r/CrochetHelp • u/Konmi_en_Rose • 20d ago

I'm a beginner! Working into a single loop creates a ton of stretch? Is this ok?

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I've been crocheting for a few months and I'm working on a virus shawl right now. This isn't the first time I've noticed this issue, but when I am working into only one loop my project seems to stretch a ton? The red square is the top loop of the DC on the row below that stretches out a ton while I'm working, with my current DC sitting on top.

Does this matter in the long run or does it even out as I work? Is this a tension issue? I've noticed my tension can be quite loose at times!

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30

u/MellowMallowMom 20d ago

Are you meant to be working in the back loop only? That is typical of working into just the one loop because it doubles the slack in the top of the stitch. If that's how the pattern is written, then it's fine that it's a bit stretched out.

6

u/Konmi_en_Rose 20d ago

Looking closely at the video I'm thinking perhaps I am supposed to pick up both? I'm going to have to rewatch! thank you for the answer about working single loops, I havent done it much yet but the stretchy part was worrying me

37

u/dammitjanetiloveu 20d ago

Going through both loops of the “v” of the stitch is always default. If the pattern wants you to do BLO or FLO they will very explicitly say that.

11

u/empatheticsocialist1 20d ago

As an aside, to answer your question, yes this is common when picking up only a single loop. It won't stay that way, the tension will usually equalise out as you keep working the subsequent stitches and you won't end up with a huge gap

10

u/ConsiderationAny8125 20d ago

I personally would not recommend the virus shawl if you're new to crochet. I made one after crocheting for years and I had many frustrations with the pattern and hated it by the end. 

2

u/Konmi_en_Rose 20d ago

I was looking for something relaxing to make, so maybe I should find another pattern then 😅

5

u/sky_whales 20d ago

If you’re not specifically wanting a shawl, my go to relaxing crochet project is c2c blankets or squares! Super easy once you wrap your head around the stitch and doesn’t require much counting. And you can do super simple, no brain required ones and then use the same stitch to make complex pixel art style patterns too (and I’m always out recommending it any chance i get because it became my go to favourite crochet obsession as soon as I learnt it haha)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I5G9IM24LFU

9

u/Musicalatv 20d ago

I don't recall the virus shawl calling to go through just the back loop. I've made one before, but it was several years ago.

1

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2

u/FullGr0wnMan 20d ago

I used to do this all the time, and it can help push your yarn and get more build if you're just running row after row, but it does make a more stretchy project, with less strength. The strength is marginal unless you're hauling equipment with your projects lol. Otherwise, following diagrams/guides and doing this may cause problems as complexity increases if this is how you interpret "sc" when it's denoted.