How to Fix Uneven Crochet Blanket
Crochet blankets are a great way to show off your creativity and add a bit of warmth and comfort to any room. But when you’re working on a project, it can be difficult to make sure the edges of your blanket come out even.
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, don't worry — this article will provide you with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions on how to fix an uneven crochet blanket. Read on to learn more about simple techniques and tips that can help you get the job done right!
How to Fix Uneven Edges in a Crochet Blanket
Crochet blankets are a great way to show off your creativity and add a bit of warmth and comfort to any room. But when you’re working on a project, it can be difficult to make sure the edges of your blanket come out even.
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, don't worry — this article will provide you with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions on how to fix an uneven crochet blanket. Read on to learn more about simple techniques and tips that can help you get the job done right!
The single crochet edging technique will close any gaps and make the edges of your blanket even and tidy. To begin, chain one stitch extra then turn. Working from row to row, insert your hook into the next stitch along the edge of the blanket.
Pull up a loop, making two loops in your hook. Yarn over, and pull through both loops to make a single crochet stitch. Continue around the edge of your blanket this way until you reach the end. Then, cut the yarn and weave in the loose ends.
Now that you’ve completed your single crochet edging, your blanket’s edges should be even and tidy. This technique is a great way to add stability and structure to any crochet project and make any uneven edge look perfect. Just remember the key: one stitch extra when starting, single crochet along each edge, and cut the yarn when you’re finished.
Blocking
Blocking is a simple process that will help even out the edges of your crochet blanket. To block, dampen the fabric by either spritzing it with water or submerging it and squeezing out any excess moisture.
Then, lay your blanket flat on a clean surface and use pins to secure the edges in place. When you pin, make sure that the pins are evenly spaced along the edge of the fabric so that it is pulled taut. Once your blanket is pinned, allow it to dry completely before removing them.
When done correctly, blocking can help even out the edges of your crochet blanket, giving it a neat and professional look.
Adding a Border
There are so many good choices when adding borders to crochet patterns. Often crochet borders are the most intricate part of a pattern, or a simple way to add a professional look and even out your edges. To add a simple border to your crochet blanket, begin by choosing the color of yarn for your border. If you want to match the colors from the blanket itself, use a similar color of yarn or try mixing different colors. Next, determine how wide you would like your finished border to be. Borders usually range anywhere from 1-3 inches wide.
You'll need to measure the perimeter of your crochet blanket to figure out how much yarn you will need to complete your border. If you plan on adding several rounds of a border then you’ll likely need a lot more yarn. Estimating yardage for a border can be deceiving so it’s best to add at least 20% more yarn to accommodate for overage.
Using a tape measure or other measuring device, take measurements along each side of the blanket to determine its circumference. Then, add up the measurements to figure out the total length. Next work a small sample and then working back and forth working up a sample of the edging you are planning on adding to your finished product. Measure the amount used on the sample and use that to estimate how much yarn you’ll need based on the size of the finished afghan or blanket.
The next step is to attach your yarn and begin crocheting your border. Start by using a slip stitch with the yarn of your choice and work into the any stitch on the perimeter of your blanket or afghan and chain-1. Single crochet into the same stitch and continue in single crochet around the afghan. Remember to add one single crochet into single crochet stitches, two single crochet stitches into every double crochet stitch and three single crochetes into every corner. If you add too many stitches you may find that your blanket will begin to pucker, if you add too few stitches, then you’ll notice your blanket will pull together and won’t lay flat.
Finally, weave in all your loose ends and snip off any excess yarn. This will ensure that your border looks neat and finished. You can also use a blocking board or steam iron to even out any uneven edges.
Why is My Crochet Blanket Uneven
Uneven crochet blankets can be caused by many factors, ranging from wrong tension to improper counting of stitches. If your blanket looks like it's not lying flat or the edges don't match up, this could be an indication that something is amiss. The best solution is to catch it early, pull out stitches, count the stitches in your row and continue forward. Here are some common reasons why a crochet blanket may appear to be uneven.
Not Counting Your Stitches
When you crochet a blanket, it is important to count your stitches in each row as you go to make sure they are the correct amount. We all get comfortable with cute crochet patterns and become lackadaisical when counting, if you’re comfortable then by all means count your stitches fewer than each row but know that you might be risking your time and effort. Counting each row helps to ensure that the sides of your blanket will line up properly and that the pattern won't get distorted.
If you don't count your stitches and simply guess how many you have, then there is a chance that your blanket will end up looking lopsided. If this does happen, then you’ve likely missed a stitch or added a stitch somewhere.
The most common stitches to be missed or added are the ones on the end. Check your pattern to ensure that the beginning chain counts as a stitch and if so that you work the last stitch into it. Unfortunately, we often notice that our rows aren’t straight several rows after the mistake has been made. To avoid this problem, always be sure to count your stitches after each row. Often crafters discover that is better to make adjustments now instead of later when you have a finished product that doesn't look right.
Tight Tension: Know Your Gauge
Tension is key to creating neat and even blankets. There are so many things that can affect your tension. It’s always best to recreate the situation in which you are working and that you are comfortable. Simple things like sitting in bed verses sitting in your favorite chair, or even being stressed out verses relaxed will change your tension. For this reason you’ll want to do a tension check every time you pick up your project.
If you find that your tension is too tight, there are a few things that can help to loosen it up. The first step is to try and relax your hand. This will allow for more even stitches and less strain on your wrist. Another thing to consider is adjusting the size of your crochet hook. If you're using a smaller hook, your stitches may be tighter than necessary.
Not Starting or Ending in the Right Places
If the stitches are not even at the beginning or end of each row, the edges of the blanket will be uneven and may ruin its appeal. To avoid this issue, take extra care when counting the number of stitches in each row, and be sure to end the row in the same place every time.
Additionally, when beginning a new row, take note of where the stitch should start so that you don't miss any stitches or add extra ones. Taking care of these two aspects will ensure that your blanket has even edges and a consistent shape.
Not Using the Right Yarn
Using the wrong type of yarn for a crochet blanket can cause the stitches to be uneven and have varying textures throughout. This is because each type of fiber has its own unique properties that affect how it looks when crocheted together. This is the beauty of this yarn and should be considered a design element.
You might find this is roving yarns, in particular handspun roving yarns. You might find this in boucle yarns, t-shirt yarns and a variety of others (check out our yarn clearance page for great discounts). We recommend that if having uneven sides on a yarn bothers you, then it’s best to pick a different yarn.
When choosing a yarn for your project, take into account not only the weight of the fiber but also its texture and stitch definition. Pay attention to the recommended gauge on the label so that you know how many stitches to cast on for a particular size blanket.
It’s also a good idea to check out yarn reviews online or in crochet magazines to get an idea of how the yarn behaves when crocheted up.
Neglecting the Pattern
One of the most common mistakes made when crocheting a blanket is misreading the pattern. When this happens, it can cause the crochet blanket to become uneven and misshapen due to an incorrect number of stitches being worked in each row or round.
It's important to read through the pattern carefully, follow all directions closely, and count your stitches to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
If you have an uneven crochet blanket and are looking for ways to make it look more even, there are several simple techniques that can be used. From blocking the piece with a pin board or steaming it to adding stitch markers or increasing/decreasing stitches in areas of the piece where the stitches appear too tight or too loose, you can get your crochet blanket looking even in no time. With a bit of patience and practice, you will be amazed at the results.
