Ruffles are beautiful, but they become frustrating to see if you want your crochet circle to lie flat. Did you know that crochet circles usually ruffle up if you are working it too tightly? It results in too many stitches and makes the ruffles. Yet, it is not the only reason!
If you try to crochet a round motif, you may have wondered why your circle is curling or ruffling. First, let us look at why these problems happen to figure out how to solve them. Here are some of the common reasons why your crochet circle is ruffling:
1. Unconverted Stitches
Your crochet circle would have ruffled edges if you used the UK style while following a US pattern. The US terms refer to the number of yarnovers when pulling up the first loop. But, the UK terms refer to the number of loops on the hook.
2. Working Between Stitches
Working between stitches can change your gauge and eventually cause your crochet circle to ruffle. So, it is best to insert your crochet hook under the two loops unless your pattern specifies otherwise.
Remember that gauge is an essential part that shows the number of stitches and rows per inch. So, it would be best if you always check your gauge and your total stitch count.
3. Tension Problems
Another reason for ruffled crochet circles is a problem in your tension. Your stitches might be too tight, which can cause a few things.
Your stitches may pull on each other inward and cause your crochet circle to ruffle. Also, a tight tension can cause the fabric to stiffen and cause the crochet to ruffle. So, it is best to ensure consistent tension as you work on your project.
4. Wrong Hook Size
If your crochet hook is too small, your crochet will have more stitches and ruffle on the edges. Also, If you feel like your tension matches the pattern, your hook is probably the cause of the ruffles.
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How to Fix Crochet Curling or Ruffling?
Now that you know why your crochet circle is ruffling, it is easier to figure out how to fix it. Follow this guide to learn how to fix crochet curling or ruffling:
1. Make sure to have the correct number of stitches and increases.
You can follow a formula that many crocheters use to make increases smooth and almost invisible. Also, it will help you ensure a consistent gauge, which helps prevent your crochet from ruffling.
- Start your double crochet circle with twelve stitches and increase by twelve in every round.
- Start your half-double crochet circle with eight stitches and increase by eight in every round.
- Start your single crochet circle with six stitches and increase by six in every round.
2. Correct your double crochet.
a. Yarn over, then insert your hook in the stitch.
b. Yarn over again, then pull up a loop a little higher than you would usually do.
c. Yarn over once more, then you will pull through two loops. Do this step two times. Also, make sure that your last loop on the hook is not too loose.
3. Correct your half-double crochet.
a. Yarn over, then insert your hook in the stitch.
b. Yarn over again, then pull up a loop a bit higher than you would usually do.
c. Yarn over once more, then pull through all loops on your hook. But, again, make sure that your last loop on the hook is not too loose.
4. Correct your single crochet.
a. Insert your hook in the stitch.
b. Yarn over, then pull up a loop a little higher than what you would usually do. But, make sure that your last loop on the hook is not too loose.
5. Convert the stitches.
It is best to check if you are using the same crochet style as the pattern. Patterns usually specify whether they are in UK or US terms. So, it is best to check them first and then use the chart below to convert some common stitches.
| US terms | US abbreviation | UK terms | UK abbreviation |
| Chain | ch | Chain | ch |
| Slip stitch | ss | Slip stitch | ss |
| Single crochet | sc | Double crochet | dc |
| Half double crochet | hdc | Half treble crochet | htr |
| Double crochet | dc | Treble crochet | tr |
| Treble crochet | tr | Double treble crochet | dtr |
| Double treble crochet | dtr | Triple crochet | ttr |
6. Improve your tension.
Tension is one of the primary reasons why your crochet circle is ruffling. You do not want to strain your yarn or let it hang loose. So, it is best to ensure that your yarn consistently glides through your fingers.
How to Improve Tension in Crochet?
Tension could mean the difference between a piece that fits perfectly and an item with incorrect sizing. But, although practicing is the best solution, certain things can help you get the correct tension. Here are some tips on how to improve tension in crochet:
1. First, wind the skein into a thread cake.
One of the most helpful tips to help you improve your tension is winding your skein. When you do this hack, you can easily pull the strand of yarn from the outside or inside. Also, you can use a ball winder to combine different colors into one.
2. Invest in a yarn bowl.
A yarn bowl is one of the helpful tools in crochet. You can use it to hold your wound-up yarn cake in place. Also, it will help you prevent a tangled mess that can affect your tension.
3. Use a beginner-friendly thread.
Sometimes, the type of thread you use can also affect your tension. For example, using tough cotton yarn is suitable for beginners, but it can also cause some problems. So, I would recommend something more stretchy if you are still figuring out your tension.
It will also help to avoid novelty and variegated yarns if you are a beginner. These two types of fibers will make it difficult to tell if your rows and stitches are consistent. Also, they make it hard to identify and count your stitches.
4. Pull from the center of your skein.
Every skein of yarn has a strand on the inside and outside. But, pulling strands from the outside will usually send your skein bouncing around, which affects your tension.
The end can be tough to find in the center, but it is much better than using the outside strands. So, it is best to pull from the center of the skein and let your thread glide through your fingers.
5. Go up or down a hook size.
You can try using a smaller hook if you find that your first row and foundation chain is looser than other rows. But, if you find that they are tighter than the rest of the pattern, you will use a larger hook.
6. Practice more to know if you are a tight or loose crocheter.
We all crochet differently, so it would help to learn what kind of crocheter you are. Also, it is best to check your mood before you crochet because it can affect your tension. But, do not worry too much because it is acceptable to be either.
It is usual to crochet loosely at times and tighter at other times. It may be best to use a smaller hook than what the pattern specifies if you crochet loosely. But, it is better to use a larger hook if you crochet tighter.
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How to Crochet a Flat Circle?
After knowing the problems and fixes to your ruffled crochet circles, I will share how to do things properly. So, follow this guide on how to crochet a flat circle to prevent ruffled circles next time.
1. Form a circle with single crochet stitches.
Start your project with a slip knot and two chain stitches. Next, make six single crochet stitches into your hook’s second chain. Then, do a slip stitch to join the round’s end.
Note what I mentioned earlier about making sure to have the correct number of stitches. So, it is best to use six to ten stitches in the round for single crochet.
2. Work two single crochet stitches in each stitch.
Use two single crochet stitches per stitch you already made for your circle’s second round. Note that doing this step should give you a total of twelve stitches for round two. Also, make sure to slip stitch to the first stitch to join them.
3. Continue with a pattern of single crochet stitches.
Use two single crochet stitches for the next stitch, then alternate between using one and two stitches. This third round may seem overwhelming, but it is simpler than you think. So, if you started with six stitches, you will end this round with eighteen stitches.
But, if you started with other numbers, you will end the round with a number thrice the number of starting stitches. Then, slip stitch to the first stitch to join them.
4. Work another pattern of single crochet stitches.
Use a single crochet stitch for the next stitch. Next, do another single crochet stitch for the following stitch. Then, two single crochet stitches in the next stitch.
So, you will have a pattern of one single, one single, two single crochet stitches. Repeat the pattern around the circle, then slip stitch to join the first stitch.
5. Continue to make your circle bigger.
Continue growing the pattern if you wish to make your circle bigger. You will add one more single crochet stitch for each extra round before doing two single crochet stitches.
You can end your crochet circle as soon as you reach your desired size. But, you can also slip stitch in each stitch all the way around if you want a more finished edge.
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