Expert: Patricia - 8/4/2010

Question
I am trying to crochet the Baby's ABC's afghan. It uses single crochets and puff stitches. I have started this numerous times and can't get it too lay as flat as i think it should. It curls quite a bit. I even tried starting with a larger hook for the first 2 rows and switched to the hook size called for to see if this would help. I also tried steaming the first few rows to see if that would help. It did help a little bit. I am getting a ripple effect between the puff stitches which are spaced about 28 SC apart. I am using Lions Brand Pound of Love yarn instead of Caron Simply soft that the pattern calls for. Could this be the problem? I didn't think it would matter since i have made other afghans with different yarn than the pattern called for. thanks for your help Pam

Answer
Hi Pam,
I also make my beginning chain with a larger hook than the rest of pattern, but changing the yarn wouldn't matter.  You certainly shouldn't have to steam the stitches.
What I find unusual, though, is that your pattern is using single crochets in conjunction with puff stitches which use taller stitches.

I can usually work someone's pattern out if I actually crochet the rows myself.  Can you send me the pattern via attachment or link?

I hope to hear from you soon.  I'm curious, too.

-Patricia