If you’re just starting to learn to crochet, you should know that there are a few common mistakes that almost everyone makes. Luckily, there are ways to avoid them, if you know what to look for. So this article will inform you of a few of the mistakes to avoid when crocheting, and hopefully will help you rectify them.
Tension: Of all the mistakes beginners make, one of the most common is obtaining even tension in their crochet work. This stems from the fact that the beginner is doing something new and different. That is stressful! And when we are stressed, what do we do? We tighten our muscles. We tighten the muscles in our shoulders, our neck, ultimately our arms and hands. When our hands become tense and tight we grip the crochet hook and yarn with a death grip and have a hard time loosening up. So when you’re learning to crochet, try to remain relaxed and loose. Also try to pay attention to how tightly or loosely you are stitching, and then try to continue that tension throughout.
Not counting stitches: As basic as it sounds, this is a common mistake. You really do have to count stitches as you go until you are sure you know where to place all of your stitches.
Being afraid to rip out: This is a big problem with some people. They feel that they have worked so hard on something that they HATE to rip out any work. Don’t be afraid to rip out your errors. It may be painful to do it now, but in the long run when you’re looking back at your finished product, it will really make a difference.
Uneven edges: This comes from a combination of errors. Usually not counting and making sure you are completing enough stitches in a row, and secondly from not knowing where to place your last stitch. Just try to pay attention better.
Being afraid to learn a new stitch: Now this is a little silly, but it happens. If you’re afraid to work a new stitch on a new project, get out that old discarded yarn, something that is disposable but useable. Then practice your new stitch. Even if you make mistakes at the beginning, it won’t matte because you’re just practicing and you can, if you decide to, just throw out your practice cloth when you’re finished.
Ending off correctly: This is a common mistake in beginners, so it is not surprising. After your last stitch is complete, pull up a loop, clip the thread/yarn and pull the end through the loop. Cinch down tightly but not to the point of "puckering" your finish. Thread a tapestry needle with tail, the choice of needle size will depend on the medium used. Weave the needle through the base of stitches in the last round/row, weaving through the stitches, splitting the fibers if possible. Make sure it doesn’t show on the right side. Skip a thread, then weave back in the opposite direction. You only need to weave in either direction for approx. an inch or less. Clip end and stretch your work so the end slips inside and disappears.
Use safety pins: Some people just don’t seem to realize how great safety pins can be when you’re crocheting. They can help when making a long foundation chain, by placing a safety pin in after a designated number of stitches to keep count easily. You use them when working afghans or similar patterns, by placing a safety pin after a designated number of rows to keep track easily. You can also use them to mark where corner increases are made to avoid mistakes. Or finally, when you’re finished working, you can place a safety pin in the last stitch worked to keep your stitches intact.