design. Select which color or colors of yarn you would like to use. This should be the same type of yarn as used for the rest of your blanket. You should also make sure you use the same hook size.

To start, attach the yarn to one corner of the blanket and then crochet around the blanket with your chosen stitch. As above, when crocheting into the sides of any existing stitches (rows), work the following numbers of stitches:

• When working into the side of single crochet stitches, work one stitch per single crochet stitch
• When working into the side of half double crochet stitches, work three stitches into the side of every two half double crochet stitches
• When working into the side of double crochet stitches, work two stitches per double crochet stitch

When working around the corners, you will need to add stitches to avoid puckering. The number you add will depend on which stitches you are crocheting. For example:

• If you are forming the border with single crochet stitches, work (1 sc, 1 ch, 1 sc) into each corner
• If you are forming the border with double crochet stitches, work (2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc) into each corner

Keep adding rounds to your border until you reach your desired width.

Adjusting Tension

Sometimes, a crochet blanket may not be wide enough due to varying tension throughout the project. If your tension becomes tighter, this will result in a narrower blanket. To fix this issue frog back (i.e. undo) any rows that are too narrow and then re-work them as follows:

• Pay attention to your grip, ensuring that it is consistent and relaxed.
• If your tension is still tighter than it was previously, consider going up a hook size until your gauge matches that of the rest of your blanket.

Blocking

Blocking is a method that can help give your crochet blanket a more uniform width. This is particularly useful if you have already finished your blanket and do not wish to frog it.

Here’s how to spray block your blanket:

1. Lay your blanket on a clean, flat surface, such as a blocking mat or spare bed.
2. Pin the blanket’s edges using rust-proof pins, making sure to stretch it to a consistent width across the entire length.
3. Spritz the entire blanket with lukewarm water, dampening it evenly.
4. Allow the blanket to air dry, making sure it remains undisturbed during the drying process.
5. Once dry, remove the pins and appreciate the improved width of your crochet blanket.

Yarn Weight Adjustment

Adjusting the yarn weight can also impact the width of your crochet blanket. Switching to a thicker yarn adds more bulk and width to the blanket, making it wider without having to change the pattern. To accomplish this, choose a yarn with a higher weight category, which will result in larger stitches. You may also have to use a larger hook size. By using a thicker yarn, you can create a wider blanket without having to crochet more stitches. However, remember that changing your yarn weight will also affect the texture and drape of your blanket so make sure you are happy with it.

Using a Larger Crochet Hook

Another method of producing a wider crochet blanket is to use a larger crochet hook. By increasing the hook size, the stitches will become larger, effectively adding width to the blanket. Remember though that using a larger hook will also make your stitches looser and impact the texture and drape of your blanket.

Preventing the Issue

Now you know how to correct a blanket that is not wide enough, you may also be interested to know how to prevent the issue from arising in future projects. Here are a few ideas of how to make sure your blankets always end up with the perfect width.

Swatch

It is always tempting to dive straight in with a new project and skip the step of swatching. However, by making a swatch first, you can check that your hook size and stitch count will achieve the desired width before you start.

To make a swatch, follow these steps:

1. With your chosen yarn and hook size, making a starting chain that is around 15-20 cm long.
2. Work back along that chain with the stitch chosen for your blanket, e.g. single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, or something fancier like V-stitch or shell stitch.
3. Continue working back and forth in rows until your swatch is around 15-20cm in length.

If you are happy with the texture and drape of your swatch, you can then use your swatch to calculate how many stitches wide your blanket will need to be to achieve your desired width.

If you’re not sure what width to aim for, my standard crochet blanket sizes guide covers common dimensions from baby blankets through to bed-sized throws.

If you would like your stitches to be slightly looser or tighter, re-make the swatch with a larger or smaller hook until you are happy with it, and then determine how many stitches wide to make your blanket.

Ensure Correct Stitch Count

As noted above, sometimes blankets can have narrower parts due to incorrect stitch counts in some rows. Follow these tips to make sure that your stitch count is correct throughout your blanket:

• Count your stitches at the end of each row to make sure it is correct.
• Place stitch markers on the first and last stitch of each row to make sure that you don’t miss them on subsequent rows.

Maintain Consistent Tension

Finally, when working on your blankets, make sure that you maintain consistent tension throughout your project to avoid inconsistencies. Some tips for achieving consistent tension include:

• Sit comfortably with good posture while you crochet.
• Don’t grip your hook or yarn too tightly.
• Take a break if you get tired.
• If you are working on a project again after a long break, and you find that your gauge has changed, adjust your hook size to compensate.
• Practise, practise, practise. The more you practise, the easier it will become to maintain a consistent tension while crocheting.

Conclusion: How to Fix a Crochet Blanket That’s Not Wide Enough

In summary, fixing a crochet blanket that is not wide enough can be accomplished through several methods. These include:

• Adding borders or extra rows: One of the simplest ways to increase the width of a crochet blanket is by adding borders or extra rows on each side.
• Joining additional motifs: Another solution is to create a strip of motifs and join them to the edge of your blanket.
• Blocking: Blocking is great for evening out your edges and even stretching out your blanket to your desired width.
• Changing yarn or hook size: If the blanket is still in progress, you can try switching to a thicker yarn or a larger hook to make larger stitches and increase the width.

More Help with Crochet Blankets

If your blanket has uneven edges rather than simply being too narrow, you might also find my guide to why a crochet blanket isn’t square helpful – it covers some of the same underlying causes from a slightly different angle.

For more guidance on planning, making, and troubleshooting crochet blankets, the Crochet Blanket Resource Hub brings all of my blanket tutorials and guides together in one place.

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