Crochet technique

Crochet in the Round

Crocheting in the round means working stitches in circles or tubes instead of flat rows. Start from a magic ring or a ring of chains, then either join each round with a slip stitch or work a continuous spiral. Increases shape flat circles, and even rounds build tubes for hats.

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Crochet in the Round project in progress

How to get started with crochet in the round

  1. Make a magic ring or ch 4 and sl st to form a ring.
  2. Work the first round of stitches into the ring.
  3. Join with a sl st to the first stitch, or place a marker for a spiral.
  4. Increase evenly each round to keep a flat circle.
  5. Stop increasing and work even rounds to build a tube.
  6. Move the stitch marker up at the start of every round.

What is the difference between joined rounds and spiral rounds?

Joined rounds finish with a slip stitch and start with a chain, while spiral rounds continue directly into the next round with no join.

Joined rounds suit colour stripes and granny squares; spirals suit amigurumi because there is no visible seam.

Why is my crochet circle wavy?

A wavy circle has too many increases, while a cupping circle has too few. Use 6 increases per round for sc, 8 for hdc and 12 for dc.

Tension changes also affect flatness, so try going down a hook size.

How do you fix the seam in joined rounds?

The seam in joined rounds drifts diagonally because the join sits slightly off each round. Turning the work every round straightens the seam.

A chainless standing stitch at the start of each round also hides it.

Patterns to practise on

Frequently asked questions

Do you turn when crocheting in the round?

Usually not, though some patterns turn to straighten seams.

What is a stitch marker for?

Marking the first stitch of each round, especially in spirals.

Can you crochet a tube without a ring?

Yes, by chaining a length and joining it into a loop.