Crocheting straight edges is one of the things most beginner crocheters struggle with, but thankfully there are many tips and tricks out there to help you achieve that nice straight edge.
But why are straight edges on your crochet projects an important feature? It all comes down to the final presentation. Having straight edges on your piece will really make a difference in how it fits and looks, so it’s an important skill to master for the best results.
If you are following a pattern, the author will note how turns are handled and this will help you make your edges nice and straight. There are two traditional methods for turning, one more common than the other. Both result in nice neat edges if care is taken in where and how the stitches are done. When you come to the end of a row, you will need to chain the number of stitches indicated on the pattern and then turn the work. It is here that we determine whether we have straight sides or not. So let’s get started!
How To Keep Crochet Edges Straight: 3 Tips
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Crochet Tip #1: Skip the first hole.
In the most common method, we will skip the first hole (the base of the turning chain) and begin to work across from the second hole onwards. In this case, this turning chain is counted as stitch one of the row. Once at the end on the row, our final stitch will need to be worked into the top chain of the turning chain in the row below.
This is a wonderful method that always results in great straight edges. The only disadvantage to this method is that it does leave gaps at the beginning of each row. While these gaps are small and most designers can work them into the design, they can be distracting if you are working something with a more dense stitch pattern.
To combat this gap, some patterns will have you work across as usual, but when you make your turning chain and turn to begin the next row, you work your first stitch into the first hole. This hole is at the base of the turning chain, and the chain is not counted as a stitch in this row. Once you work across and you are at your last stitch, you will work into the last stitch of the row, not into the top chain as before. Care must be taken that you have worked all the way across and that you are indeed in the last stitch of the row. Once you are done, you will see that you have a nice and densely stitched row with no gaps at the beginning.
Crochet Tip #2: Keep consistent yarn tension.
Finally, to help keep your work nice and even, be sure to keep your tension consistent. Having varying tension between your rows will result in uneven rows and wonky edges. Even tension comes with practice, so keep trying!
Crochet Tip #3: Keep practicing!
Just like learning how to crochet, mastering how to keep crochet edges straight will take time and practice. A good way to get in additional practice to eventually achieve a consistent result is to make washcloths or dishcloths (for example, the bumps and bobbles dishcloth set from I Like Crochet digital magazine. Dishcloths are small, portable projects that are quick to work up and will provide ample opportunity to practice crocheting nice and even edges.
So tell us, what are your best tips for keeping edges nice and even? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Can someone explain a “stacked sc”, please?
A stacked SC also known as a Turning Single Crochet is used to replace a DC at the beginning of (some) rows. It is more stable than a CH-3. It looks more like a DC at the beginning of the row. Here’s how to do a Turning Single Crochet (a stacked SC):
SC in first stitch. Then insert your hook under the vertical bar (it’s easy to find) and work a SC on top of the first SC to bring it to DC height.
Ever so neat and tidy. I love this method. I found these instructions in a pattern by Vicki Mikulak (shockwave shawl). [Thanks, Vicki. :)]
Hope this is helpful, Angel. – Elizabeth.
Thank you. I am a beginner. Slow learner. These are very helpful.
Jeanette
I am a old timer too been doing it since 1960 something. I like to chain two then sc in first ch I don’t know what this is called I seen it in a tip.
THANK ALL OF YOU. VERY HELPFUL AND WILL DEFINITELY BE USED!!!
I’ve been a tight crocheter but since I’ve tried to be a looser stitcher I’ve fallen into having problems with getting my rows Waverly, or too many stitches which I’m still having a problem with. Especially working on an afghan that has stripes with lace and other solid patterns. It’s been a challenge.
I chain 2 loosely instead of chain 3 as my turning or beginning chain, which leaves a large hole between 1st and 2nd stitch. Also, when I get to the last stitch, which is my chain 2, I pick up 2 threads of the chain instead of 1. Makes edge more secure and straight, no gaps.
THANK YOU!!!!!!! Happens to me every time so now will at least be able to try another way. Will let you know how it goes.
When a pattern asks for a ch 3 for the beginning stitch, I just ch 2 and it leaves the edge quite sturdy.
Great tips .
What is a stacked single crochet?
Thanks I’m going to try these tip I’m a new Crocheter
So they are very helpful
I use stitch markers at beginning and end of row, to make sure that I am in the correct stitch.
thanks, these tips help a lot.
I like using stacked sc at the beginning of a row. It gives a substantial stitch at the beginning, eliminates the hole at the beginning and gives an easily identifiable stitch to crochet into at the end of the row. If I’m using turning chains, I always crochet the chain then turn. It makes my rows straighter than if I turn then chain.
Hi
I use the stacked sc as well but could you explain the last part of your sentence please as I don’t understand how you crochet the chain then turn. Much appreciated
Chris
Hi Chris.
I use the stacked sc too, but I don’t chain at all……. Just turn your work and do your stacked sc into the top of your previous stacked sc from the row below.
I found the chain added unnecessary bulk to the edges of my projects.
Cheers
Karen
Thanks for the great tip! Needed this :0).
Thank you so much for this. I have been crocheting for very many years and still manage to get uneven edges. I have recently made a beautiful mosaic crochet blanket but it’s ruined by the uneven sides. ????
Sometimes, depending on the stitch choice and/or pattern, I put a single crochet border around either for one or two rows just to make the edges look more uniform, as I find some stitches do give more unfinished looking edges than others, hope this helps ????
I, too, have crocheted for years and still have problems with the edges. I always think I’m doing the skip the hole method, but end up wavy, so I’ll try the other way. Thanks for the tips.
Paper Clips:
I place them every 10 stitches, 1st & last stitch!!
Track the total chain count and always count as I move the clips up with each row. Double check each row total & correct each row before moving on!!!
Thks these are great tips, I have been crocheting for years and my edges are alway crooked so these tips are very helpful.
This is very helpful information for beginners and old timers that have not crocheted in years that want to pick up the hobby again.