Keeping an even number of stitches on each row

[uplate6674]

I'm making a scarf that alternates single crochet rows with triple, double, and half double rows. I spent all day working on it (literally hours), and the edges wave in and out all over the place.

I tried (really) to watch the turning chains, but I still messed up badly. How can I avoid this?

My mother said it actually looked like I meant the scarf to be in a wave pattern. 

I'm never wearing it outside, so it's now wrapped around my stuffed elephant.

How long does it take to get the hang of this?

[amigurl55]

It happens to me all the time.  Your scarf might be wavy if you didn't use the same stitch for the first and last stitch of each row- for example, if the first row starts with a sc and ends with a sc, all rows should start and end with a sc.  Also, you could be like me and occasionally "drop" a stitch.  To avoid this (and I know it's a pain, but I can't think of a better way), count your stitches each row.

Hope this helps!

[baby-bumblebee]

When I first started to crochet I had the same problem. I did not follow patterns and would just wing it. I usually made the mistake of

A) putting a stch in the first space after the turning chain and not putting one in the other rows

b) or my gauge would change, sometimes even now I will see that if I am in a bad mood my gauge will be tighter and if I am a good mood it is loose. So this might be the problem.

It took me a few months to notice my guage change.

Good luck it does take a bit but keep on making things, even if they are for the stuffed animals soon you will be a pro!

Amy

[Missklo]

I always try to keep my edges straigt by NOT putting any stitches in my turning chains.  Of course it's different with working in the round.  The edges might seem just a little uneven, but the overall look is better.