Is this normal? Please help.

[MeganM]

Hi,
I'm new to both knitting and this forum, so I'm hoping someone here can help me understand what's going on with my latest project. I'm making a purse in a double moss stich using a blended wool/acrylic, and its shape is somewhat distorted. The strap in particular is taking on a curved shape that I can't explain (it kind of looks like a sickle). I expect that blocking will solve the problem but I'm curious as to why this is happening. Is this type of curving typical in a narrow piece, or is it related to something else (skill, yarn, needles, stich...)? I've searched for an answer, but could only find information on the rolling that occurs at the edges of some projects. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks...

[jberry16]

I've never done a double moss stitch but maybe your knitting might be too tight, for instance when you get to one end and bring the yarn around to begin the other side, maybe you're pulling too tight? If you think this could be it maybe try knitting the handle with the next size needle. :shrug:

[Ingrid]

My first thought was too-tight knitting, too. Other than that, I'm not really sure.

[MeganM]

Thanks to both of you. I do tend to pull the first and last stich of each row tighter than the rest because I've come out with ugly edges in the past, but I'll try loosening up on my grip and see what happens.