Q&A for How to Repair a Crochet Blanket

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  • Question
    Is there a way to soften up the edges of a blanket with hard knots at the end of every color changing row?
    SarahB
    Community Answer
    It sounds like you are using a knot to join the yarn together. Instead, use a darning needle to thread the unused wool into the work on the wrong side.
  • Question
    I accidentally unraveled my beginning rows of my almost-completed project. How do I fix without undoing it all?
    Community Answer
    This depends on the kind of stitching used. If you have a basic stitch like only single crochets, double crochets, etc., you unravel until you reach the end of the last partly intact row and crochet from there as if this side is the bottom of your project. Nobody will notice if the last few rows are upside-down. You could even do this for a simpler stitch out of the category of textured stitches like the moss stitch. For anything more complicated, whether it can be done depends on the type of stitching. You could unravel further until the last intact row and tie off there as if this was the intention, but that depends on what kind of project you have (a sweater would end up too short).
  • Question
    Granny squares separated at the center of the four, how to repair?
    Michele
    Top Answerer
    If the squares have separated where they were sewn together, you'll have to find some matching yarn and sew them again. Be sure to leave a "tail" that can be woven back into the squares for added security against coming undone.
  • Question
    I had to take out several rows of a crochet blanket, but now I have loops in the stitches of the next row showing and I can't join them with the other rows. How do I repair this?
    Non
    Community Answer
    Weave some yarn through each row to make the loops less obvious. Then, just keep on crocheting normally. It should straighten out on it's own.
  • Question
    Is it possible to tear out a few rows of a shell pattern afghan and single stitch on the bottom of where it begins?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    It requires a good knowledge of the pattern if you wish to tear out the base rows. If the upper rows are dependent on those base rows, you may need to start over. Consult with a local knit/crochet group at your local yarn store. If they offer classes, then there is someone who can advise you on how to proceed.
  • Question
    What can I do if I cut strings on my blanket by accident?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Option one is to, with a matching thread on a yarn needle, carefully weave a strand following the path of where the cut thread would go. Leave at least 2"/5 cm at the beginning and at the end to prevent it slipping out. You could also tie matching sewing thread about 1/2"/1.2 cm from the cut end. Secure it with a knot and a little glue. Go over to the opposite cut end and repeat. If possible, overlap the ends and knot and secure the thread in the middle. This method reduces the bulk of a yarn thread repair.
  • Question
    How do I repair a crochet blanket that looks raggedy?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    If this blanket is a child's favorite and is starting to fall apart, consider applying a patch. Make it a shared project with the child. Have the child select ribbon, lace or fabric (or a combination) and stitch them over the damaged areas or to connect larger separated pieces. With small defects, yarn embroider a shape like a flower. To maintain the blanket pattern, ask at your local yarn store for help.
  • Question
    What do I do if I have a hole in my crocheted blanket?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    If the hole is relatively small, use matching yarn and cinch it tight. For a larger hole, a crocheted applique patch can be sewn on to make it a part of the design. Ask an instructor of knitting or crochet for assistance if neither solution is appealing.
  • Question
    How do I put new rounds in if the first and second rounds are wearing out on a blanket?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Create the rows you wish to replace. Use the next row to connect it by slip stitching into place. You can also follow where the next row connects and carefully hook the stitch through a stitch for an "invisible" repair.
  • Question
    My crochet blanket got caught in a zipper. Some stitches are in middle of blanket where the yarn was torn apart. Some are on the edges.
    Blair
    Community Answer
    If some of your stitches have fallen apart/gotten ripped, you can try a few things. Try buying the same yarn and making small patches to sew on the blanket. Another option (much more time consuming) is taking apart the blanket and recrocheting.
  • Question
    How do I fix an Afghan that is uneven? List count and some rows ended up longer than the others.
    Community Answer
    Ripping (also called frogging) back to where the rows are at the right number of stitches is always an option, if time consuming. An alternative is to add a crochet edging, which can disguise some unevenness. If it is a major unevenness and the blanket is a trapezoid, blocking can help if it is cotton or wool yarn.
  • Question
    Have an old crocheted tablecloth that needs help, can I use thread?
    Tianna Schwindel
    Community Answer
    If the thread is the same thickness as the yarn or material used to crochet the tablecloth originally, yes you can use thread. Make sure that you keep the weight (thickness) the same so you don't cause discontinuities and bumps in the thickness levels.
  • Question
    When crocheting my border, one of my half double crochet came unraveled. How do I fix?
    Tianna Schwindel
    Community Answer
    You can insert the hook into the yarn and twist it around and crochet another half double crochet. But make sure that you are keeping the stitch in front of it secure, then you loop it though like a regular stitch.
  • Question
    Have a very large crochet blanket we want to cut into smaller pieces. Could it be possible to accomplish without ruining it?
    Tianna Schwindel
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately, if you want to cut a crochet blanket into smaller pieces, the pieces will most likely unravel. If you want to prevent this, you can cut it one stitch at a time, and tie the yarn together so it won't unravel. Otherwise, it will definitely unravel over time.
  • Question
    Can I rip out the bottom 4 inches of a crocheted afghan?
    Community Answer
    No, that would cause the afghan to fall apart. If you want to shorten it, try removing rows from the top instead. Find the ending knot, undo it, and gently pull the yarn to unravel stitches. Once you're happy with the amount you've removed, just fasten off and tuck in the yarn end.
  • Question
    How can I extend a ripple crochet afghan from the beginning end to add more of the first color since I ran out of wool and there is no more to be had?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Since the pattern is still the same, simply attach your yarn to the corner that would be the same as if you were turning to start a new row. It will make it less obvious that it was extended from the starting edge. Continue in pattern until you get to your desired length.
  • Question
    My grandmother made a very large afghan. Everyone wants a portion of it. How do I divide this crochet afghan into four pieces so everyone can have a portion?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Stitch blanket binding along what will become the new edges of the blanket piece. You do not specify if the blanket is a single piece or made up of several pieces. It is possible to use a sewing machine to stitch (double row of stitching) the yarn together before cutting with scissors. Fusible material from a fabric store can do the same but you will need to fuse both sides to prevent the yarn unraveling. If there are pieces that are sewn then simply locate the seam and cut. Any local knitting/crochet group will have someone who can help you choose how to portion out the afghan.
  • Question
    How do I pull out a row of double crochet stitch? Is there a way to not go stitch by stitch, but pull out several at a time on a row?
    Community Answer
    If you keep pulling on the yarn, then multiple stitches should come out. It will go stitch by stitch, but just keep pulling and more will loosen.
  • Question
    I didn’t noticed a knot on the yarn in a crochet blank. The piece is almost finished. Is there any way to hide the knot?
    Community Answer
    If the tension is loose, it is possible to hook the knot into the back of the piece. Use a smaller hook size to pull the knot into the solid part of a stitch. Remove the hook when the knot becomes hidden by the surrounding yarn. Pull and stretch the area to make sure that the knot remains hidden. Repeat the technique if the knot pops back out.
  • Question
    Can you crochet an iron-on patch in the center of an afghan?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Create your crochet patch and place over the desired location. Look at the closeness of the yarn in the patch and the afghan. You can then use matching yarn to sew it into place. If it is multicolored, you can use invisible thread and sew it into place. Make loose stitches to maintain the flexibility of the afghan. Using fabric or any other glue will cause a lumpy texture and this also tends to come apart with wear and tear.
  • Question
    I have been asked to repair a tablecloth that has been chewed on by a mouse. There are several little holes and one large area that has been destroyed. What is the best way to repair?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    For small holes, use a needle and matching thread or yarn to stitch up the area. For a large area replicate the missing area if possible and sew in place. An expert crocheter can probably make a seamless repair. If this is not an attractive choice, add a crochet patch. Use of crocheted floral motifs can cover the holes yet maintain the overall crochet look.
  • Question
    I have been asked to fix an antique throw that is like a doily in the middle and crochet around it. The crochet has come loose/broken off the material. How would you suggest fixing?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Begin by strengthening the fabric area with interfacing or fabric gluing on a matching fabric to the damaged area. Reshape and secure the crochet stitches to the fabric by machine or hand-sew the two materials together. Use invisible thread to attach the crochet material to hide the repair.
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