Minimizing Gaps in Corner to Corner (C2C)

One of the most frequently asked questions I get during a crochet along is “Why do I have holes in my c2c?”. If you have gaps in your corner to corner stitch you’re not alone and – good news – you’re perfectly normal! The traditional c2c stitch naturally creates gaping between stitches but I can tell you how to fix it and it’s super easy. 

 

Getting Rid of Holes in C2C

Now, those holes aren’t hurting anybody and you’re free to leave them but if, like me, you’re a bit of a perfectionist about your graphghans then you can completely get rid of the gaping in your work with a simple tweak to your c2c stitch.

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The reason you see the gaps in your work is because of the starting chain. Those holes in corner to corner are made when we work our DC or HDC in the starting chains from the previous row. No amount of tightening your tension can fix that problem. So what’s a hooker to do? The solution is pretty straight forward – just reduce your starting chains!

The Secret to C2C With No Gap

 

Traditional c2c using double crochet most commonly begins with a chain 6 and works a DC in the 4th chain from the hook and a DC in the remaining two stitches for increasing. Regular stitches start with a chain 3 and work 3 DC in the chain space below.

Reducing those chains sequences by just one will make a big difference in your finished project. I recommend a chain 5 increase and a chain 2 regular stitch for dramatically reducing the holes in your work. 

Mini Corner to Corner (c2c)

Mini c2c is worked in the same way as traditional corner to corner but uses half double crochet stitches in place of double crochet. Typically mini c2c instructions say to begin with a chain 5, working a HDC in the second chain from the hook and the remaining two chains. Regular stitches in the row start with a chain 2 and work 3 HDC in the chain space below.

To minimize your holes in mini c2c use a chain 4 on increase stitches, working a HDC in each of the 3 chains below the hook and a single chain 1 on regular stitches. Works like magic!

One Warning

Decreasing your chain stitches will cause your final project to be smaller! So it’s not a method you can switch to in the middle of a project. In the picture above you can see the serious size difference when reducing your starting chain by just one. 

So that’s it. Easy peasy, right? 

Happy Hooking!

Jessica

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