Maybe the yeast is old or not activating very well for some reason? You can ‘bloom’ it in warm water with a little sugar first. If it goes all foamy it’s working well and can be added. If it doesn’t chuck it and buy a new packet.
I hear more liquid is good as well, you want the dough almost a tiny bit sticky and very soft then it should go more smooth and elastic as it kneads.
Maybe the yeast is old or not activating very well for some reason? You can ‘bloom’ it in warm water with a little sugar first. If it goes all foamy it’s working well and can be added. If it doesn’t chuck it and buy a new packet.
I hear more liquid is good as well, you want the dough almost a tiny bit sticky and very soft then it should go more smooth and elastic as it kneads.
(I am not a bread expert. Just picked up a few tips when I used to make pizza dough, which is much more forgiving. Troubleshooting the most common stuff should help https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/baking-sos-how-solve-10-common-bread-problems-luis-troyano)
Turns out I put in 240ml instead of 340ml of water because maths eludes me. Sorted it last night. Was delicious :)