How to Fix Common Crochet Mistakes (Before You Give Up)

Almost every beginner hits the same handful of problems in their first few projects, and almost every one of them has a simple fix. If something looks wrong and you are not sure why, it is very likely one of these six issues.

My Piece Is Curling or Cupping Instead of Lying Flat

This almost always means your stitch count is increasing when it should not be. Count your stitches at the end of every round. If a round that should stay the same size has more stitches than the round before it, you have accidentally added a stitch somewhere, often by working twice into the same spot without meaning to. Recount from your last correct round and fix the extra stitch before continuing.

My Rounds Are Spiraling Instead of Stacking Evenly

This is completely normal for amigurumi worked in a continuous spiral rather than joined rounds, and it is not a mistake. If you want a visible marker for where each round starts, place a stitch marker (or a small scrap of contrasting yarn) in the first stitch of a round and move it up as you go. This makes it much easier to count rounds and catch increase or decrease errors early.

My Stitches Are Too Tight and Hard to Work Into

Tight tension usually comes from pulling the yarn too firmly after completing each stitch. Try consciously leaving your stitches slightly looser, or move up half a hook size. For amigurumi specifically, a small amount of extra tightness is actually useful since it keeps stuffing from showing through, so aim for snug rather than very tight.

My Piece Has Random Holes or Gaps

Gaps usually mean a missed stitch, most often at the very start or end of a round. Check the first and last stitch of each round carefully, since these are the easiest to skip by accident. If you find a small gap after finishing a piece, you can often close it invisibly with a few stitches using your yarn tail and a tapestry needle.

I Cannot Tell Where My Round Starts and Ends

This is one of the most common beginner frustrations. A stitch marker solves it instantly. Any small loop of contrasting yarn, a bobby pin, or a proper locking stitch marker works. Place it in the first stitch of each new round and simply move it forward every time you complete a round.

My Finished Character Looks Lopsided

Lopsided shapes are almost always an uneven stitch count between symmetrical parts, like two arms or two ears that were supposed to match but ended up with a different number of rounds or stitches. Always count your stitches when making paired pieces, and if possible, make both pieces back to back so you remember exactly what you did for the first one.

When to Just Start Over

If you are more than a few rounds deep and the stitch count has gone sideways in a way you cannot trace, it is usually faster to unravel back to your last correctly counted round than to keep troubleshooting blind. This is completely normal, even experienced crocheters do it, and it is much less discouraging than fighting with a piece that has gone off track.

The Fastest Way to Avoid These Mistakes

Most of these issues come from not being able to see exactly how a stitch should look before you make it. Video tutorials fix this almost entirely, since you can pause, rewind, and compare your work directly against what the instructor is doing in real time.

Browse Yon Crochet video lessons to see every stitch demonstrated clearly, and catch these mistakes before they happen instead of after.