Correcting Crochet Mistakes the Easy Way

Having trouble figuring out what to do when a pattern goes tragically wrong? You've probably already discovered the 'rip it out and start over again' method, but have you considered there may be a few other ways? Before you rip it out, give a moment of reflection to these suggestions on correcting crochet mistakes the easy way.

Before they start

The best way to correct crochet mistakes is by avoiding them altogether. Take a look at the skill level of your desired pattern and decide whether you are ready to tackle something more difficult. You should also scan a pattern to see how it is construction before beginning. Are they starting with a single piece, and then sewing it together in the end? Is it done in rows or rounds? Sometimes the pattern can switch from rows to rounds without stating it in the text, just showing a 'rnd' instead of 'row' in front of the next number line. Beginner's commonly ignore these types of instructions. So keep a few lines ahead of yourself in your head and avoid as many mistakes as possible. The biggest mistake that even advanced crocheters make is not paying attention to the pattern (i.e. adding too many rows, stitches, or not enough shaping).

Adult Clothing mistakes

Adult wearables can be great fun, but they can also be a headache. Sometimes you follow the pattern to the T only to find out that their measurements were wrong for the size you were making. If you find that the wearable is too big, you can always just give it to somebody that it will fit perfectly in (many a gift is given this way). There are sometimes ways of bringing in the size of a skirt waistband by making a top row of casing to insert an elastic or drawstring waistband. If the yarn is cotton, than washing it may shrink it enough to be wearable.

On the other hand, it may be too small. In this event you can either wear it a few times to stretch it out, give it to someone how is smaller than you, or add rows. It isn't always easy to just add a few rows, but on sleeves, bottoms of skirts, jackets and sweaters you can usually do so without noticeable problems.

What if you run out of a dye lot yarn?

This is an age-old question that can be answered in two parts. First, you can always hunt for a good match, and second, you can use another color. If you run out of a color at the band of a shirt, tank, or hat, you can continue with a similar weight yarn of a contrasting or complementary color. Don't hesitate to add a different textured yarn, either, to give your project interest. Some of the best projects are ones that you didn't plan.

Too small in back

This next technique only works for home decorations, doll clothing, and baby/children's clothing. If the wearable doesn't close in the back, just add the appropriate number of rows to one side of the opening to add some width. It isn't recommended that you try this on adult clothing, as it will alter the shaping of the pattern.

Rows instead of rounds

If you were stitching along and suddenly realized that you should have had rounds instead of rows, don't sweat it. This problem can be solved one of a few ways depending on the use of the item. If the project is something you can hide one side of (like a doll dress) than do some slip stitches up the back before you do the hem edging; this way you can do the edging in a proper round and have it look more natural. If the project requires more 'blendability' to pull it off, than take a tapestry needle and thread it with the yarn you are using for the project; stitch up the open seam being careful to hide the stitches on the wrong side of the work.

Matching sides, booties, or gloves

Oftentimes you will find that sides that are supposed to be equal in size don't match up. This can be because you added too many stitches, rows, or worked more loosely on one than the other. Generally this doesn't warrant a 'rip out.' You can skip a few rows at equal places when matching up the sides to ensure that the bottom and the top match up; it won't be noticeable that they are not the same size unless they are greatly unequal.

In regards to matching pairs of baby booties, gloves or mitten, you can do something better than ripping it out. Always make three of these items. If you always take out the second one you make and try to match it with the first one, you will spend more time trying to get them to match than you would by just doing another one. The third one is bound to match the first or second one well enough to make a pair.

So, before you rip it out, consider whether there is an easier way. Of course, there are instances that you will need to just start over again; but they will be far and few between if you keep in mind that not every pattern gone wrong is all wrong.