6 sure ways to stop your crochet curling

Does your crochet have a tendency to curl up at the edges? If so, you are not alone. Many people suffer from wavy edges, uneven texture or just plain unwanted curly crochet.
This is a frustrating problem, but there are ways to solve it and avoid it in future. We show you the common causes of the curl, and easy ways to fix it.
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1. Tension
Sometimes working with stitches that are a little too tight can cause the project you are making to become very stiff and will lead the edges of your project to curl in. This can easily be remedied simply by changing up to a hook one size larger than the one you've been working with or the one suggested in your pattern.
2. Cramped hands
Sometimes just adjusting the way you are holding your hook can work magic. If your knuckles are showing white while you're gripping, then you're probably holding too tight. Try and loosen up your hand and you'll be amazed at how much more relaxed your stitches will look. And hey presto, no curling edges!
3. Blocking
Blocking is many crocheters' least favorite activity. It delays you enjoying your beautiful new finished project by up to 24 hours and it can seem a terrible faddle. But, if you have curly edges, you'll be really glad you blocked. First check your manufacturers' ball band to make sure that your yarn can stand to be wet. Then either gently immerse in water or spray the project. Now pin it out on a board or foam sheet (cardboard boxes opened out work just fine) and be sure your pins are rust-proof to avoid nasty marks. Once you've pinned the project into the shape you want, with no curly corners, just wait until it's dried out naturally and you'll have a lovely flat project.
4. Chains
Sometimes your foundation chain can be the source of your curling woes. Either it is too loose, so that whatever stitch you put into it pulls it out of shape, or it is too tight and pulls the other way. Or the chain itself can twist so you inadvertently put a curl into the project. Many crocheters routinely use a hook one size larger for their foundation chain, then switch to the recommended size for the rest of their project. If your chain has a tendency to twist, try and make sure you put your next stitches into the same point on every chain - or try a foundationless single or double crochet start to eliminate the problem.
5. Gauge swatch
Making a gauge swatch is almost as unpopular with crocheters as the dreaded blocking. You are often asked by the pattern to work up a 4in by 4in square, and then you'll need to count your number of rows and stitches per row. This way you can work out, without embarking on the whole project, whether or not your piece is likely to curl. If you are crocheting more stitches than specified in the swatch guide, then you'll have a tendency to curl. Although it can be a nuisance to make a swatch, it's better to find out now that you are working too tightly than way down the line.
6. The curl that goes away
Just when you thought you knew all the causes of curly crochet... there are some projects which will look curly for a while, but which will straighten out naturally as you add more to the work. Sometimes the best thing is just to keep going and hope that it's all going to work out fine!
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