Getting Your Motif to Lay Flat
Getting Your Motif to Lay Flat
When crocheting, if your shape keeps ruffling and will not lay flat, here are a couple of tips: (try them in this order)
- First, check to make sure you don’t have too many increases in each round. (Counting stitches is always a good idea to make sure you’re on track.)
- If your stitch count is good, try a smaller hook size. This will help each stitch take up less space, which will result in less (or hopefully no) ruffling or waving of the motif.
- If those didn’t work, try a taller stitch (Example: Work an extended sc in place of sc – or extended dc instead of your regular dc.)
For the motif below I had to do both. I went down a hook size and I did an extended stitch.
This was BEFORE I made the changes.
I didn’t finish it because it was ruffling and I knew it would never lay flat. I tried going down a hook size but it was still rippling. So, I used the smaller hook size and I replaced the regular stitch with an extended stitch. The combination of the two worked.
AFTER CHANGES
By getting your shape as flat as possible in the beginning it will help not only when you block the piece, but also with the finished product.
Happy Crocheting!
>Hi, Kristine, do you have instructions for "extended" stitches? I've never heard that term before! Thanks for posting this tip, I always thought it was a matter of tension either in my hand or in my stitches (I'm a needleworker, so I have a bad habit of holding my work tightly with my left hand, which makes the fabric ripple).
>sounds like you're published to me! blogging is great for that isn't it?
>Thanks for the tips! I'm working on a hat that looks very similar to your first picture. Do you know if hats are supposed to sit flat like your second picture? This is my second attempt at a hat and I thought I was doing it right, but now I am having second thoughts. :)
>drea_dear,I'll work on getting them up and posted for you.
>Thanks Megan :).
>Missie,Your hat should lay flat until its the size/diameter you want. Then in the next row, when you stop increasing, it should take on a bowl shape. It should not be floppy like my pic. Hope that was helpful.
>Very nice motif. Love those babies!
>Oh poo! I guess I have to start all over again. I'll see about using a smaller hook to see if that gets it right.Thanks!
>Missie, Are you following a pattern? If you are then yes, I would suggest trying a smaller hook. If you're not following a pattern, let me know. Maybe you don't have to rip it out and start over.
>Thank you Kristine for stopping by Sewing Daisies. My larger granny's lie beautifully flat, the squares are squares, they just don't line up giving the granny a kaleidascope effect.Any suggestions?xxh