Crocheting is challenging for newbies, so if you notice and wonder, “why is my crochet blanket curving,” there’s no need to panic.
It may be due to your cast on the row being too tight.
Curving is actually a common mistake and there are many reasons for it as there are solutions.
We’ll tackle the reasons and the solutions to them below, as well as other issues with crocheting.
Stop Your Crochet Blanket From Curving in 4 Ways
Working on your project isn’t without any challenges. In this scenario, your project looks more like a rainbow than a pleasing rectangle.
There are two main reasons for this:
Tension
Your stitches may be too tight, so the whole thing curves. For example, you cast your row too tight, which would eventually lead to curving.
It may also be due to inconsistent tension. If your stitches are tighter in some parts while looser in some parts, it may contribute to curving.
Extra stitches
Uneven number of stitches also contribute to curving. It may seem like a common problem, but if you do it too tightly, your stitches would look smaller.
In attempting to avoid this, some would try adding more stitches. Doing this will then result in curving.
To prevent your project from curving, we advise you to read on the following solutions to curving:
Solution #1. Do blocking
Blocking is done at the end of the project. In blocking, you will stretch your project to its desired shape by wetting it first.
You can wet your project in three ways. You can wash, mist, or steam it. After wetting it, you could stretch it then pin it down.
After that, leave your crochet project to dry. The end result of blocking depends on the type or yarn and the required stretching.
You are advised to do blocking when your curved project’s edges are curling, or when the curving itself is limited.
However, blocking does not usually remedy curving due to tension and irregular number of stitches.
Solution #2. Rip the previous row
This technique is also known as frogging. This is the best option, but it should be your last resort.
It is easy to understand but difficult to do because you are going to redo the work you’ve done.
First, you have to identify the last correct crochet stitch. Then, you have to unravel the stitches.
After that, you do the whole thing again. This time you do it correctly.
Obviously, the con to frogging is that it is time-consuming and frustrating to see your work go down the drain. However, mistakes do happen.
It is best to learn from them instead of sticking to them and regretting them later on.
Solution #3. Add a border
When you notice that the blanket is curving near the end of your project, you can opt to add a border instead of frogging it.
This is especially helpful for minor curving situations.
In this scenario, use the same type of yarn with different colors as your border. You may also need to adjust the row size for your border.
Also, to get your project straight, you may need an additional stitch on the shortest side.
Adding borders may not be as frustrating as frogging but it takes a lot of planning.
Solution #4. Add a design element
Instead of trying to correct the curving, you can just use it as a design element.
This last solution to curving wouldn’t undermine the effort you’ve done on your project. Instead, it will be used as an asset.
For this solution, you just have to replicate the number of stitches in the curved rows. This solution is best used early on in your project.
Why Is My Crochet Blanket Curving?
Many crocheters struggle with their works curving. However, it does not end there.
We will tackle the reasons why crochet blankets curl at the edges. Some struggle with the uneven texture, while some are left with wavy edges.
Either way, it isn’t as pleasing to look at as a flat and evenly-textured crochet.
Here are two reasons that contribute to your crochet curling:
Reason #1. Cramped hands
Even the way you hold your hook contributes to the end product of your crochet.
If you are gripping it in the way that your knuckles are showing, your hands may be too tense. Holding it too tight will lead to a curving crochet.
If you loosen your grip, your stitches would also loosen. Then, you won’t see curving edges anymore.
Reason #2. Tension
Similar to the reason above, if your stitches are too tight, your crochet project would be stiff.
This would then lead to your crochet blanket’s edges to curl.
Changing your hook to a bigger one would do wonders.
Conclusion
Crocheting is challenging as it is relaxing.
Now that you know the answer to the question, “Why is my crochet blanket curving?”, you can avoid it from happening.
You are now also equipped with solutions to remedy it, so the next time your project curves, you’ll know what to do.