Correct Tension in Crochet
Fix Problems Associated with Crocheting Too Tightly or Loosely
Tension in crochet is an important but often overlooked factor. Avoid crocheting too loosely or too tightly for professionally finished items.
Beginner crocheters often have a tendency towards working too tightly. This is a bad idea for both the work and the hands of the crocheter. Hand muscles are small and vulnerable to spasms, and working with high tension can lead to hand pain. Technically, it is more difficult to crochet tightly, and doing so makes the entire process uncomfortable.
Working with Correct Tension
A good crochet stitch should allow the needle to get in without any hint of struggle. Crocheting loosely is faster, and it avoids making a battle out of every stitch.
Crocheting tightly won’t make a denser fabric. The looseness of the fabric itself is only related to the size of the hook. Finished work should not always be dense. In fact, large objects like sweaters need some drape in the fabric in order for them to look good.
Some people believe that tight crochet produces a more even result. However, it isn’t necessary or even preferable to have work look like it has been machine-made. Fabric changes some when washed; the stitches relax in the water, and distribute themselves more evenly.
Mood Affects Tension
Mood affects everyone, so why wouldn’t it change the outcome of crochet work?The sizes and shapes of stitches can depend upon the attitude of the worker making them. Tense crocheters will likely make tight and small crochet stitches; relaxed crocheters will tend to make looser stitches, and their yarn or thread will flow more easily through their fingers as they work. Often, crocheters start out with tight stitches, which loosen up once they relax. Starting with a larger hook and then switching to a smaller size once they begin to loosen up can help these needle workers.
Making a practice swatch helps. By the time the swatch is finished, the crocheter will be more relaxed. Hand flexing exercises or exercise balls help, as well. Never try to crochet under pressure. Instead, set aside some quiet time to work.
Yarn / Thread Type Affects Tension
There are differences between working with yarn or thread. Yarn is fluffy, full of air, and stretchy. Thread is harder and more solid than yarn. It doesn't stretch, and it has no loft. (Loft is the air space inside yarn.) Yarn has a lot of room to move, so it needs to be crocheted loosely; adjust tension enough that it still has room to stay soft and stretchy.
Thread needs higher tension in general; however, it is possible to work thread too tightly. Thread is being worked too tightly if it feels impossible to insert the hook into the chains or other stitches, or if the work looks “kinky.” Thread is being worked too loosely if the tops of the long stitches are loose and loopy, or if their bottom parts look like bundles of loosely twisted string. Increase tension on thread by pressing the fingers on the tension hand together, or decrease tension by relaxing the fingers.
Even it Out
The middle path is the best one to go when working on tension in any needle art. Relax, enjoy the process, and the product will be that much more wonderful.
