In almost all crochet projects, the curling issue is common. However, that doesn’t mean you are bound to endure that. There are some ways and means to fix this problem.
This post contains the most beneficial tips in this respect. So you don’t need to roam anymore. Stay tuned!
How Can You Keep Crochet from Curling?
Crochets tend to curl. It’s their nature. Now to prevent this problem, you better follow the suggestions below. Here we get into the core part!
1. Tension
Too-tight stitches are your enemy. It will make your project very stiff, and that will force the edges to curl. To fix this problem, you have to change the hook up to one size larger than the one you have been working with, okay? Alternatively, you can follow the size suggested in your pattern.
2. Chains
Nothing to wonder your foundation chain might be the cause of curling. If it is too loose or too tight, you will have to pay. To solve this, you need to make it just right. That means you will have to choose a balanced way. The yarn should glide through your fingers at a consistent rate.
Let’s say your crochet is too tight. Then it would help best if you kept your chain stitches loose as you work on the foundation chain. There are two ways to keep your stitches loose. You may use a hook that is one size larger or make loose stitches deliberately by keeping your tension looser than you usually do.
In some cases, the chain itself can twist. Whatever it is, let not the crochet twisting ruin your valuable time.
3. Cramped Hands
Believe it or not, you merely need to adjust the way you are holding your hook for crocheting, and it will resolve your problem! There is a sign. If your knuckles show white while you grip, chances are very high you have held it too tight. So it would help if you loosened up your hand. It will make your stitches relaxed without any curling edges!
4. Blocking
Though it delays, blocking is a way on which you can rely. Generally, it takes 24 hours to more to accomplish. However, in the case of having a curling issue with the project, it will be wise to think about blocking.
Before all, to benefit from this technique, you need to check your manufacturer’s ball band to see if the yarn can stand to be wet. Afterward, there are two options- either spraying the project or immersing in water. Then pin it out on a board. As an alternative, you may go for a foam sheet or cardboard box as well. And yes, have your pins rust-proof. It will help avoid nasty marks.
Decide whatever shape you want by pinning the crochet project devoid of it any curli corners. Then it’s time to let it dry to achieve a flat project end of the day.
5. Gauge Swatch
Do you know what a gauge swatch is? Well, it means a square piece of knitted fabric. Despite being unpopular with crocheters, you may think of it as an option. They call it ”dreaded blocking”. When you crochet more stitches than specified in the swatch guide, chances are there you will face a curling crochet. In such a case, you had better work up in square measurement. In this method, you need to count the number of rows and stitches per row.
6. The Exception
Apart from the typical issues, there is an uncommon curling issue. Interestingly, it appears as an issue just for a while. That means it will straighten out naturally when you add more to the project. So in such a case, you just go ahead. Everything will be alright!
How to Stop Tunisian Crochet from Curling?
Now, let’s say you are in a Tunisian crochet project and looking to prevent any curling issue. We know that Tunisian crochet is trendy for its pretty waffle-like fabric. Then why it gets curled? The reason is, here, crocheters have to work on merely one side. However, there are some techniques to resist such a problem. These are as follows!
Add A Border
To help your project lie flat, you need to add a border at the beginning and end. So before you get engaged in a Tunisian crochet project, work a few rows of a different stitch. Such an effort will balance the tension in your fabric. You will have several stitches to alternate with the simple stitch. These are –
- Tunisian Reverse Stitch
- Tunisian Double Stitch
- Tunisian Extended Stitch
- Tunisian Purl Stitch
Maximize the Hook Size
It would help best if you maximize the hook size. It will help you reduce the tension in the yarn. The fact is, it creates much tension between the front and back of the project. You had better employ an afghan hook. And yes, choose a size larger than the one your pattern calls for.
Let’s say yarn or pattern calls for a size G (4 mm) hook. Then it would help best to choose a size H (5 mm), okay!
Go for an Alternative Yarn
If you are using acrylic, you had better try a different yarn to a natural-fiber yarn. Yarn or switch made with natural fibers such as cotton or wool does not tend that much to curl. On the contrary, a 100% acrylic yarn has a significant tendency to curl. So if you are facing a curling issue with 100% acrylic yarn, it will be wise to go for a combination of 60% acrylic and 40% wool.
Alternate Rows
Another way to prevent curling is- changing rows of the Tunisian simple stitch with purl or reverse stitches. When you stitch only using the Tunisian simple, you are sure to face curl at least to some extent. So it would help if you alternate your simple stitch rows with rows of Tunisian purl stitch. Alternatively, you can do it with Tunisian reverse stitches. Such an action will give your project a ribbed look, but your fabric will lay flat.
Sew the Edges
Last but not least, you can sew the edges of your fabric together as a preventive attempt. For example, when working on an infinity scarf, leave a long tail while casting it off. Better employ a tapestry needle, and do not forget to line up the edges of the project.
And if sewing the edges becomes very problematic, it would help best to attach tassels to the bottom edges. Interestingly, such a tassel weighs down the edge. As a result, it does not curl.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Question: Why do my crochet rounds get curled around the edges?
Answer: The reason is that either there are too many or too few stitches.
Question: Why do crochet rugs curl?
Answer: It is because your project lacks enough stitches on the most recent row. And if it ripples around the edges, then you have too many stitches.
Question: Why does my yarn twist when I crochet?
Answer: In crocheting, it’s normal, unavoidable, but repairable. It occurs due to the material’s own nature. We use torsion to make the material resistant while transforming fiber into yarn in the spinning process.
Question: Can you wet block acrylic yarn?
Answer: The acrylic yarn is constructed from plastic fibers, and you cannot reshape this with water. That’s why it is ineffective. The only solution is to apply decent heat by steam blocking. The heat helps the plastic to settle in shape.
Question: Is it necessary to block acrylic yarn?
Answer: Blocking is necessary for acrylic projects to give the yarn its final finish. After getting blocked, the yarn looks better.
Question: Should I wash the crochet blanket before gifting it?
Answer: Yes, you should wash it since it gets dirty while making. A gift item is generally for display. Therefore you should honor someone’s intention.
Wrapping Up
Now you thoroughly know how to keep crochet from curling. How are you feeling then? Quite sure you are far more confident than before. So be sure that this post will benefit you in the long run. Stay good, stay safe!
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