How do I make my crocheting stretchy instead of stiff?

Question

I have a couple of scarves that were made for me, both are crocheted.  They are very flexible, and appear to be made of double crochet stitches.  You can take the scarf and stretch it from it's original width of say 6 inches to probably close to 10 inches.  

When I make them, they tend to be very stiff and not stretchy.  I thought this came from using a small hook, so recently I tried making a scarf with a K hook.  I used one strand of worsted, and one strand of a thin novelty yarn.  I was doing half-double crochets and they were pretty loose.

This thing turned out almost like a potholder.  Perfect square, no stretching, no bending.  But not very comfy to wear around the neck.  I wish I would have gotten a pic, but I unraveled it when I realized there was no one anyone would wear that.  

So what am I doing wrong? Different hook size?  Looser stitches/tighter stitches?  Different type of stitch?  Anything???

asher3620 · Accepted Answer

Many novelty yarns have little to no stretch. Tug on it gently and see how well it stretches. If the yarn can't stretch the way you want, the fabric you make from it isn't likely to be much more flexible. 

Since you've tried larger hooks and you crochet loosely, its time to try an actual technique to add stretch to your work. 

For crochet you usually pick up both of the top loops of your work when you are making a new stitch. To add a little stretch, try working only in the front loops. Pick up only the top loop that is closest to you as you work back and forth. This will create a little stretch that should be sufficient for making a scarf comfortable. 

If you want a LOT of vertical stretch in your fabric, you can work only in the back loops of your crochet. This will give you even more stretch than the front loops technique. This does create a fabric that will stretch itself out over time, so if you hang your scarf in a closet over the summer, do not be surprised if it is longer the next winter. 

There is also a technique for working in alternating loops. You work front loops for some stitches and back loops for others. 

All of this front or back work does leave a ribbed texture on your work. If you want a perfectly smooth panel of crochet, try the alternating technique to limit the ribbing. You can also use a fuzzy yarn to cammouflage the texture. 

There are also yarns in the world that have more stretch than those available at Hobby Lobby. If you don't get enough stretch with these tricks or you don't want textured fabric, finding a stretchier yarn is your best bet. 

You can find detailed directions on all of these stitches by typing in "how to make stretchy crochet" and other such phrases into your favorite search engine.

? · Answer

Stretchy Scarf

Anonymous · Answer

For stiffening snowflakes I use Elmer's glue and dilute it with water (50/50). The mixture is created in a ziploc baggie, snowflake inserted & squished around until saturated. Then I remove the snowflake and pin in the shape I want it to dry in on wax paper that has been placed over a styrofoam block. Then, for that added touch of glitz, while it's drying, I gently sprinkle "ultra fine" glitter over it. They come out beautiful; lasts for years; and makes no more mess than other solutions. I do not recommend the sugar solution for any project as it welcomes unwanted critters to come dine on your work. I hope this helps, ~Dee CYCA Certified Crochet Teacher

VWR · Answer

I believe it's more in the type of yarn used and the tightness of the stitch.  I only tried crochet once, an 
afghan, using fat yarn (not correct terminology) and large hooks.  Only used one stitch, and it was lovely, soft, warm and stretchy.

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How do I make my crocheting stretchy instead of stiff?

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