Blankets

[Char]

Does anyone else have the problem with blankets being longer at the bottom than the top? I am not losing sitches - I have 30 wheels on the beginning row, 30 wheels (well, 29 and two halves) in the top row. I was kicking around ideas like doing a couple rows in a smaller hook then increasing the hook size? it isn’t terrible, and likely just stress, or car riding vs relaxing in the chair type of thing. I am guessing it will block out. But... what do you do?

[pinesprairie]

Yes! I read somewhere once that many people have a looser tension when beginning a new pattern and that as the mind and muscles learn the pattern, get the feel of how the yarn flows and develop the rhythm, we unconsciously return to our most practiced tension. This happens mainly on an unfamiliar stitch or if using a different weight yarn than we normally do. The recommended solution was to do exactly what you stated. It has worked for me although I've learned to go down 2-3 sizes to start as I crochet very tightly and to stay with the smaller hook through several pattern repeats, especially if it consists of multiple rows. Now that I'm aware of it, I swatch the same way and pay close attention and adjust the point at which I move to the larger hook. Might be worth a go for you.

[Char]

I wonder if it is too late for me to go to a bigger hook now... thoughts?

[pinesprairie]

You probably still could. One thing you might try is to alternate between the small and large hooks for a few rows to make it a more gradual change before sticking with bigger one. I think you'll easily be able to block it all out evenly when done.

[DJM]

I tend to chain loose which gives the bottom of my blanket a wider bottom,

[pinesprairie]

DJM, you are exactly right. This was really a problem for me before I switched to starting with a chainless foundation stitch. Have you ever tried that?

[DJM]

pinesprairie I like to do it with a fdc or fhdc not fond of it with fsc.

[Char]

My chain is also loose. I do like the foundation stitches (dc more than S.C.). I actually started that with this stitch but for some reason I didn’t think it looked right and drifted it. :-)

[lovestostitch]

Char - Have you tried doing your cast on chain with a bigger hook? That has helped me.

[Char]

Actually my cast on and first row are the looser ones than the others.

[lovestostitch]

Then I would try the reverse - a smaller hook for your chain.

[Char]

Yah... I am not sure why it took so long for me to figure that one out. Lol