Hooked on the wrong loop? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there.
If you're just starting your crochet journey, you're bound to hit a few snags (literally). Whether it's a wobbly cat plushie or yarn that's slowly unraveling while you blink—mistakes happen. And guess what? That’s totally normal.
Here are five common beginner crochet mistakes—and how to fix them before your yarn turns into spaghetti.
❌ 1. Losing Count of Your Stitches
The Problem: Your cute round animal suddenly looks... lopsided. 😬
Why It Happens: You're not keeping track of how many stitches you've done in each round.
The Fix:
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Use a stitch marker (a paperclip works too!) to mark the beginning of each round.
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Count your stitches every few rows—it saves time and frustration later.
❌ 2. Skipping the Magic Ring (or Botching It)
The Problem: There’s a hole at the top of your plushie's head.
Why It Happens: The magic ring wasn’t pulled tight enough—or you skipped it altogether.
The Fix:
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Practice the magic ring slowly before diving into your project.
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Tug the yarn tail gently but firmly to close the loop fully.
❌ 3. Inconsistent Tension
The Problem: Your stitches are too tight—or way too loose.
Why It Happens: You’re holding the yarn differently each round, or gripping too hard (take a breath!).
The Fix:
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Relax your hands and practice holding the yarn the same way each time.
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Do a warm-up row before the main project to build rhythm.
❌ 4. Misplacing Your Hook
The Problem: The shape looks warped or uneven.
Why It Happens: You’re inserting your hook in the wrong part of the stitch.
The Fix:
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Look at diagrams or videos that show exactly where to insert your hook.
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Try using light-colored yarn so the stitches are easier to see.
❌ 5. Sewing Parts on Crooked
The Problem: One ear is higher than the other. Uh-oh.
Why It Happens: You eyeballed the placement and stitched too fast.
The Fix:
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Pin the pieces in place before sewing.
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Use a mirror or take a quick photo to double-check symmetry.
🧵 You’re Not Messing Up—You’re Learning
Crochet isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every slightly lumpy penguin or tilted kitty adds to your skill. And honestly? Those “mistakes” often make your creations even more charming.
So take a deep breath, untangle that yarn, and keep stitching. You’ve got this!
✨ Bonus Tip: Save Your First Project Forever
One day, you’ll look back at that slightly wonky cat and smile. It’ll remind you where you started—and how far you’ve come. 💛