# [Find growing or shrinking edges](https://threadcabin.com/explore/249/find-growing-or-shrinking-edges)

> Compare row counts before changing tension. Accidental first-stitch additions and missed last stitches create systematic width changes.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/249/find-growing-or-shrinking-edges
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:34.2138684+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:39.1998632+00:00
- Craft: Crochet
- Primary image: [Illustration: Three crochet samples showing a straight edge, a growing edge and a shrinking edge, alongside a gently skewed granny square.](https://threadcabin.com/images/explore/focused/crochet-edge-errors.jpg)

Compare row counts before changing tension. Accidental first-stitch additions and missed last stitches create systematic width changes.

## Before you start

Stop and record the last correct reference point. Support loose loops or damaged ground before removing anything, and reproduce the fault on a spare sample if possible.

## Try this example

Write down five row totals: 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. Inspect the turning-chain rule at each edge; return to the last correct row once the extra insertion is located.

## Check your result

- Compare the repaired area with an undamaged neighbor after relaxing or finishing the sample. Recount the boundary before continuing beyond the repair.
- A repair may remain visible. If the foundation is weak, reinforcing or replacing a section can be more reliable than hiding the surface fault.

## Sources

- [www.garnstudio.com: lessons.php](https://www.garnstudio.com/lessons.php?cid=19)
- [media.craftyarncouncil.com: CYC_CIP_Crochet_Program_2017.pdf](https://media.craftyarncouncil.com/files/CIP/CYC_CIP_Crochet_Program_2017.pdf)

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts?craft=crochet)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [Find the first and last stitch](https://threadcabin.com/explore/202/find-the-first-and-last-stitch)
- [Crochet stitch height, turning chains, and terminology](https://threadcabin.com/explore/11/crochet-stitch-height-turning-chains-and-terminology)
- [Crochet loop placement changes texture and movement](https://threadcabin.com/explore/12/crochet-loop-placement-changes-texture-and-movement)