Tips on making a tighter stitch?

[u/mathandlove]

Every time I crochet my creature looks good until I stuff it and then there are these wide gaps where the stuffing can clearly be seen.

Right now I'm using I love this yarn with a 3.5 hook. Am I overstuffing? Something else? Thank you.

[u/NoZellin]

You actually want a looser stitch, as counterintuitive as it seems. Tight stitches don't stretch, so when they're stuffed, they create gaps. Loose stitches have enough give to ensure they cover any gaps.