Tension

a person knitting a sweater with a wooden crochet hook

Tension is the tightness or looseness of stitches. It plays a crucial role in determining the overall appearance, size, and drape of a project. Achieving the correct tension also ensures that the final piece matches the pattern's measurements and desired effect.

Crocheters typically adjust their tension in two ways

Tightening or loosening the yarn

Changing hook size

Looser

Lower tension entails a looser grip, creating bigger stitches that give the fabric a more relaxed appearance

A larger hook size results in looser stithes, creating more drape and openness in the fabric.




a smaller hook size yields tighter stitches, leading to denser and more structured fabric.


Higher tension involves tightly gripping the yarn, resulting in smaller and more compact stitches.

Tighter

Practice how you hold the yarn to effectively control tension.

Method 1

With the wool coming from beneath the palm and draped over the index finger, raise and lower the finger to control tension

a person's hand holding a white crochet hook

Method 2


For a bit more control, wrap it around the little finger and then drape it over the index finger for extra control.

a person holding a crochet hook and a crochet hook

Method 3

For the greatest control, with the wool strand coming from beneath the palm, wrap it loosely around little finger, then drape it over the third finger, under middle, and over index finger. Raise and lower the index finger to control tension. This method is very useful for more “slippery” yarns.

a person holding a white crochet hook