If you’re new to crochet and things aren’t looking quite Pinterest-ready yet, that’s very normal - you’re still learning.
The good news is that most beginner crochet mistakes come down to a few small technique adjustments. Once you understand what’s happening and get some practice in, things usually improve faster than you expect.
Let’s work through the most common ones.
1. Learning to hold your yarn (a normal beginner challenge)
Holding your yarn - and coordinating your fingers - is one of the trickiest parts of learning to crochet. If it feels awkward, fiddly or slightly uncooperative, that’s completely normal.
How you hold the yarn has a big impact on stitch consistency and tension. When stitches feel tight one minute and loose the next, it’s often because the yarn isn’t flowing smoothly through your fingers yet.
There isn’t one correct method. The goal is simply to find a hold that feels natural and lets the yarn glide without constant tugging or adjusting.
In the video I demonstrate how I hold my yarn, plus a simpler beginner-friendly option you can use at first - then transition from as your confidence builds. With practice, the coordination becomes much more automatic - and crochet starts to feel calmer and more rhythmic rather than like a small negotiation with string.
A reassuring sign you’re on the right track: your hands relax and the yarn begins to move more smoothly row by row.
2. The angle of your hook - small tweak, big difference
One of the most common beginner crochet challenges is hook positioning. The angle of your hook has a big impact on how easily it moves through each stitch.
When you yarn over, the hook should be facing towards you. As you begin to pull the yarn through the stitch, gently angle the hook downward so it can slide through the longer part of the stitch more smoothly.
If the hook stays facing upward or sideways, it can catch on the yarn or feel like you need to push or force it through. A small adjustment in angle often makes a noticeable difference and helps the yarn glide more easily.
Once you find a comfortable hook position, stitches tend to feel smoother and more controlled - and the overall rhythm of crochet becomes much more relaxed.
3. Why your stitches look uneven at first
Uneven stitches are part of the early crochet experience. When you’re learning, your hands are still figuring out the rhythm, so it’s completely normal for some stitches to be tighter and others a little more relaxed.
Most beginners notice their tension changes depending on how hard they’re concentrating or how comfortable their yarn hold feels. This can make rows look slightly uneven at first.
Common reasons stitches look inconsistent include:
- Tension changing as you adjust your grip or focus harder
- Yarn not flowing smoothly through your fingers
- Accidentally adding or skipping stitches at the ends of rows
A few small habits can make a big difference:
- Count your stitches at the end of each row. It takes only a moment and can save a surprising amount of undoing later.
- Try to keep your hands relaxed and movements steady. Crochet tends to go better when you’re not gripping like you’re hanging off a cliff.
- Stick with the same yarn hold for the whole row rather than changing halfway through.
Your kit includes the recommended hook size, so you can focus on building technique instead of wondering whether your tools are the problem.
As you practise, stitches usually become more even quite quickly. Once your hands settle into a comfortable rhythm, projects start to look more polished - often sooner than beginners expect.
4. Crochet project shrinking or growing unexpectedly
If your stitch count keeps changing, you’re not alone. One of the trickiest things to master in crochet is recognising the first stitch and the last stitch of each row. This becomes much easier with time.
As your stitches become more even, the shape of each row becomes clearer and it’s easier to see exactly where to begin and finish.
Changes in stitch count usually happen when the first stitch after turning is missed, or when at the end of a row, the turning chain (from the previous row) is worked into by mistake. These are very common beginner crochet mistakes, especially early on.
When this happens, you may notice your project gradually getting wider - or starting to shrink into a slight triangular shape instead of straight edges. This can feel confusing, but it’s simply a sign that an extra stitch has been added or one has been missed along the way.
Helpful habits that make a big difference:
- Count stitches as you go, or do a quick check at the end of each row
- After turning, pause briefly to locate the first true stitch
- Use a stitch marker in the first and last stitch to remove guesswork
With practice, this becomes much more intuitive and far less frustrating.
5. Why crochet projects curl (and how to fix it)
Crochet projects have a habit of curling. It’s not just a beginner thing. Even very experienced crocheters see their work roll in on itself, particularly in the first few rows of a new project. It’s simply part of how crochet fabric behaves.
Unlike knitting, crochet stitches are more structured and sit slightly on top of each other. As each stitch locks into the one before it, the fabric naturally pulls inward. This creates tension across the row which can cause the edges to curl until the piece grows larger and the weight of the fabric helps it settle and balance out.
Curling can also be influenced by stitch tension, hook size, yarn type and even the stitch pattern you are using. Tighter tension or a smaller hook can make curling more noticeable. Firmer fibres such as raffia or cotton may also hold their shape more strongly in the early stages of a project.
The good news is that curling often improves on its own as you continue crocheting. As your tension relaxes and becomes more consistent, the fabric usually begins to sit flatter. In many cases, once a project gains a few more rows or rounds, the curl disappears completely.
Building confidence with practice
These tips cover many of the most common beginner crochet mistakes. As you continue, your hands develop muscle memory and crochet begins to feel more natural and enjoyable.
If you’d like extra support, you’re always welcome in the Nana Sport All Stars Facebook community - a friendly space to ask questions and share progress.
When you’re ready to put these skills into practice, explore our beginner crochet kits. Everything is prepared so you can focus on the satisfying part: creating something handmade that you’ll love.
FAQ: Beginner Crochet Mistakes
Why do my crochet stitches look uneven?
This usually comes down to changing tension, missed stitches, or adjusting how you’re holding the yarn. Very normal when you’re learning - your hands are still working out what’s going on. It tends to smooth out with practice.
Why is my crochet getting smaller each row?
You may be accidentally skipping the first or last stitch of the row. Counting your stitches as you go is the easiest way to keep your project on track (future you will be very grateful).
Is curling normal when learning crochet?
Yes. Crochet often curls in the early rows while your project is still small. It happens to beginners and experienced crocheters alike and usually settles as the piece grows. Mild drama, nothing to panic about.
How long does it take to feel confident at crochet?
Most beginners start to feel more comfortable after completing 1–2 small projects, as coordination and rhythm improve. Confidence builds surprisingly quickly once your hands find their groove.
Should I undo mistakes or keep going?
If a mistake is affecting your stitch count or the shape, it’s best to fix it early. Welcome to the frogging club (crochet speak for pulling your stitches out). Membership is extremely common.