Hi
I am crocheting an afghan and am working the center border, which has around 20 rows which go around 6 granny squares. The issue is that with each row the corners are bowing out and it no longer looks like a rectangle it looks like it has ears. It says to do 3dc 3chain3dc in each corner and I have Reddit to 2dc 3chain 2d, but it is still bowing
Any ideas?
Welcome to KH! Your stitches are beautiful. It looks like a tension issue to me. You might rip back the granny squares rectangle and try either a smaller hook or fewer stitches to work the border. I don’t know how to tell precisely what the difference in tension is. Others here are better at that than me.
Hi there! Bowing corners in a crocheted border, especially a long one around multiple granny squares, is a common issue. Let’s troubleshoot this and find a solution. Here’s a breakdown of possible causes and fixes:
Understanding the Problem:
Too Much Increase: The 3dc-3ch-3dc (or even 2dc-3ch-2dc) corner instructions are likely creating too many stitches in each corner, causing the fabric to expand outward.
Tension: Your tension might be naturally looser in the corners than in the straight sides, exacerbating the problem.
Yarn Weight/Hook Size: The yarn weight and hook size you’re using might be contributing to the issue if they’re not creating a dense enough fabric.
Solutions:
Reduce Corner Increases Further:
Try 1dc-3ch-1dc in each corner. This is a significant reduction and might be exactly what you need.
Experiment with different combinations:
1dc-2ch-1dc
2dc-2ch-2dc
If you are using a thicker yarn, or a larger hook, you will need to reduce the amount of stitches in the corner.
Adjust Chain Space:
Instead of 3 chains, try 2 chains in the corner. This will tighten the corner slightly.
Test the looks of the corner with different chain amounts.
Add Stitches to the Sides:
If reducing the corner increases makes the sides appear too tight, consider adding an extra stitch or two evenly spaced along each side of the border. This will help balance the tension.
Block the Afghan:
Blocking is a crucial step in crochet. It involves wetting or steaming your finished project and then pinning it to a flat surface to dry. This will help even out the stitches and shape the corners.
Blocking can often fix minor bowing issues.
Check Your Tension:
Be mindful of your tension, especially in the corners. Try to keep it consistent with the rest of the border.
Consider using a smaller hook for the corners if you find your tension is naturally looser there.
Consider a Different Corner Stitch:
Instead of double crochet, you could try a different stitch that creates less bulk, such as a half double crochet (hdc) or single crochet (sc).
Example: 1hdc-3ch-1hdc or 1sc-3ch-1sc in the corners.
Evenly Distribute Stitches:
Make sure that the amount of stitches that you are putting in the straight sides of the border are evenly distributed. If there are too many stitches in one area, it can cause the corners to bow.
How to Test:
Swatch: Before making changes to your entire border, crochet a small swatch with your chosen corner adjustments. This will allow you to see the effect before committing to it.
Marking: Use stitch markers to mark the corners, and the middle of each side. This will help you to keep the stitch count even.
Frequent Checks: Lay the afghan flat after each row to check for bowing. This will allow you to make adjustments as you go.
Regards,
Edna
PIKEPASS Faster. Safer. Easier
Thanks so much for your advice
I will undo the center rows and try a few of these
My stitches are pretty even for a beginner, it surprises me, so it’s not that
I will reduce the number and size in the corners
Do I block before I finish? I have 36 more squares to attach to the outside, when do I block them?
Do I need to buy the blocks and pins?
I am going on vacation and this too big to take with me
So I will try when I get back
