If your crochet project starts straight but gradually becomes wider or narrower, the problem is usually not the yarn.
It is often caused by accidentally adding or losing stitches.
This is one of the most common beginner problems, especially when working in rows.
The good news is that it is usually easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Quick Answer
If your crochet keeps getting wider or narrower, check:
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whether you are missing the first or last stitch
-
whether you are adding an extra stitch at the edges
-
whether your turning chain counts as a stitch
-
whether you are accidentally increasing or decreasing
-
whether your stitch count still matches the pattern
If your stitch count changes from row to row, your project shape will change too.
1. You May Be Missing the First or Last Stitch
This is one of the most common reasons crochet gets narrower.
The first and last stitches can be harder to see than the stitches in the middle of the row.
If you skip one edge stitch on every row, the project will slowly become narrower.
For example:
Row 1: 20 stitches
Row 2: 19 stitches
Row 3: 18 stitches
The difference may not look dramatic at first, but after several rows the sides will start to slope inward.
A stitch marker can help you identify the first and last stitch.
2. You May Be Adding an Extra Stitch
If your project keeps getting wider, you may be accidentally adding stitches.
For example:
Row 1: 20 stitches
Row 2: 21 stitches
Row 3: 22 stitches
This often happens near the edges.
You may accidentally crochet into:
-
the turning chain
-
the same stitch twice
-
a space that is not meant to be a stitch
Again, checking your stitch count after each row can quickly reveal the problem.
3. Check Whether the Turning Chain Counts as a Stitch
Turning chains are a common source of confusion.
A pattern may say:
Ch 1, turn, sc 20.
Sometimes the turning chain counts as a stitch.
Sometimes it does not.
For example:
Ch 1 (does not count as a st)
means the chain should not be included in the stitch count.
If you count it as a stitch when you should not, or ignore it when it should count, your row can gradually gain or lose stitches.
Always check the pattern instructions.
4. You May Be Accidentally Increasing
An increase means adding extra stitches.
For example:
2 sc in the same stitch
creates an increase.
If you accidentally work two stitches into the same stitch near the edge of a row, your project may slowly get wider.
This can happen when the stitches are tight or difficult to see.
5. You May Be Accidentally Decreasing
The opposite problem can make your project narrower.
If you accidentally skip a stitch, two stitches can effectively become one.
This may happen if:
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the stitches are very tight
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the yarn is difficult to see
-
you lose track of where the next stitch is
-
you accidentally skip an edge stitch
A stitch marker can make this much easier to prevent.
6. Count Your Stitches Regularly
The simplest way to catch this problem early is to count.
If the pattern says:
20 sts
you should still have 20 stitches at the end of the row.
Do not wait until the project looks obviously uneven.
Check the stitch count every few rows, or every row if you are still learning.
For small projects, one missing stitch can noticeably affect the shape.
7. Use Stitch Markers at the Edges
You do not need many stitch markers.
For simple rows, placing one marker in the first stitch and one in the last stitch can already help.
This makes it much easier to see:
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where the row begins
-
where the row ends
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which stitch should be worked into next
Stitch markers are especially helpful when working with dark yarn, tight stitches, or small crochet projects.
8. What If My Stitch Count Is Correct but the Edges Still Look Uneven?
If your stitch count is correct, the problem may be your tension.
Some rows may be tighter or looser than others.
This can make the edge look slightly uneven even though the stitch count has not changed.
Your tension usually becomes more consistent with practice.
If the difference is small, it may improve naturally as you continue.
How to Fix Crochet That Is Already Getting Wider or Narrower
If you notice the problem early, the cleanest solution is usually to undo the rows until you reach the last correct row.
Then continue again with the correct stitch count.
Trying to hide several missing or extra stitches later can change the shape even more.
If the difference is extremely small and the exact dimensions are not important, you may decide to continue.
But for fitted projects such as pouches, key cases, or other small accessories, correcting the stitch count is usually better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the sides of my crochet slanted?
You may be gaining or losing stitches at the beginning or end of each row.
Count your stitches and check your turning chain.
Why does my crochet keep getting wider even though I am not increasing?
You may be accidentally working into an extra stitch or counting the turning chain incorrectly.
Why does my crochet keep getting smaller?
You are probably missing stitches, especially at the edges.
Should I count my stitches every row?
Beginners usually benefit from counting every row.
Once you become more comfortable, you may not need to count as often.
The Simple Rule
If your crochet keeps changing width, check the stitch count first.
Getting wider = you may be adding stitches.
Getting narrower = you may be losing stitches.
Then check the first stitch, last stitch, and turning chain.
These three areas cause many beginner edge problems.