What Does "Crocheting in the Round" Mean?

Crocheting in the round means that instead of working in rows, you’ll be working in a circular shape, adding stitches in a spiral or closed round. This method is great for creating 3D shapes, round items, or pieces with a seamless look. It’s a popular technique for making hats, amigurumi (crochet toys), coasters, and even bags!

Benefits of Crocheting in the Round

• Allows you to create seamless projects.
• Ideal for circular or tube-shaped items.
• Creates a unique texture and structure.

Essential Tools You’ll Need to Get Started

Before we jump into the steps, let’s make sure you have the right supplies. Here’s a quick list of essential tools for crocheting in the round:

• Yarn: Choose a beginner-friendly yarn like Hobbii Amigo Acrylic Yarn or any medium-weight yarn for easy handling and visibility.
• Crochet Hook: A 4mm or 5mm crochet hook works well for medium-weight yarn. Check out the Ergonomic Crochet Hooks on Amazon for added comfort.
• Stitch Markers: Stitch markers are essential for keeping track of your rounds. Try these Stitch Markers from Amazon if you don’t already have some.
• Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle is useful for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.

Pro Tip: Using a light-colored yarn makes it easier to see your stitches, which is helpful when you’re learning a new technique.

Step 1: Starting with a Magic Ring or Chain

When crocheting in the round, you can start with either a magic ring (also called a magic loop or circle) or a chain.

Here’s a quick overview of the methods:

• Magic ring: adjustable circle
• Chain 2 circle: first chain of two is the circle
• Chain 4 circle: four chains joined to make a circle

Method 1: Magic Ring

The magic ring or magic circle allows you to create a tight, adjustable center, which is ideal for projects like amigurumi where you want to avoid a hole in the center.

To make a magic circle or magic ring:

• Step 1 - 4: Wrap the yarn around your fingers to form a X.
• Step 5 - 6: Turn your hand over and feed you crochet hook under the first loop and over the second, hooking the second loop.
• Step 7 - 9: Pull the yarn through the first loop, pivot your hook up, then yarn over and wrap over the second loop again.
• Step 10-12: Pull the yarn through the second loop.

Your magic circle is complete!

Method 2: Chain 2 and Work into the First Chain

If the magic ring seems challenging, you can use a chain start instead. This method is easier but may leave a small hole in the center.

To make a chain 2 cicle:

• Step 1 - 2: Secure your slip knot to the hook.
• Step 3 - 5: Yarn over and pull one loop up to make your first chain.
• Step 6 - 7: Yarn over and pull one more loop up to create your second chain.
• Step 8: Place all of your stitches in the first chain space.

Your chain 2 circle is complete!

Buy Beginner-Friendly Yarn on Hobbii

Method 3: Chain 4 and Work into the Chain Circle

If you prefer to make stitches in a circle, you can use a chain circle start. This method leaves a medium sized hole. Chain 3 if you would like a smaller circle.

To make a chain 4 cicle:

• Step 1 - 2: Secure your slip knot to the hook.
• Step 3 - 6: Yarn over and pull one loop up four times to make a chain 4.
• Step 7 - 8: Insert your hook into the first chain stitch and yarn over.
• Step 9 - 10: Pull up a loop through both loops on the hook to create a slip stitch.
• Step 11-12: Pull the tail of the yarn to secure and round out your circle.

Your chain 4 circle is complete!

Step 2: Working the First Round

After starting with either a magic ring or chain, you’ll crochet the stitches for the first round into this loop. For beginners, I recommend using the chain 4 circle technique or even the magic circle for plenty of space to create the first row in the round. Starting with single crochet stitches is recommended.

1. Insert your hook into the center of the ring.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
3. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook (completes one single crochet).
4. Repeat this step until you have the required number of crochet stitches (6 to 8 stitches).

Note: For the magic circle, pull your yarn tail to make a smaller circle once all stitches are added to the circle.

Typical Starting Counts for Rounds:

• Single Crochet: Start with 6 or 8 stitches.
• Double Crochet: Start with 12 stitches.

Comfortable Crochet Hooks on Amazon

Step 3: Adding Increases to Form a Circle

To form a flat circle, you’ll need to add increases in each round. An increase means working two stitches into the same stitch. Here’s a simple formula to keep in mind: 

• Round 1: Start with your initial stitches (e.g., 6 single crochets).
• Round 2: Add two stitches to each space to increase in each stitch around. (You’ll have 12 stitches)
• Round 3: Add one stitch to the first, then two stitches to the second space. Repeat this process around to increase every second stitch. (18 stitches)
• Round 4: Add two stitches to the first space, then one stitch to the next two spaces. Increase every third stitch. (24 stitches)

Continue this pattern, adding one single crochet between two stitch increases for every row added. For regular intervals and a more even circle, start odd rounds with the single crochets and even rows with a two stitch increase until our circle reaches the desired size. Use stitch markers to keep track of where each round begins.

Step 4: Working in Spiral Rounds vs. Joined Rounds

When crocheting in the round, you can choose between two methods: spiral rounds and joined rounds.

Spiral Rounds

In spiral rounds, you keep working in a continuous loop without joining the end of each round. This is common in amigurumi and gives a seamless look, but be sure to use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.

Joined Rounds

In joined rounds, you join the end of each round with a slip stitch and chain up to start the next round. This method is great for projects where you want a more defined edge between rounds.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting Tips

1. Circle Isn’t Laying Flat

If your circle starts to curl up or form a bowl shape, it may be due to tension or too many increases. Adjust your stitch count or tension, and try again.

2. Visible Seam in Joined Rounds

If you notice a visible seam when using joined rounds, try using an “invisible join” technique or switch to spiral rounds for a seamless look.

3. Losing Track of Rounds

Using a stitch marker at the beginning of each round can help keep track of where each round begins, especially in spiral rounds.

Stitch Markers on Amazon

Beginner Project Ideas for Practicing Crochet in the Round

Now that you know how to crochet in the round, here are a few beginner projects to get started with:

Simple Coaster: Perfect for practicing flat circles and learning to increase evenly. You actually just made one above. Weave in the ends and you're ready for a nice celebratory cup of tea :)

Mini Basket: Practice both joined rounds and spirals to create a mini basket for holding small items. 

Amigurumi Easter Patterns for Beginners: A basic amigurumi sphere is a great way to practice spiral rounds and can easily become a cute crochet Easter pattern. Checkout 15 Easter Crochet Patterns For Beginners.

Granny Squares: Granny squares really are the basics of crochet for a reason! Checkout these granny square hearts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Crochet in the Round with Any Yarn?

Yes! You can crochet in the round with any yarn type or weight. However, as a beginner, it’s best to use a medium-weight yarn like Acrylic Yarn on Hobbii for easy handling.

Do I Need a Special Hook for Crocheting in the Round?

No, you can use any crochet hook, but ergonomic hooks like these from Amazon can make it more comfortable.

How Do I Prevent Gaps in the Center of My Circle?

Using the magic ring technique can help create a tight, closed center in your circle.

Conclusion: Start Crocheting in the Round Today!

Crocheting in the round is a versatile and fun technique that every beginner should learn. With a little practice, you’ll be creating beautiful circular and 3D projects in no time. Whether you’re making a cozy hat or a cute amigurumi animal, crocheting in the round will open up endless possibilities for your crochet projects.

Ready to start your first project? Check out Hobbii’s Beginner-Friendly Yarns and Amazon Crochet Supplies to get everything you need. Happy crocheting! 🧶✨