Why Does My Crochet Keep Getting Wider?

If every row is a little wider, count before blaming tension. Accidental increases are often hiding in predictable places.

Check both row edges

A turning chain that counts as a stitch should not receive an extra stitch in the same place unless the pattern says so. If it does not count, the first true stitch may need to be worked at the base of the chain. Mark the first and last stitch.

Distinguish stitches from gaps

Working into a space between stitches creates an additional stitch when the pattern expects the top V. Spread the row and trace every insertion point to its stitch post.

Count the repeat

An extra stitch inside a repeated group may not show at the edge until several rows later. Place markers between repeats and count each section separately.

Repair at the earliest wrong row

Compare row counts until you find the first increase. Frogging back to that point usually gives a cleaner result than trying to remove several stitches at the current edge.

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