7 Tips to Improve Yarn Tension in Crochet [+ a Crochet Tension Regulator]

Tension, tension, tension. If only yarn tension came more easily to us, maybe there would be a lot more crocheters in the world! Let me guess. You've been getting frustrated with how your projects have been working up because you can't get the hang of your tension. Trust me, you are not alone.

In today's tutorial, you will find a complete crochet tension guide.
- We will learn the best way to find our tension is by practicing
- Why it's so important
- 7 constructive tips to help improve your yarn tension
- How to create your own yarn tension regulator and how to use it

Did you know I have a FREE Learn to Crochet Masterclass? START HERE:

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*Some links are affiliate links which will allow me to make a small commission on any products purchased through my recommendation. Please note that this does not influence my opinion or recommendations in any way.

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// TIMESTAMPS //
00:40 - Tip #1
01:53 - Tip #2
02:33 - Tip #3
03:22 - Tip #4
04:15 - Tip #5
05:12 - Tip #6
06:33 - Tip #7
07:12 - How to Make a Tension Regulator
11:16 - How to Use the Tension Regulator

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#crochetforbeginners #crochet #crochettutorial #crochettips

// US vs. UK //
SC - Single Crochet (Double Crochet - UK)
HDC - Half Double Crochet (Half Treble - UK)
DC - Double Crochet (Treble - UK)
TR - Treble Crochet (Double Treble - UK

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[jaistashu]

@2:35 If you can't invest in a yarn bowl (low priced ones go for like $40 from what I've seen), you can always use a regular ceramic bowl or some other bowl with weight and then clip a binder clip on the bowl's lip and feed the yarn through the metal hole(s). I use a wood bowl I bought off Publix clearance for like 5 bucks and a binder clip, and it works great for me.

[WaniArman]

I'm new to crochet. My tension change from tight to loose, loose to tight from stitches to stitches. This tension regulator is life saver. Now, I have consistent tension.

[jenniferkroesch]

I made myself 2 tension regulators. I use 1 on my index & the other on my middle finger - I have extreme sensitivity to the point I don’t want the yarn to touch my skin. This has been my saving grace. This allows me to crochet without the pain to my skin. Thank you for sharing!!! ❤️🤗❤️🤗🤗🤗

[mamarave]

As you said... practice practice practice ☹️ I'm now 52 and have been crocheting since I was 5. My mum when first teaching me had me doing chains for months...lol but we learned how to make different things with all the chains I had been making. Made for fun and great practice for which I'm eternally greatful.

[ricbeckadeardorff]

I haven't heard "yarn vomit" I always said the skein had a yarn baby lol. Still accurate though :)

[patriciabinker]

It been over one year since viewing your tension regulator tutorial and I was compelled to return to post another comment on how this tutorial has been instrumental in my ability now to crochet for hours. I have been crocheting purses and bags using size 18 nylon and it would have been impossible for me to crochet with this slippery nylon without this crochet tension idea. I am 70 years old with arthritis beginning to develop in my hands yet I have made several crocheted purses, bags, , straps, etc with the nylon now and the ability to adjust tension by increasing the number of stitches the yarn/cord is woven through is absolutely the most important aspect if this idea. Many thanks to whomever came up with this idea and thank you for sharing it with us!

[fairiIu]

The tension regulator is also amazing for reducing pain from carpal tunnel, arthritis, and/or chafing on sensitive skin!

[elainewalsh]

That was so amazing! My granny told me when I was 12 that the way I held both my crochet hook and the tension in my left hand was completely wrong! She said it would lead to major problems when I moved on to more complex work. I ignored her, and now at age 51 I just couldn’t re-learn how to hold the yarn properly. Also I just received a little bucket with handles as a gift and it is a perfect yarn bowl! I really didn’t know about any of these tips but they will help tremendously with my new obsession for amagurumi and hopefully make my coasters more even.

[pjki]

This is EXCELLENT! If any of you have difficulty with tension, for me it's because I cannot close the fingers of my left hand to grip the yarn at all, then this "tension regulator" is AMAZING! I thought I'd never be able to crochet (I knit), because of not being able to correctly hold the yarn with tension. NOW IT'S EXCITING because I'm actually making progress. Thank you Sigoni for your wonderful website, Facebook page, and your tutorials!!! Thank you! You gave me new hope! Edit: And your "personalized" help is incredible!! We can actually ask questions and WOW get answers! SMILE!

[janetcozens]

Many thanks for sharing your precious creations. I know that I can crochet as I have made quite a number of blankets using crochet.
It's just my mental health and not being able to consontrate 👋👋👋👋. But hopefully watching You Tubetastic 😅😅😅

[bonniekonjevich]

I have been crocheting fifty years and yet am still learning how to make joining so much better or tension tricks. A tension regulator blows my mind!!! Blame ADHD!

[pcoan]

Because of arthritis, I have very loose tension. That little crocheted finger thing is GREAT! What a difference! Thank you so much for sharing!

[meeravenunagavalli]

Wow super tension regulator CROCHET tension was my REAL tension

[retroboomer]

I love this tension regulator much. After watching countless videos about tension, finally something new.

[jenniferscelso]

I love the tension regulator! I've been crocheting for over 20 years and sometimes I still have a little trouble with the tension. So I'm going to make one and try it out.

[NotThrowingShade]

Thank you so much. Took me two tries to get the tension regulator right (first time was too loose), but it's super easy to make and I think I'll just make several with leftover yarn. I couldn't believe how well it worked!

[samantharestivo]

The tension regulator made my tension perfect the only diffent thing i did was use a 3.5mm hook and the only worsted yarn i had was 100% cotton but i feel like it holds the yarn really good and like i said my tension came out perfect. Thank you so much for your tips 😊

[hollowillow]

The tension regulator would potentially work great for Continental style knitting as well! Thank you for sharing <3

[argonwheatbelly]

I have a tight, closed grip, but it oddly enough allows me to control tension rather accurately. This looks wonderfully useful for days when I need to have a looser grip on everything.

[molliewhite-evans]

I was 16 when an 88 year old Lady taught me to Crochet. I had a lot of issues w my tension, but I finally got it w the way I hold my yarn & it looks funny, but iphey it works for me.