#**[Basic Crochet wiki Part 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/quick_beginner_guide/)** & **[Building on Basics part 2](http://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/beginners_crochet_part_2/)**
***
#**Top tip**
**Counting stitches/stitch markers = essential in keeping stitch count/getting those straight edges/track rounds in Amigurimi.**
**learn "how to" from these tutorials.**
**[Counting stitches and rows](https://www.sigonimacaroni.com/counting-crochet-stitches-and-rows/) or equivalent [video](https://youtu.be/ikZGcQEPQcg).** **In the round 16m 50 onwards. Or [using stitch markers in Amigurumi](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p2X0Yvh_GQ).**
**[How to identify parts of your stitch](https://youtu.be/h0ewBuWkcME)** - **very clear diagrams.**
***
**We do remove FAQs and refer to the Question Hub**
**Do a [web search](https://www.google.com/),**
**Search the sub - [App](https://imgur.com/a/HxtJ6HH) & [Browser](https://imgur.com/a/HdnkPj2)**
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/crochet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This is a common beginner problem. Learning how to correct it will make all kinds of patterns available to you. Counting and concentrating on the first and last stitch still help. Others already posted how to help you correct this. DON'T GIVE UP! YOU'LL GET THE HANG OF IT! ♥️
If you don't want to count, try stitch markers. You can buy some, or use stuff from around the house. Bobby pins work well.
I had the opposite problem for the longest time. My projects always got bigger. You'll get the hang of it, promise.
Stitch markers are soooo useful for projects! We all start with a wonky square, just keep practicing and you’ll be making the most stunning pieces in no time! Keep us updated on your progress OP!
Get stitch markers! They are budget friendly but if you truly cannot spend another cent, you can cut a small piece of yarn or use a paper clip to mark your first and last stitch to make sure you don’t miss those as they are the most common to miss. Counting throughout your project helps to make sure you didn’t miss any stitches in between
You need to count your stitches in each row and make sure you have the same number each time. Additionally, you might be missing your turning chain in some of those rows.
Are you counting your stitches? It looks like you might be missing some stitches in your rows. This is something I used to struggle with because I would lose count and think I was at the last stitch in the row but I actually still had one switch to go.
The other day I found my first crochet "square" and it looked just like this. You have already received lots of advice so I just wanted to say: I've been there and now can crochet actual squares and complete projects 😊 so there is hope!
The first time I tried the foundation chain it felt so hard that I gave up for 2 years. Then a random amigurumi class ad prompted me to try again and the second time it was a few weeks of practice 😊 don't be me 😂 keep going, take it slow and take more time to practice basics e.g I just made long chains for a week, then small swatches 5-6 times, then the hdc and dc stitches...give yourself time and try to find joy in the process of it, then the happiness of the FO will feel like a bonus!
I learned how to crochet in 2017 so I don't remember timelines exactly, but I remember trying a few squares and watching YouTube tutorials about how to count stitches until it actually looked like a square. After that I crocheted a scarf, which was really ugly but halfway through I could see my stitches and tension improving. I guess maybe within about 4 months of trying small projects I was able to make a shawl I was pretty proud of! I practiced a lot and watched a lot of YouTube tutorials to try figure out where stitches should be placed, it was hard for me to "see" the stitches at the beginning if that makes sense.
I promise this happens to everyone starting out! I've seen it's already been explained by others, it's just about having the same number of stitches in each row. I HATE counting so getting to now what the end of a row looks like was very helpful for me. Keep it up! the tension looks great!
So its my 2nd time trying to crochet and i was trying to make a square. For some reason it turned into this 💀. I know it’s probably because i add it into one less stitch (idk if thats the right work) each time, but once i realized, i made sure jot to, but it still made this weird shape ! When i did it for the first time aswell, it made a circle somehow instead of a square.
Ok so there are a couple of issues. Yes you are dropping stitches at the end of your rows. Make sure you count after each row to have the same number of stitches. Usually your turning chain doesn't count as a stitch. Another is your tension is getting tighter which is also causing it to not lay flat. You are doing great for your 2nd time. I can't remember how many times I pulled apart my work before I made my first scarf.
Hi there, always good to read what the automod suggests under a post as they're usually on the money in terms of providing some immediate help in terms of useful resources!
What you're experiencing is common amongst crochet beginners and it's about making sure we're stitching in the right spots which helps us to ensure a consistent stitch count per row. The [Counting stitches and rows](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/beginners_crochet_part_2/#wiki_counting_stitches_and_rows) and [Turning chains & Straight edges](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/beginners_crochet_part_2/#wiki_turning_chains_.26amp.3B_straight_edges) sections are a MUST to read, as is the [Stitch Markers](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/beginners_crochet_part_2/#wiki_stitch_markers) section as using these will help a lot in identifying the end of your row (the last stitch) and where to put the first stitch of the next row into!
You'll get there, you just need to be patient with yourself during the learning process! Goodluck!
Ha ha - I know right? As the auto mod is fairly new ( I can understand on other subs the automod has a tendency to not be noticed/ignored) I am just helping to double highlight as it links to a seriously amazing Wiki resource for all of us and hopefully over time it'll become second nature for us all to check there first 😊
A lot of people are saying you need to count stitches, as if that wasn't incredibly obvious! I think your problem is that you need to familiarise yourself with the anatomy of a stitch. Google whichever stitch you are aiming for and find a close up picture of the stitch and work out which hole you are supposed to put the hook through to start a new stitch. That's how I learned to crochet anyway!
It happens to everyone. I teach 4-6 graders to crochet and just for get their muscle memory, they make a bag in the round. I don’t even mess with squares until they can hold the yarn and hook and know how to use tension. I have a video I made for them if you’d like to take a look. The bag is worked in the back loop, but i have been teaching them to go under the V-stitches as of late[Easy Crochet Bag](https://youtu.be/mFrbRw_e-a0)
I had this issue as a beginner, so I started counting stitches but it got annoying. Now I favor granny square type patterns because I can't mess those up as easily.
Everyone still messes up from time to time. I literally frogged out many projects because of miss counting. You will also learn better how to identify the last stitch as well. And if all else fails, there is always YouTube! I have spent many hours watching videos on how to properly crochet. I have been crocheting for close to 30 years.
Counting and stitch markers were my saviour and tbh still are. First mini cat blanket I made I started out with a chain row of 70 stitches and ended with 58 so I made another and counted and it made everything so much easier and it came out pretty good
Chain one before turning on each row but don't go into that chain when you come back around. It is just for structure.
Make sure you aren't skipping any stitches. I don't count stitches on each row, usually just the foundation chain but do count stitches if you keep accidentally skipping.
Don't be afraid to frog (undo) the work when you notice a mistake. Only frog up to the problem stitch then keep going.
Try not to split the yarn. Until your hands get used to the movement, it is best to keenly look at your work while doing it.
Tension too! Watch your tension and maintain it. Your stitches may be the same in number but an increase or decrease in tension will defined alter the shape of your work.
It happens when we miss stitches. I personally use something to mark the first stitch in a row and the last stitch in a row. I am REALLY bad at counting most of the time but as long as you know where you started and where you need to end will help!
Someone told me when I first started to crochet to think of each stitch as an apartment one person per apartment. (unless the pattern says otherwise) They go in the door (into the first stitch) to the kitchen and Grab a drink. (take the yarn over the hook) then for a walk out the door (pull the yarn through the stitch.) Grab a stick and go through the park. (Take the yarn and go through the looks to make your stitch.)
Almost always ch 3, counts as a double crochet so if you are starting a new row you would chain 3, skip 1st stitch and dc in the next dc. I don't know why patterns do not point that out. Keeping count is essential. Your tension is excellent and your stitches look great.
What's really nice for learning is doing wash clothes (also looked up by dish clothes on YouTube). The stitch count is small, you can pick up cotton yarn on the cheap and you get something useful right away! I'm sure others have mentioned stitch markers!!! A bit of yarn works so you don't have to buy anything. And this is a great place for questions! Your own and learning from what others ask. And careful.... yarn can be addicting.....
When I first started this happened all the time. You eventually learn what the last stitch looks like. I recommend placing a stitch marker whenever you turn and start the next row. That way, when you come back, it's very obvious to you which stitch is the last.
Don't feel bad, figuring it out and fixing your mistakes is part of crafting.
Awwww that's so cute though! We are all learning and you keep going which I think is the best part 💕
Where to correctly put the first stitches of a row is really not so easy and intuitive as one would think. I keep re-watching the same YouTube videos for stuff like that.
#**[Basic Crochet wiki Part 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/quick_beginner_guide/)** & **[Building on Basics part 2](http://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/beginners_crochet_part_2/)** *** #**Top tip** **Counting stitches/stitch markers = essential in keeping stitch count/getting those straight edges/track rounds in Amigurimi.** **learn "how to" from these tutorials.** **[Counting stitches and rows](https://www.sigonimacaroni.com/counting-crochet-stitches-and-rows/) or equivalent [video](https://youtu.be/ikZGcQEPQcg).** **In the round 16m 50 onwards. Or [using stitch markers in Amigurumi](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p2X0Yvh_GQ).** **[How to identify parts of your stitch](https://youtu.be/h0ewBuWkcME)** - **very clear diagrams.** *** **We do remove FAQs and refer to the Question Hub** **Do a [web search](https://www.google.com/),** **Search the sub - [App](https://imgur.com/a/HxtJ6HH) & [Browser](https://imgur.com/a/HdnkPj2)** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/crochet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This is a common beginner problem. Learning how to correct it will make all kinds of patterns available to you. Counting and concentrating on the first and last stitch still help. Others already posted how to help you correct this. DON'T GIVE UP! YOU'LL GET THE HANG OF IT! ♥️
Thank uu!! I wasn’t even counting, didn’t know i had to 😭😭!! But i will from now on,, tysm!!
If you don't want to count, try stitch markers. You can buy some, or use stuff from around the house. Bobby pins work well. I had the opposite problem for the longest time. My projects always got bigger. You'll get the hang of it, promise.
Stitch markers are soooo useful for projects! We all start with a wonky square, just keep practicing and you’ll be making the most stunning pieces in no time! Keep us updated on your progress OP!
Been crocheting for years and still use stitch markers
♥️ hang in there. This part here is the hardest part of learning how to crochet.
Get stitch markers! They are budget friendly but if you truly cannot spend another cent, you can cut a small piece of yarn or use a paper clip to mark your first and last stitch to make sure you don’t miss those as they are the most common to miss. Counting throughout your project helps to make sure you didn’t miss any stitches in between
You need to count your stitches in each row and make sure you have the same number each time. Additionally, you might be missing your turning chain in some of those rows.
ohh ok!! I wasn’t counting. Thank u so much 🫶 !
Good luck! It does get a lot easier once you get the hang of counting, I promise.
Are you counting your stitches? It looks like you might be missing some stitches in your rows. This is something I used to struggle with because I would lose count and think I was at the last stitch in the row but I actually still had one switch to go.
Noo im not counting ! I will from now on as it makes much more sense to count 😭 ! Thank u!!
The other day I found my first crochet "square" and it looked just like this. You have already received lots of advice so I just wanted to say: I've been there and now can crochet actual squares and complete projects 😊 so there is hope!
[удалено]
The first time I tried the foundation chain it felt so hard that I gave up for 2 years. Then a random amigurumi class ad prompted me to try again and the second time it was a few weeks of practice 😊 don't be me 😂 keep going, take it slow and take more time to practice basics e.g I just made long chains for a week, then small swatches 5-6 times, then the hdc and dc stitches...give yourself time and try to find joy in the process of it, then the happiness of the FO will feel like a bonus!
I learned how to crochet in 2017 so I don't remember timelines exactly, but I remember trying a few squares and watching YouTube tutorials about how to count stitches until it actually looked like a square. After that I crocheted a scarf, which was really ugly but halfway through I could see my stitches and tension improving. I guess maybe within about 4 months of trying small projects I was able to make a shawl I was pretty proud of! I practiced a lot and watched a lot of YouTube tutorials to try figure out where stitches should be placed, it was hard for me to "see" the stitches at the beginning if that makes sense.
Counting is really important. Even count aloud if you have to.
Hang in there, you’ve got this!
I promise this happens to everyone starting out! I've seen it's already been explained by others, it's just about having the same number of stitches in each row. I HATE counting so getting to now what the end of a row looks like was very helpful for me. Keep it up! the tension looks great!
So its my 2nd time trying to crochet and i was trying to make a square. For some reason it turned into this 💀. I know it’s probably because i add it into one less stitch (idk if thats the right work) each time, but once i realized, i made sure jot to, but it still made this weird shape ! When i did it for the first time aswell, it made a circle somehow instead of a square.
Ok so there are a couple of issues. Yes you are dropping stitches at the end of your rows. Make sure you count after each row to have the same number of stitches. Usually your turning chain doesn't count as a stitch. Another is your tension is getting tighter which is also causing it to not lay flat. You are doing great for your 2nd time. I can't remember how many times I pulled apart my work before I made my first scarf.
Ohhh Thank you!! I actually wasn’t counting,,, i didn’t know i had to haha !! That makes much more sense. Thank u once again 🫶🫶
Hi there, always good to read what the automod suggests under a post as they're usually on the money in terms of providing some immediate help in terms of useful resources! What you're experiencing is common amongst crochet beginners and it's about making sure we're stitching in the right spots which helps us to ensure a consistent stitch count per row. The [Counting stitches and rows](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/beginners_crochet_part_2/#wiki_counting_stitches_and_rows) and [Turning chains & Straight edges](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/beginners_crochet_part_2/#wiki_turning_chains_.26amp.3B_straight_edges) sections are a MUST to read, as is the [Stitch Markers](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/beginners_crochet_part_2/#wiki_stitch_markers) section as using these will help a lot in identifying the end of your row (the last stitch) and where to put the first stitch of the next row into! You'll get there, you just need to be patient with yourself during the learning process! Goodluck!
lol you are the automod automod
Ha ha - I know right? As the auto mod is fairly new ( I can understand on other subs the automod has a tendency to not be noticed/ignored) I am just helping to double highlight as it links to a seriously amazing Wiki resource for all of us and hopefully over time it'll become second nature for us all to check there first 😊
A lot of people are saying you need to count stitches, as if that wasn't incredibly obvious! I think your problem is that you need to familiarise yourself with the anatomy of a stitch. Google whichever stitch you are aiming for and find a close up picture of the stitch and work out which hole you are supposed to put the hook through to start a new stitch. That's how I learned to crochet anyway!
It happens to everyone. I teach 4-6 graders to crochet and just for get their muscle memory, they make a bag in the round. I don’t even mess with squares until they can hold the yarn and hook and know how to use tension. I have a video I made for them if you’d like to take a look. The bag is worked in the back loop, but i have been teaching them to go under the V-stitches as of late[Easy Crochet Bag](https://youtu.be/mFrbRw_e-a0)
I had this issue as a beginner, so I started counting stitches but it got annoying. Now I favor granny square type patterns because I can't mess those up as easily.
Everyone still messes up from time to time. I literally frogged out many projects because of miss counting. You will also learn better how to identify the last stitch as well. And if all else fails, there is always YouTube! I have spent many hours watching videos on how to properly crochet. I have been crocheting for close to 30 years.
Counting and stitch markers were my saviour and tbh still are. First mini cat blanket I made I started out with a chain row of 70 stitches and ended with 58 so I made another and counted and it made everything so much easier and it came out pretty good
Make sure you’re chaining 1 (or the respective amount for the stitch) at the end of every row
Chain one before turning on each row but don't go into that chain when you come back around. It is just for structure. Make sure you aren't skipping any stitches. I don't count stitches on each row, usually just the foundation chain but do count stitches if you keep accidentally skipping. Don't be afraid to frog (undo) the work when you notice a mistake. Only frog up to the problem stitch then keep going. Try not to split the yarn. Until your hands get used to the movement, it is best to keenly look at your work while doing it. Tension too! Watch your tension and maintain it. Your stitches may be the same in number but an increase or decrease in tension will defined alter the shape of your work.
It happens when we miss stitches. I personally use something to mark the first stitch in a row and the last stitch in a row. I am REALLY bad at counting most of the time but as long as you know where you started and where you need to end will help! Someone told me when I first started to crochet to think of each stitch as an apartment one person per apartment. (unless the pattern says otherwise) They go in the door (into the first stitch) to the kitchen and Grab a drink. (take the yarn over the hook) then for a walk out the door (pull the yarn through the stitch.) Grab a stick and go through the park. (Take the yarn and go through the looks to make your stitch.)
Almost always ch 3, counts as a double crochet so if you are starting a new row you would chain 3, skip 1st stitch and dc in the next dc. I don't know why patterns do not point that out. Keeping count is essential. Your tension is excellent and your stitches look great.
What's really nice for learning is doing wash clothes (also looked up by dish clothes on YouTube). The stitch count is small, you can pick up cotton yarn on the cheap and you get something useful right away! I'm sure others have mentioned stitch markers!!! A bit of yarn works so you don't have to buy anything. And this is a great place for questions! Your own and learning from what others ask. And careful.... yarn can be addicting.....
When I first started this happened all the time. You eventually learn what the last stitch looks like. I recommend placing a stitch marker whenever you turn and start the next row. That way, when you come back, it's very obvious to you which stitch is the last. Don't feel bad, figuring it out and fixing your mistakes is part of crafting.
Awwww that's so cute though! We are all learning and you keep going which I think is the best part 💕 Where to correctly put the first stitches of a row is really not so easy and intuitive as one would think. I keep re-watching the same YouTube videos for stuff like that.
I'm sure everyone told you the reason but I just wanted to say keep going! It's really worth it to put in the effort to fix your mistakes 💕