5 Problems with Tension in Crochet

“This hat looks like it would squeeze a doll’s head!” or, “I thought I was making a size medium sweater but it looks like it could fit a Big Foot with extra long arms!” If these are things you’ve said or thought, then this post is for you!

Tension can cause several problems with your crochet:

• Your finished project could be smaller than you expected
• Your finished project could be larger than you expected
• The sides of your finished project could be uneven
• The stitches in your finished project could be different sizes
• You could decide to never crochet again

Inconsistency with size in your crochet projects doesn’t have to keep you from making items that are size-sensitive. It could be that you just need to pay attention to the tension in your crochet.

I used to steer clear of anything that required a specific size, such as clothes. However, once I began to pay attention to the tension and the gauge of my pattern, I am no longer afraid to tackle those types of items any longer.

What is Tension?

• Tension in crochet determines how tight or loose your crochet fabric is
• It is the way the yarn is pulled from the skein as we crochet

Why does difference in tension happen?

• It could happen due to the way you hold the yarn to be crocheted
• It could be the way you hold your hook

4 Tips to Perfecting Tension

The first thing you’ll need to determine is whether you crochet too loosely or too tightly. It’s usually pretty obvious, but if you aren’t sure, I’ve listed some ways for you to be able to tell.

Tip 1: Determine if You Crochet Too Loose or Too Tight

• Your projects come out larger than intended–Too loose
• Your stitches are different sizes–Too loose
• The edges of your project aren’t straight and look a little wonky–Too loose
• Your projects come out smaller than intended–Too tight
• Your stitches are very small–Too tight
• You have a hard time fitting your hook into the previous stitches or the foundation chain–Too tight

Tip 2: Adjust the Way You Hold the Yarn

• Too loose–Wrap the yarn around your pinky, over your ring finger, under your middle finger and over your pointer finger
• Too tight–Wrap the yarn around your pinky, under both your ring finger and middle fingers and over your pointer finger
• Alternate–Hold yarn in between pointer and middle finger. Let the rest of your yarn flow freely

Tip 3: Use a Finger Yarn Guide

• These can be purchased at yarn shops and also at Amazon
• They are worn on the tip of your finger and the yarn will slip through a part of it, helping with tension

Tip 4: Change Crochet Hook Size

• If you are crocheting too loosely, switch to a smaller hook
• If you are crocheting too tightly, switch to a larger hook

Conclusion

By adjusting your tension or changing your hook size, you’ll be more likely to get an accurate gauge for your pattern and your item will look more polished. Let me know in the comments which category you fall under. Do you tend to crochet too loose or too tight? if so, how do you adjust the tension in your work?