Stitches that are too tight

Hi,

I have a problem with crocheting... I’m not too bad at learning the different crochet techniques, stitch types, etc...

However, I’ve had a problem ever since I learned to crochet in third grade:
I crochet my stitches way too tightly, so that after just 4–5 rows, I can’t get the hook through the stitches anymore... The hook and yarn usually match...

Does anyone have any tips or tricks that might help me get around this problem?
I’d really appreciate it.

Epharia

Dear Epharia—by the way, that's a very pretty name,

I know this problem all too well, whether it's crocheting or knitting.

I've started using a needle or hook that's half a size to a full size larger than what is specified. Especially when knitting garments, it then always matches the instructions.

I've also found that if the yarn running to my work is nice and loose, it goes much better. I mean taking the yarn from the inside of the ball, not from the outside.

And it gets better with time. Here too, practice makes perfect—and in this case you just have to practise not working so tightly.

Hope this tip helps a little.

All the best
Dagmar

Hi Epharia, I also crochet way too tightly, so I always use a larger hook than recommended—it usually works out really well.
I hope it goes well for you.

Hi there, 

some helpful tips have already been shared. 

I’d just like to add hand cream. 

I always keep hand cream with my crochet supplies. Preferably one that smells nice too, then you’re even more likely to reach for it.  ;-)

Unfortunately, you didn’t mention what kinds of things you crochet. For clothing in the broadest sense, openwork patterns are of course a good option, since they’re naturally a bit looser. 

Best wishes 
Birgit 

Dear Birgit,

I hadn’t heard about the hand cream trick before. I’d always be worried that it would make things greasy.
If I may ask, what kind of cream do you use? I’d like to try it too.

Thanks
Dagmar

Always pull the working yarn a good distance out from the center of the ball so it hangs loosely; don’t wrap the yarn too tightly around your finger; and, as already mentioned, choose a larger hook size. You might also want to pay attention to where your ball of yarn is positioned—personally, I crochet best when the ball is to my left. Don’t tense up. Crocheting should be fun, not a struggle. Take breaks often.

Personally, I don’t get along with hand cream because it sticks to the yarn. But washing your hands well is a helpful tip!

Hi Epharia,

Those are all very helpful tips.

I do have one more small note:
As already mentioned, it’s very important not to pull the yarn too tight—that is, to pay attention to the “yarn tension.”
My trick is to always wrap the yarn just twice around my left index finger (never more than that) and then let it run along the inside of my palm, holding it LIGHTLY with my ring finger and little finger.
That way, I still have my thumb and middle finger free to hold the crochet piece ;-)

That sounds a bit complicated—but it’s actually relatively simple and, for me so far, the best way to maintain the right tension. :-)

And one more tip: be sure to keep your shoulders relaxed! This will also relax your arms and fingers, and you’ll automatically feel more at ease—anything else will just cause pain.

I wish you the best of luck trying out all these new tips!
Warm regards
Stefanie

@ Dagmar: Well, strictly speaking, that’s really just “greasing.” When knitting, you can just run the needles through your hair a few times. But try doing that with a crochet hook. :-D

I’m not particularly picky about that. I feel like I have 100 hand creams. ;-) You shouldn’t use too much. Otherwise, it gets really greasy. Just enough so the cream absorbs. That’s plenty. And if you accidentally use too much, just rub it in a little longer.

You shouldn’t use colored creams (e.g., some sunscreens). They stain. ;-)

Hi,

thank you so much for the tips :) I’ll give them a try soon.

@Birgit: I usually try my hand at pot holders, doll scarves, and little stuffed animals...

Hmmm… just a quick update… I’ve tried most of the suggestions in combination now… It might just be because I’m inexperienced, but I still can’t get the hook through the stitches—and the whole thing has ended up pretty full of holes… I’ll take a picture in the next few days; maybe you’ll be able to spot where I might still be making mistakes…

That would be helpful—maybe you’re inserting the hook incorrectly? What kind of yarn are you using right now?