Whether you’re new to crocheting or an old hand, getting your tension consistent can be a challenge. So should you use a crochet tension ring to help? That’s what we’re here to find out!
We’re going to look in detail at why tension matters to your crochet project. We’ll discover why crochet tension rings can be so helpful when it comes to achieving consistent tension. And we’ll explore how to use them to get the best results.
So if you’re ready to find out more, let’s get started!
What is a crochet tension ring?
A crochet tension ring is just what it sounds like. It’s a ring you place on your finger to keep the tension in your crochet stitches consistent. You may also hear it referred to as a “crochet tension regulator”.
Usually, the ring is made of silver or another type of metal. But it’s even possible to make one using yarn. That’s right, you could crochet yourself a crochet tension ring!
Whatever the ring is made of, it works the same way. You put it on a finger of the hand that’s not holding the crochet hook, and you pass the yarn through the ring. That will give each stitch a nice, even tension.
To make things hassle-free, some crochet rings have a small hook at the top. It’s that hook that allows you to pass the thread through it easily. But there are other designs too.
The importance of tension
So what exactly is tension? And why does having consistent tension even matter when you’re crocheting?
Tension is simply the amount of pressure you put on the yarn as you’re making a stitch. It affects pretty much everything about the item you’re crocheting. That includes the number and size of the stitches, the size of the finished article, and the way the crocheted fabric drapes.
Tension and gauge
A term you’ll often hear referred to in crocheting is the “gauge”. The gauge is how many stitches and rows there are in every inch of the pattern.
The tighter the tension, the smaller the stitches and the higher the gauge. If the tension is slacker, you’ll get fewer, larger stitches.
Crochet patterns will specify the gauge to use. Follow that, and your finished item will be the right size and shape.
Tension and yarn usage
The amount of tension in your stitches will also affect how much yarn you use to complete your pattern.
The higher the tension, the tauter the yarn will be, and the smaller the stitches. In other words, you’ll use less yarn for the same number of stitches than if the tension was looser.
But if you need your finished item to be a particular size, you’ll generally find you use more yard with higher tension. That’s because you’ll need more of those small, tight stitches.
Conversely, a lower tension will use up more yarn per stitch. Those stitches will be bigger and looser than when you’re crocheting with a higher tension.
Tension and texture
The tension of your stitches also has an impact on texture. As we know, higher tension equals shorter, tighter stitches, with smaller holes between them. Lower tension will give you bigger stitches with bigger holes.
The higher the tension, then, the denser and more robust the finished fabric will be. That makes higher tension a good choice if you’re making items like bags or coasters.
But if you’re looking for a drapier fabric – such as for a blanket – lower tension will work better.
Tension and the crocheting experience
Tension doesn’t just affect the item you’re making. It can also make the difference between a comfortable and an uncomfortable crocheting experience.
If you’re working with very high tension, that can strain your hands, fingers and wrists. And if you do it for too long, it can be very painful.
If the tension is very low, on the other hand, you can find yourself having to contend with loose yarn and dropped stitches. That can make your crocheting time very frustrating.
By keeping the tension consistent, using a crochet tension ring can create a more comfortable and happy crocheting experience. And it can be particularly useful if you have arthritis or any other condition that gives you painful hands.
The need for even tension
If you keep the same tension with every stitch, you’ll end up with a neater result. Each stitch will be the same size, meaning every row will be the same length. That will give you a nice, tidy edge.
If your tension is all over the place, on the other hand, you can expect an irregular edge. And the shape of the item you’re making will probably end up distorted too.
Achieving consistent tension with a crochet ring
The key thing that affects tension is how hard you pull the yarn as you stitch. That comes down to how you grip the yarn. And unfortunately, everyone does this differently!
There’s not really a golden rule to getting the right balance between taut and slack yarn. As with so much in life, it really comes down to practice.
Generally speaking, to keep the tension the same with every stitch, you’ll need to keep the finger holding the yarn a consistent distance away from the crochet hook. That can be difficult to do – and that’s where crochet tension rings come in.
All you need to do is pop the ring on the finger you’d usually use to hold the yarn. That’s usually on your less dominant hand – so if you’re right-handed, you’ll generally put the ring on your left hand. Most people use their index finger, but use whatever works for you.
Look for an adjustable ring, so you can position it wherever it’s most comfortable. That won’t necessarily be at the base of your finger – it all depends on your personal crocheting technique. Some people prefer to position it above the topmost knuckle, others further down.
The ring will keep the yarn in place, helping you naturally keep the same tension as you work.
Learn More About Crochet
Recently we have touched the wonderful posts of how to crochet looser tension rings, but please remember that creating even tension is only one part which leads us straight to successful crocheting. For all the beginners and wannabe experts who want to take your crochet skills new heights, Loopara is a must go place for you.
The page you want to see this amazing crochet patterns free that can be found at Loopara the best resource for crocheting online, besides a wide variety of yarns. Not only they do not sell tension rings, but their huge selection of patterns means that there are projects available for every skill level and a lot also help you practice knitting evenly. From easy patterns for beginners to challenging projects or intricate designs suitable for experienced crocheters.
Different types of crochet tension ring
There are two main types of crochet tension ring:
- Those with a hook incorporated into the design
- Those that are adjustable from the top.
Crochet tension rings with hooks
Lots of crochet tension rings have a small hook to hold the yarn. Sometimes this is simply attached to the band. In other cases, it’s incorporated into the design – for example, a ring designed as a lizard might have the hook formed by a loop in its tail.
With this type of ring, you’ll need the open part of the hook to face away from your other hand.
Left-handed crocheters, beware! Not all crochet tension rings can be worn on either hand. And many of the tension rings with hooks are designed for righties. While you could wear them on the left hand, the design would be upside down.
Remember, you’ll be wearing the ring on the hand that doesn’t hold the crochet hook. So make sure you’ll be able to position the ring with the open part of its hook facing away from your dominant hand.
Adjustable crochet tension rings
Not all crochet tension rings have hooks. Some rely on an adjustable band to keep the yarn in place.
With this type of crochet tension ring, there’s a gap in the metal that serves two purposes. It allows the size of the band to be adjusted for a perfect fit. And it means you can easily slip your yarn through the gap and slide it beneath the band.
The great thing about these rings is that they work equally well whether you’re left- or right-handed. But some people find the lack of a hook means it’s a little harder to keep the yarn held in position.
With an adjustable ring, it can be easy to bend the metal out of shape. To avoid that, adjust it slowly, using both hands. If you’re making the ring bigger, push the ends up after you’ve opened them out to keep the circle. If you’re making it smaller, push them down.
Adjusting the tension with crochet tension rings
Using a crochet tension ring is a great way of keeping an even tension as you stitch. But you can still adjust the tension too.
If you want higher tension, simply wrap the yarn around the ring a second time. Or some designs have secondary loops or hooks that you can use in addition to the primary one.
If you want to loosen the tension, you can remove the yarn from the hook and just pass it beneath the ring band.
Should you use a crochet tension ring? A quickfire summary
So should you use a crochet tension ring?
If you’ve been struggling to keep the tension in your stitches consistent, it could be a big help. Even tension means neater stitches and projects that turn out the right size, shape and texture.
Just make sure that if you choose a ring with a hook, the design will work for you. Left handers will need a design that can be worn on the right hand, with the open part of the hook facing to the left.
