When you are new to crocheting it can be a challenge to master the yarn tension. If you get this right, your stitches will look more even and your finished items more professional.

As a beginner, you will most likely crochet too tight, or too loose.

However, with some practice, you will be able to find the perfect yarn tension!

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We all have to start somewhere

As a beginner, it is important not to be too critical! Your work simply won’t look as perfect as for someone who has been crocheting for years. This is a fact, but you can get there too!

Loose or tight crocheter

When I started to crochet, I didn’t even know what yarn tension was. But if I’ve known that I was a loose crocheter, I might have been able to crochet more even as a newbie.

Some are really talented from the beginning and master the tension right away. However, most of us have a teeny tiny problem with this.

It can be very helpful to know if you are a loose crocheter, or if you are on the tight side.

This will have an impact on what kind of hook size you need to choose. So for example, a tight crocheter might have to size up a little, and a loose crocheter should go for a smaller hook than the pattern/yarn label suggests.

yarn tension

Luckily, hooks are cheap and you can get many in different sizes.

I suggest that you make a swatch. Make a starting chain and crochet in rows. Then you will see if your stitches are loose or tight and you can go from there.

How you hold the yarn

How you hold the yarn will also impact the tension and the look of your finished work. If you crochet loose, try and wind the yarn twice around your index finger, and if you crochet tight, just one time.

In the video below I’m demonstrating how you can hold the yarn to get that perfect tension.

Try to relax

It is also important to find a nice and comfy sitting possession and to rest your elbow. If you are too cramped up this might have an impact on your tension too. Try and stretch your hands a little and use a pillow or something to support your arms.

How to improve your yarn tension

In this video I’m giving you my tips and tricks on how you can improve your yarn tension, so you can make even more pretty amigurumi and other crocheted things!

Amigurumi

Yarn tension is very important for amigurumi as well. The goal should be that the stitches are nice and even, and the stuffing should be invisible from the outside. If your crochet too loose and you can see the stuffing from the outside, you should try and crochet a little tighter and use a smaller hook.

From an amigurumi perspective, it is better to crochet tight. However, if you crochet too tight, you will eventually get problems with aching wrists! 

If you want to practice your amigurumi skills there are a few videos and free patterns that you can check out!

Easy whale pattern for beginners

This pattern is great for beginners! Make a cute whale.