How to Crochet Straight Edges (No More Wavy, Wonky Sides)
Straight edges come down to two stitches: the first and the last of every row. Where to put them for single, half double and double crochet, how to mark them, and how to tidy a wonky edge afterwards with a border.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 15 minutes of practice
You'll need
- Hook and yarn
- 2 stitch markers
In this post
Straight crochet edges depend on the first and last stitch of every row. Work into exactly the right stitch at each end — never the turning chain when it doesn't count, never skipping the last stitch hidden under it — and keep the turning chain the same height as your stitches. Marking the first and last stitch of each row with stitch markers fixes wonky edges in a few rows.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Where the first and last stitch go
| Stitch | Turn with | First stitch | Last stitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | Ch 1 (doesn't count) | Into the very first stitch | Into the last sc (not the ch 1) |
| Half double crochet | Ch 2 (doesn't count) | Into the first stitch | Into the last hdc |
| Double crochet | Ch 3 (counts) | Skip the first, dc in the second | Into the top of the turning ch-3 |
Straight edges, step by step
- Mark: Put a marker in the first and last stitch of the row you're about to work into.
- Turn the same way every time: Turn the work clockwise (or always anticlockwise). Mixing directions twists the edge stitch.
- Make the turning chain snug: A loose ch 3 leaves gaps; ch 2 often looks neater for double crochet, or use a stacked first stitch (see gaps in crochet).
- Count: Count stitches every few rows. A changing count means the edge is drifting — see why crochet gets smaller.
- Edge border: Finish with a round of sc around the whole piece — 1 sc per sc row, 2 sc per dc row end, 3 sc in each corner. It hides small wobbles. More in how to crochet a border.
Wavy vs pulled-in edges
- Wavy edges (rippling) mean too many stitches along the side — common in borders. Use fewer stitches per row end.
- Pulled-in edges mean too few, or a tight edge stitch. Add a stitch per row end in the border, or relax the last stitch of each row.
- Blocking evens out the last small differences: how to block crochet.
Common questions
Why are my crochet edges not straight?
You're adding or skipping a stitch at the row ends, or your turning chain is a different height from your stitches. Mark the first and last stitch of every row.
Does the turning chain count as a stitch?
In single crochet, no. In double crochet, usually yes. The pattern will say "counts" or "does not count as a stitch".
How do I fix wonky edges on a finished piece?
Crochet a single crochet border all the way round, then block. Small wobbles disappear.
Clockwise or anticlockwise turner? 🔁
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