Why Does My Crochet Get Smaller? Common Causes and Solutions

Crocheting can be a relaxing and creative hobby, but it can be frustrating when the work doesn’t stay consistent. One common problem for beginners is when the size of the crochet project unintentionally gets smaller or narrower. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but it often comes down to tension issues or discrepancies in stitch counts. Uneven rows and shrinking projects can deter even the most enthusiastic of newbie crocheters. Identifying the root causes is essential to solving this issue.

Common Causes of Crochet Getting Smaller

Crochet projects getting smaller is usually an issue in projects worked back and forth in rows. There are two main causes of crochet projects getting smaller, or decreasing in width, as you work on them. These are:

• Incorrect stitch count (too few stitches)
• Change in tension

It is easy to determine which of these issues is the problem in your work. Simply count the number of stitches in the last row you crocheted and check if it is correct.

If you have too few stitches, then you know that incorrect stitch count is the reason for your shrinkage.

On the other hand, if you have the correct number of stitches (and started off with the correct number as well), then it is a change in tension that is the issue.

Below, we’ll explore each of these reasons in more detail, look at how to fix the issue, and how to avoid it in future.

Incorrect Stitch Count

As noted above, one of the most common reasons for crochet projects becoming narrower is an incorrect stitch count.

If you find you have too few stitches in your crochet, carefully check back through the rows, counting their stitches, and try to identify where the decrease in stitches occurred. This could be mid-way through a row. However, often with beginners, stitches are missed at the start or end of the row.

In some projects, the “turning chain” counts as the first stitch of the row. In this case, the second stitch is made into the next stitch of the previous row. In addition, the last stitch of a row should be made into the top of the turning chain of the previous row. Sometimes, you might find that you forget to make that last stitch into the top of the turning chain and missing making the last stitch of the row.

In other projects, the turning chain does not count as a stitch. In these cases, you need to work the first stitch of the row into the last stitch of the previous row, not the next one along. Sometimes that stitch can be missed.

Fixing an Incorrect Stitch Count

Once you have examined your work and checked where the stitch(es) was(were) missed, you could frog back (unravel) your work to the point where the stitch count was last correct and then re-work that part of your project, counting your stitches carefully as you go. With this approach you can be sure that all of your work will have the correct stitch count per row.

Alternatively, if the issue is not that noticeable, you might choose to address the incorrect stitch count by simply working an extra stitch(es) into the next row (e.g. two stitches into one stitch from the previous row, instead of just one). From that point onwards, your stitch count will be correct again.

Which of these options you choose will depend on how noticeable the problem is and your own personal preferences for perfection in your projects.

Avoiding an Incorrect Stitch Count

Here are some tips for avoiding an incorrect stitch count in your projects:

• Read the pattern carefully to check whether or not the turning chain counts as a stitch.
• If the turning chain does count as a stitch, make sure you work the last stitch of each next row into the top of the turning chain from the previous row.
• If the turning chain does not count as a stitch, make sure you work the first stitch of each row into the last stitch of the previous row.
• Use a stitch marker to identify the top of the turning chain so that you can be sure to work into it, if needed, at the end of the next row.
• Count your stitches at the end of each row to make sure they are correct – it’s much quicker to frog and correct your work when you only need to undo a single row.

Change in Tension

A change in tension is another of the most common causes for crochet projects to get smaller as you work on them. Tension is how tightly you form your crochet stitches. It can be affected by many factors such as:

• How tightly you hold the yarn and hook.
• A change in how you hold the crochet hook, e.g. from knife to pencil grip or vice versa.
• A change in the type of crochet hook you are using.
• Your posture.
• Whether you are working on your lap or at a table.
• Whether your hands or wrists are getting tired.
• Your familiarity with the stitches or pattern.
• The increased weight of the project.
• Your mood.

If one or more of these factors (or something else entirely!) has caused you to crochet more tightly than at the beginning of your project, then this will cause your work to become narrower.

Fixing Changes in Tension

To fix a change in tension you will either need to crochet more loosely (i.e. as you were at the start of your project) or, if you find that your tension has naturally become tighter over time (perhaps it’s been a while since you last worked on this project), you may need to go up a hook size or two to make sure that your stitches are the same size as they were previously.

For best results, you should frog back the narrower part of your project and re-work it with a looser tension or larger hook.

Avoiding Changes in Tension

Practice is the best way to avoid changes in tension. The more you crochet, the more consistent your tension (and stitch size) will become. However, even the most experienced crocheters can still find that their tension can vary during a project.

Here are some tips for obtaining consistent tension throughout your projects:

• Always hold the hook in the same way. If you start your project with a knife grip, be sure to continue holding your hook that way for whole project.
• Hold the hook and yarn comfortably, firmly, but not too tightly.
• Always use the same hook. Different hooks, even the same size, feel different depending on the material they are made from and the kind of grip they have, which can affect your tension.
• Sit comfortably, with a good posture. If you’re working on your lap, it can be helpful to raise up your work with a cushion so you are not hunched over it.
• Try to always work on your project in the same place, or with the same set-up such as on your lap or at a table.
• Take a break if you find your hands or wrists are getting tired.
• If the stitch or technique is new to you, practice it first to gain familiarity with it before starting your project.
• Be mindful of your tension. Take note of your tension as you crochet and if you sense that it is becoming tighter or looser, try to adapt your crocheting-style to account for this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crochet projects can sometimes change shape unintentionally. This section addresses common questions about this issue.

What causes crochet projects to become narrower as they progress?

Stitches that are too tight or missing stitches accidentally can result in a crochet project gradually narrowing. Beginners can often subconsciously tighten their yarn tension, leading to smaller stitches, or miss stitches, especially at the start or end or rows.

How do I prevent my crochet work from forming into a triangular shape?

Ensure you’re making the correct number of stitches and chains at the beginning and end of each row. Counting stitches consistently and using stitch markers can prevent the work from unintentionally shaping into a triangle.

What can lead to my crochet appearing disorganized or messy?

An uneven yarn tension or inconsistent stitch size often makes crochet work look messy. Practicing consistent yarn tension with the tips above can help create a neat appearance. Also, using the appropriate hook size for the yarn can prevent stitches from varying in size.

What techniques can I use to avoid overly large holes in my crochet fabric?

Choosing the right hook size and yarn type for your project is essential. Additionally, mastering the correct stitch technique will help avoid inadvertently creating large holes.

How can I maintain an even tension to prevent my crochet blanket from becoming uneven?

Maintaining a relaxed grip on the hook and yarn is key in achieving consistent tension throughout your project. Regular breaks can prevent tension changes due to hand fatigue. For more tips, see above.

What steps should I take to ensure my crochet stays true to the size and shape of the pattern?

Follow the pattern instructions carefully, and use a gauge swatch to match the pattern’s recommended tension and stitch size. Regularly compare your work to the pattern dimensions to catch and correct any size deviations early on.

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