Yarn Flow in Crochet
Make Sure Tension is Correct and Stitches Look Uniform
Yarn flow and tension in crochet is important; it helps the crocheter create uniform pieces with straight edges, and makes pieces look professional.
Proper yarn flow and tension in crochet will make crocheted items look more professional. Straighter edges and uniform stitches are more easily achieved when flow and tension are correct.
Yarn Flow
Certainly there are “traditional methods” of holding yarn in crochet, but really, it’s up to the individual crocheter. A crocheter must be comfortable with the established flow and be able to control it; this comes with practice.
Usually, crocheters wrap yarn around their fingers. This is a wonderful reason to keep one’s hands soft and manicured. If hands and fingers are going to work hard, they should be rewarded with extra care. If at all possible, get a weekly manicure. If this doesn’t fit in the household, budget, do one at home, or have a very close friend help. Spouses who feel a weekly professional manicure is a bit too much should jump at this chance to support a crocheter’s worthwhile endeavors. Perhaps the crocheter will return the favor with an exclusive hand-made gift.
It’s also extremely important to crochet with clean hands. So, although soft hands are a must, make sure no hand cream residue exists. Make it a practice to wash hands before crocheting, and to lotion them up afterwards.
If tight gauge is a problem, experiment holding yarn in various ways. Try holding it in back of the index finger, bringing it in front of the middle and ring fingers, and then guiding it in back of the pinkie. The looser flow will help fix too tight a gauge.
If loose gauge is a problem, hold and feed the yarn more securely. Use the non-dominant hand to do this. Try to relax.
Straight Edges
Making straight edges in crochet is challenging. Some of the problem comes from yarn flow and improper gauge, but sometimes the turning chain is the culprit.
Remember that the turning chain at the end of the row always counts as the first stitch of the following row. This means that the first stitch made on the following row will be worked into the second stitch of that row. At the end of the row, a stitch must be worked into the last “proper” stitch and another stitch must be worked into the turning chain.
Sometimes when working like this, it can seem as if there is a gap at the beginning of the row and overcrowding at the end of the row. However, this evens out as subsequent rows are worked.
Closely following the directions in a pattern will often reduce the problem of crooked edges. At times, the edges only seem wobbly at the beginning of a piece, and will begin to straighten out as the work gets further along.
Foundation Problems
After the foundation chain and the first row or two of the piece is complete, lay it flat on a table, and critically evaluate it. If the stitches pull in above the foundation chain, the chain is too loose. Try using a hook one size smaller for the foundation chain than for the other rows.
If the stitches in the rows next to the foundation chain flare out, or the entire thing looks like a fan, the chain is too tight. Try using a hook one size larger for the foundation chain than for the other rows. Unfortunately, there is no good fix for a too-tight foundation chain, so it's important to get it right from the beginning.
Take Care of the Most Important Equipment
Take care of the most important equipment of all—the hands and fingers. Relax, and enjoy the process. There is no right or wrong way to hold yarn or to address every problem. Do what feels comfortable, and make the work look good—that’s all that truly matters when practicing crochet.
More information: Correct Tension in Crochet, Hand Pain, Knit and Crochet
