How to Fix a Crochet Blanket That Is Too Big

When crocheting a blanket, one of the most important things to consider is sizing. But we don’t only mean knowing the right measurements before you start. Things like your chosen yarn, hook size, gauge, and tension can also impact how big or small your crochet blanket turns out.

If you’ve just finished creating a crochet blanket and noticed it’s bigger than you intended, worry not. There are several techniques you can try to resize it.

Before you go and try one of the techniques we cover below, start with assessing your crochet blanket and understanding the size discrepancy. You need to know exactly how much bigger it is than you intended. To identify this, measure your blanket’s length and width with a ruler.

Take note of those measurements, and then check the gauge of your stitches. Gauge refers to the specific number of stitches per row and rows per inch. If you used a pattern to create the blanket, compare the gauge against your pattern — they should match. If your blanket is bigger, it means you have to adjust accordingly.

Now that you know the exact measurements of your blanket and have compared it to the intended pattern, you know how much you need to adjust or subtract to achieve your desired size. For example, if your crochet blanket is an inch longer and an inch wider than you intended, then you can subtract an inch from each side of the blanket using the techniques below.

It’s worth mentioning that the yarn you use will also impact the size of your blanket. A blanket that comes out too big is the result of using yarn that is thicker than the pattern recommends. It may be that you’re also using a hook size that’s larger than needed for the type of yarn you have, so check the yarn label and pattern and make sure they match.

Techniques to Fix a Crochet Blanket That Is Too Big

There’s more than one way to resize a crochet blanket that’s too big. Here are some that you can do based on your skill level or preference.

Technique 1: Ripping Out Rows or Rounds

If your crochet blanket is significantly larger than you intended, you’ll have to redo some of your stitches and unravel the excess rows or rounds. Start by counting how many rows or rounds you need to unravel and locating the beginning of each section you’ll be working with. You can use a stitch marker to help you identify these areas.

Before you start removing the stitches, insert a locking stitch marker through the last stitch of the row or round you want to keep. This will prevent the rest of the blanket from unraveling further as you work.

From the locking stitch marker, carefully undo the stitches in reverse order by pulling the working yarn. Take your time with this as rushing can cause the thread to tangle, which will make it harder for you to unravel the stitches.

As you work, make sure you’re keeping track of the stitch pattern. Take note of any changes that occur to the sequence of stitches and mark key areas with a stitch marker.

When you’ve finished unraveling your rows and rounds, recount the remaining stitches to see if your blanket now has your desired measurements. If you’re happy with the size, create a slip knot with a new strand of yarn and insert the hook into the last stitch to rejoin the yarn.

Technique 2: Adding Decreases or Shaping

You can decrease the size of your crochet blanket by working single crochet decreases or double crochet decreases. Which technique to use will depend on the pattern you want to achieve. Single crochet decreases create denser stitches, while double crochet decreases create an open and lacy texture.

If you haven’t done them before, we recommend creating a swatch so you get a visual idea of how these stitches will look on your blanket. To do a single crochet decrease:

1. Insert the hook into the designated stitch. Then yarn over and pull up a loop.

2. Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. By now, you should have 3 loops on the hook.

3. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.

On the other hand, here’s how to do a double crochet decrease:

1. Yarn over and insert the hook into the first stitch.

2. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

3. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. There should be 2 loops on the hook.

4. Yarn over and insert the hook in the next stitch.

5. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

6. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yielding 3 loops on the hook.

7. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Once you’ve decided which decrease you want to do, identify the areas in your blanket where you will add them. This is important to ensure that the decreases don’t interfere with your blanket’s design.

Get started adding your decreases. As you work, make sure to keep track of your stitch count. You can use a stitch marker to help you keep track of where you’re placing your decreases.

Aim to create gradual decreases that are evenly spaced so your project’s appearance isn’t altered. If your project has a symmetrical design, distribute your decreases on both sides to keep the design balanced.

Technique 3: Crocheting Additional Rows or Rounds

Another way to resize your crochet blanket is to work in extra rows or rounds. This is one of the easiest techniques to do. First, identify the rows or rounds where you want to add extra stitches then work one or more stitches in each stitch. Repeat the process until you achieve your desired size.

You want to make sure that the stitches you add to your rows or rounds use the same stitch techniques as your blanket. This will ensure that your work comes out even, as if those extra stitches you added were intentional. You also need to use the same yarn type and hook size.

To ensure consistency while you add rows or rounds to your blanket, keep track of the number of stitches you’re adding. Count your stitches with a stitch marker so you don’t lose track.

Technique 4: Blocking and Reshaping the Blanket

Your blanket may be bigger than you intended because you haven’t blocked it yet. Blocking is a necessary step to take after completing a crochet project. It introduces moisture into your fibers so that you can manipulate their shape and smooth out the fabric as needed.

There are three ways to block your crochet project: wet blocking, mist blocking, and steam blocking. But for resizing your blanket, wet blocking works best. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill a tub with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent.

2. Submerge your crochet blanket and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. After such time, lift the blanket from the tub and squeeze out excess water. Be careful not to wring or twist the fabric.

4. Lay a clean towel on a large surface and put the blanket flat on top of it.

5. Shape your blanket to your desired dimensions and pin the edges to secure them.

6. Leave the blanket to air dry. Do not put it under direct sunlight or in humid environments.

7. When the blanket dries, remove the pins. It should now be sized right.

Tips and Considerations

Here are some pointers for your next project to ensure your blanket comes out with the dimensions you or your pattern intended:

● Choose the right yarn: A heavier-weight yarn will create looser stitches, yielding a larger project than if you use a lighter-weight yarn. Always choose the yarn weight that’s suitable for the size and drape you want to see in your blanket.

● Pay attention to hook size: Depending on the type of yarn you select, there is also a proper hook size you should use. Refer to your pattern or yarn label to identify the recommended hook size.

● Match the gauge: Before beginning your project, create a gauge swatch. It can be as small as 4 inches in width and height. Work a couple of stitches and rows, and then count them. They should match the gauge specified in your pattern.

If your swatch has more stitches and rows than it should, use a larger hook. If you have fewer stitches and rows, use a smaller hook.

● Be careful of your tension: Tension refers to how tight you’re working your stitches. A tension that’s too tight will yield a smaller blanket, while a tension that’s too loose will make your blanket oversized.

Adjust your tension accordingly. If you’re a light crocheter, use a larger hook size to maintain the right tension. If you’re a loose crocheter, use a smaller hook.

Conclusion

Ensuring you end up with a crochet blanket that’s the right size requires you to consider various factors, from your yarn and hook size to your gauge and tension. The key is proper planning and preparation. Before jumping headfirst into your project, take some time to create a swatch to ensure your stitches and rows will yield your desired size.

If you already finished your blanket and then realize the measurements aren’t as you intended, then don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world. Take our tips above to resize your blanket so you can finally enjoy your crochet creation.