Why Is My Crochet Getting Wider? (And How to Fix It)

A piece that grows into a trapezoid is one of the most common beginner frustrations, and the good news is that the cause is nearly always the same: extra stitches sneaking in at the edges. Once you can see exactly where the first and last stitches of a row are, the problem is easy to stop. Here’s how to diagnose it and fix it for good.

US/UK note: This page uses US terms. US single crochet (sc) is UK double crochet (dc); US double crochet (dc) is UK treble (tr).

First, confirm it’s extra stitches

Count the stitches in your first row and in your most recent row. If the count went up, you are adding stitches. If the count stayed the same but the piece still looks wider at the top, skip to “Tension changes” below.

Cause 1: Working into the base of the turning chain

This is the most common cause in double crochet (and other tall stitches) where the turning chain counts as a stitch.

• In most dc patterns, the ch 3 at the start of the row counts as the first dc.
• That means the first real dc goes into the second stitch, not into the stitch right at the base of the chain.
• If you work into the base of the chain, you have made two stitches where there should be one. Every row gains one.

Fix: After chaining 3 and turning, skip the first stitch and work your first dc into the next one.

Cause 2: Working into the turning chain when it doesn’t count

In single crochet, the ch 1 at the start of a row normally does not count as a stitch. The first sc goes into the very first stitch, right at the base of the chain.

If you then also work a stitch into that ch 1 at the end of the next row, you add one stitch per row.

Fix: In sc, never work into the ch 1 at the end of a row. The last stitch is the last real sc.

Cause 3: Two stitches in one at the edge

When the first stitch is hard to see, it’s easy to work twice into it, or to work into both the last stitch and the space beside it.

Fix: Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of every row. When you reach the marker, you know you’re at the end.

Cause 4: Working into the wrong top loops

Sometimes a beginner mistakes the vertical post or the space between stitches for a new stitch, especially in dc. Each stitch top is a sideways V; one V equals one stitch.

Fix: Look straight down at the row and identify the Vs. Insert under both strands of each V, one at a time.

Cause 5: Tension changes

If the stitch count is correct but the piece still flares, your tension has loosened as you relaxed. Early rows, worked while you were concentrating hard, are often tight; later rows are looser and naturally wider.

Fix: Practice on a swatch until your tension settles. If the first row is tight, a common trick is to make the foundation chain with a hook one size larger than the rest of the project.

Quick diagnosis checklist

What you notice	Likely cause	Fix
Gains 1 st per row, dc	First dc worked into base of t-ch	Skip first st when t-ch counts
Gains 1 st per row, sc	Stitch worked into ch-1 at row end	Ignore the ch-1 in sc
Random gains	Doubling up at edges	Mark first and last st
Same count, still flares	Loosening tension	Swatch, even tension, larger hook for chain

How to fix what you’ve already made

• Small difference (1–2 stitches): On the next row, work a decrease (sc2tog or dc2tog) near the edge to bring the count back down. The edge will be a little uneven; blocking may help even it out.
• Large difference: Pull out the rows back to the last correct row (this is called “frogging”) and rework them. It’s painful, but faster than fighting a lopsided piece.

Tip: Get in the habit of counting every row for the first few projects. It only takes a few seconds and catches mistakes the moment they happen.

Prevent it from now on

1. Learn your stitch’s turning-chain rule (counts or doesn’t count) and write it at the top of your pattern.
2. Use two stitch markers, one at each end of the row.
3. Count every row until you can see the edges without thinking.

FAQ

Why is my crochet getting narrower instead?

The opposite mistakes: skipping the last stitch (often hidden under the turning chain in dc rows) or not working into the turning chain when it counts. Check the last stitch of each row.

Does the turning chain count as a stitch?

It depends on the stitch and the pattern. In most US patterns, ch 1 for sc does not count; ch 2 for hdc varies; ch 3 for dc usually counts. The pattern notes should say.

Why is only one side of my piece slanting?

The mistake is happening at only one end, usually the start or end of every row, not both. Mark that edge and watch it carefully.