BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Crochet Totally Frustrated

I am attempting to make a baby afghan. I used to crochet a lot 20-some years ago and just took it up again. In fact, I made the very baby afghan 22 years ago to great success. It is made with the afghan stitch with embroidery later done. It is 142 stitches across and 120 rows long. Even after I blocked it, both ends are wavy and it looks terrible. I have to start over, but I don't want to repeat whatever it is I did wrong again. What did I do wrong and how do I prevent it. My gauge seemed okay. It said use worsted weight and the yarn I got was worsted 4 baby, the hook is J with flexible extension.

All Afghan/Tunisian crochet has a tendency to curl. A bigger hook will help, keeping your stitches a little loose and I highly recommend starting with a sc row first and adding a sc border when finished. Make a swatch first with about 15 stitches to make sure this will work with the yarn you are using.

Thank you so much for your quick response. Is there any other stitch you can recommend that won't curl that makes a flat baby blanket that can be embroidered over later?

Not that I know of, about your only other alternatives would be to use the chart as filet crochet OR using the chart for picture crochet which would involve carrying your yarn and color changes. Please do try the larger hook first. Always happy to help.

Oh can you help me? I used to crochet and really enjoyed it. I made a shell pattern over and over and it was so relaxing, but now whenever I try it just doesn't work out for me. I tried getting directions on the internet, same epic fail. The lady who taught me passed away. When I get to the end of the row, I think I should either double and turn at one end or the other or is it both? It never works - the thing turns out all catty wampus.

Did you check with the Crochet site editor. She seems really knowledgeable. I bet she can help you. Wish I could...

Angief3 is this it ? Basic Crochet Shell Stitch via Crochet Geek Thank You Launa