When someone starts learning Tunisian crochet, one of the biggest challenges is keeping the edges straight and smooth! We all want to crochet neat edges! I’ve heard from many people that this can be a struggle, so I wanted to share some tips and tricks to help you avoid uneven edges in the future!
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to keep both your left and right sides of your project edges straight. There’s a photo guide below, specifically for right-handed crocheters, but don’t worry—I have video tutorials for both left and right-handed crocheters that you can view if you need additional support.
How To Crochet Neat Edges – Photo Tutorial
If you prefer a video tutorial, scroll all the way down.
Right Edge
One common problem people encounter when learning Tunisian crochet is that the right edge stitches often turn out too loose. This happens because, as you add more loops on your hook, the rightmost loop tends to stretch, resulting in a messy, uneven edge. To avoid this and crochet a straight edge instead, follow these steps:
Step 1: Make 4 stitches.
Step 2: Place a stitch marker on the first 3 stitches and remove them from the hook.
Step 3: Continue with the forward and return passes until you reach the 4th stitch.
Step 4: Move the stitches in the stitch marker back onto the hook.
Step 5: Complete the return pass as usual.
This method helps prevent that rightmost loop from stretching, giving you neater, more even edges.
Left Edge
To create a neat edge stitch, you need to pick up the two vertical bars of the edge stitch from the previous row. A common issue is figuring out where to insert the hook, as people often pick up the two bars from the return pass chain instead of the actual edge stitch.
Follow these steps to avoid that mistake:
Step 1: Work the forward pass until you have one stitch left before the edge stitch.
Step 2: Insert your hook under the two vertical bars of the edge stitch from the previous row, yarn over, and pull through.
Step 3: Place a stitch marker around the last loop added to the hook and the working yarn.
Step 4: Complete the return pass.
For the next row, when making the edge stitch, insert your hook into the space where the stitch marker is. This will help you consistently find the right place for the edge stitch, leading to a neat finish.
How To Crochet Neat Edges – Video Tutorial
Right Handed Video Tutorial
Left Handed Video Tutorial
So, that’s the secret! Now that you know my tricks! You’ll be able to make Tunisian crochet neat edges, every time, for every project! Feel free to come back to update and refresh your memory, whenever your edges seem to wander astray.
Make sure to come back and visit for other Tunisian crochet tips and techniques. I’m all about making sure your crochet projects turn out perfectly, every time.
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Rosanna
Monday 14th of October 2024
Finally found a solution for the loose first stitch! Thank you for this.
Vickie
Friday 11th of October 2024
Great tips! I always enjoy your tutorials, you explain in a slow comfortable way. Thank you
Sandy
Thursday 10th of October 2024
Putting the starting-edge loops on a stitch marker is genius! Thank you!
Rebecca
Thursday 10th of October 2024
Great tutorial, thank you!