Are you struggling with your crochet being too tight? Are you finding it really hard to insert your hook and make the stitches? Or are your projects coming out much smaller than it should be?

If you say yes to any of these, then let me help you trouble shoot!

First – check that you are using the right size hook for the yarn. Most labels will have a recommended hook size for the yarn. If your hook is smaller than is recommended, then you simply need to use the recommended hook size. The guide below can help you to figure it out too.

If your hook is the recommended size then it is likely that your tension is too tight. The easiest way to fix that is to use a bigger hook. For example, if the recommended hook size is 4mm then you could try a 4.5mm or 5mm hook.

I would also recommend that you work on relaxing your tension. This might happen naturally as you practice more and gain more experience. Most of the time a tight tension is the result of pulling too hard on the yarn, which can happen from inexperience. How you hold your hook should feel comfortable and natural. It should feel like it does when you pick up a knife or pencil with your dominant hand. Compare that feeling to how it feels when you pick it up with your non-dominant hand. Adjust how you hold your hook so that it doesn’t feel strange.

When you’re crocheting the yarn needs to be taut but not tight. It should pull easily as you make the stitches and it shouldn’t resist. Adjust either how you’re holding it or where you’re storing the yarn while you crochet. I use plant pots most of the time to hold the yarn and not pull on the yarn. I find that yarn bowls add too much tension to the yarn.

Once you’re comfortable with how you’re holding the hook and the yarn, you then need to practice making some stitches until that feels more natural too. The simplest way is to just make a chain. And keep making a chain until it flows and is consistent. You need to relax and trust your hook. So if you find yourself gripping the hook too tight, then let it go, take a breath and pick it up again – and this time without strangling it! If you’re gripping the hook too tight your stitches are likely too tight.

And let the yarn flow. You shouldn’t be pulling on the yarn. You should be holding it in a way that allows the hook to do the work to pick it up and create the stitches. Practice the chain until you trust your hook and trust how to hold your yarn.

And most of all – don’t over think it! The more you stress about tension, the tighter it is going to get.

Let me know how you go!

If you find that you need more help, then check out the Hooked on Crochet Club. It will give you direct access to me and I can then help you get better at crocheting, including helping you to work on your tension.

Seona x