In many patterns it is common to chain 3 and skip the first stitch at the beginning of a row. As you will see, this will create a gap and the edges will look a bit ‘wavy’.
For some projects this wavy edge is great, such as baby blankets. However, other projects look better with straight edges. In this blog I show you 8 different ways to crochet straight edges.
The final result will depend on many factors, such as yarn and hook size. I highly recommend making a swatch before you start a new project and play with the different methods. This way you can see the differences and choose the best method for your next project.
Scroll down for my free pattern and step by step video tutorial showing 8 different ways to straighten your crochet edges.
8 Ways to crochet straight edges and eliminate the troublesome gap
Loose starting chains
First thing first: make sure to crochet your starting chains very loosely. If your starting chains are too tight, it will curl. After crocheting a few rows, we unconsciously loosen our tension. You might want to use a bigger hook for your starting chains to prevent a so-called ‘rainbow’ shape like the picture below.
Maybe you like these free patterns
8 ways to crochet straight edges
Materials:
– Katia Fair Cotton (Weight 3/light, 170yds/ 1 oz3/4, 155m/50g)
– 6 mm crochet hook
Abbreviations:
st: stitch
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
Notes:
– This blog is written in US terms
– You can choose whatever yarn you like
– Choose a hook size that fits your yarn
– Count your stitches at the end of each row
Video tutorial
In my video tutorial below you can see 8 different methods for straight edges. You can find my written instructions below.
* Click here to watch the video on YouTube
Instructions
Method # 1 – ch 3 as dc
Chain 12
Row 1
1 double crochet in 4th chain from hook (first 3 chains count as your first double crochet), 1 double crochet in each chain across <10 dc total>
Row 2
chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet), turn your work,
1 double crochet in the 2nd stitch, 1 double crochet in each stitch across <10 dc total>
repeat row 2
Method # 2 – ch 3 not as dc
Chain 10 + 3
Row 1
1 double crochet in 4th chain from hook (first 3 chains DO NOT count as your first double crochet), 1 double crochet in each chain across <10 dc total>
Row 2
chain 3, these chains DO NOT count as your first double crochet, turn your work,
1 double crochet in the first stitch, 1 double crochet in each stitch across <10 dc total>
repeat row 2
Method # 3 – ch 2 not as dc
Chain 10 + 2 = 12
Row 1
1 double crochet in the 3rd chain from the hook (first 2 chains DO NOT count as your first double crochet), 1 double crochet in each chain across <10 dc total>
Row 2
chain 2, these chains DO NOT count as your first double crochet, turn your work,
1 double crochet in the first stitch, 1 double crochet in each stitch across <10 dc total>
repeat row 2
Method # 4 – ch 1 not as dc
Chain 10 + 1 = 11
Row 1
1 double crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook (first chain DOES NOT count as your first double crochet), 1 double crochet in each chain across <10 dc total>
Row 2
chain 1, this chain DOES NOT count as your first double crochet, turn your work,
1 double crochet in the first stitch, 1 double crochet in each stitch across <10 dc total>
repeat row 2
Method # 5 – long loop
Chain 10
Row 1
make the loop on your hook as long as the hight of a double crochet (this loop DOES NOT count as your first double crochet), 1 double crochet in the lower loop of the 1st chain from the hook, 1 double crochet in each chain across <10 dc total>
Row 2
make the loop on your hook as long as the hight of a double crochet, this loop DOES NOT count as your first stitch, turn your work
1 double crochet in the 1st stitch, 1 double crochet in each stitch across <10 dc total>
repeat row 2
Method # 6 – long loop + ch
Chain 10
Row 1
make the loop on your hook as long as the hight of a double crochet, chain 1 (these DO NOT count as your first stitch), 1 double crochet in the lower loop of the 1st chain from the hook, 1 double crochet in each chain across <10 dc total>
Row 2
make the loop on your hook as long as the hight of a double crochet, chain1, these DO NOT count as your first stitch, turn your work
1 double crochet in the 1st stitch, 1 double crochet in each stitch across <10 dc total>
repeat row 2
Method # 7 – standing dc
Chain 10
Row 1
make the loop on your hook longer and hold the loop tight with your finger on the hook, rotate your hook towards yourself, through the bottom to the back. You wrapped your loop around your hook with still your finger on the first loop, continue this stitch as 1 double crochet in the lower loop of the 1st chain. This is your 1st stitch. 1 double crochet in each chain across <10 dc total>
Row 2
make the loop on your hook longer and hold the loop tight with your finger on the hook, rotate your hook towards yourself, through the bottom to the back. You wrapped your loop around your hook with still your finger on the first loop, continue this stitch as 1 double crochet in the 1st stitch and make a double crochet. This is your 1st stitch. 1 double crochet in each stitch across <10 dc total>
repeat row 2
Method # 8 – 2 sc
Chain 10
Row 1
1 single crochet in the lower loop of the 1st chain from the hook, now 1 single crochet in the left leg of that same stitch, 1 double crochet in each chain across <10 dc total>
Row 2
1 single crochet in the 1st stitch, now in the left leg of that same stitch another single crochet, 1 double crochet in each stitch across <10 dc total>
repeat row 2
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