Every crocheter has pulled out rows of work and wondered what went wrong. The good news: almost every beginner problem comes from the same handful of mistakes, and each one has a simple fix. Here are the 10 we see most often. Learn to spot them early and your projects will come out neat from the very first try.
1. Chaining too tightly
What you'll notice: the first row is a struggle. Your hook won't fit into the chains, and the bottom edge pulls inward.
The fix: relax your grip, or use a hook one size larger for the foundation chain only, then switch back. You can also try a foundation single crochet, which builds the chain and first row together.
2. Edges that slant or wander
What you'll notice: a square turns into a trapezoid, or the sides wave in and out.
The fix: you're adding or dropping a stitch at the end of rows. Count your stitches after every row, and put a stitch marker in the first and last stitch so you never miss them. Also check whether your pattern counts the turning chain as a stitch.
3. Mixing up US and UK terms
What you'll notice: the piece is much taller, looser or bigger than the photo.
The fix: a UK "double crochet" is a US single crochet. Check the pattern header for terminology before you start. Our guide to reading a crochet pattern has a full conversion table.
4. Working into the wrong loop
What you'll notice: a line of ridges appears across your fabric, or the texture suddenly changes.
The fix: unless the pattern says FLO or BLO, insert your hook under both top loops of the stitch (the little "V").
5. Uneven tension
What you'll notice: some areas are tight and others loose, especially after a break.
The fix: wrap the working yarn the same way every time (for example, around your pinky and over your index finger). Keep your hands relaxed. Tension naturally evens out with practice, so a few practice swatches help a lot.
6. Using the wrong yarn or hook
What you'll notice: fabric that is stiff as cardboard, or so loose you can see through it.
The fix: match the yarn weight in the pattern, then adjust your hook. Go smaller for amigurumi and larger for drape. See our yarn guide and hook size chart.
7. Losing your place in the round
What you'll notice: your amigurumi grows lopsided, or your stitch counts never match.
The fix: spiral rounds have no visible start. Clip a marker into the first stitch of every round and move it up as you go.
8. Too many (or too few) stitches in a circle
What you'll notice: a flat circle ruffles like a flower, or cups into a bowl.
The fix: ruffling means too many increases, and cupping means too few. Follow the standard pattern of 6 extra stitches per round for single crochet circles. Stagger your increases so they don't stack into corners.
9. Cutting ends too short
What you'll notice: ends pop out or unravel after washing.
The fix: leave at least 10–15 cm (4–6 in) of tail. Weave it through the stitches in at least two directions before trimming.
10. Not blocking finished pieces
What you'll notice: granny squares that won't line up, and edges that curl.
The fix: lightly mist or steam your piece, pin it to shape on a blocking mat, and let it dry. It evens out stitches almost like magic. (Never press acrylic with a hot iron.)
A quick checklist before every project
- Read the whole pattern and check US or UK terms.
- Match the yarn weight and choose your hook.
- Have stitch markers and a tapestry needle ready.
- Count stitches at the end of every row or round.
- Leave long tails and weave them in properly.
Keep practicing
Mistakes are how every crocheter learns. Try a small, forgiving project from our free patterns, and brush up on the basics with 6 basic crochet stitches. Want something cute without the practice rounds? Browse our handmade crochet pieces, made to order.
Happy stitching from the DanSan Crochet team! 🧶