By mastering how to crochet circles, we can make an incredibly wide variety of things.
These can be interesting napkins, doilies and crochet coasters.
No matter what stitch you want to use (single, half or double crochet), this tutorial will guide you through basics of how to crochet flat circles and increase diameter.
Abbrevations (US)
Slip stitch – Sl st
Double crochet – dc
Chain – ch
Stitch/es – st/sts
How to crochet a flat circles
Regardless of what crochet stitch you will use for the circle, you need to know several rules which keep your crochet circle flat.
Increase Formula for Flat Circles
Increase every round by initial stitch count in the first round. For example, if you start with 10 stitches, increase every round evenly by 10 stitches.
General guidelines for the first round:
- Single crochet. Usually 6-8 stitches in the first round.
- Half double crochet. Usually 8-10 stitches in the first round.
- Double crochet. Usually 10-12 stitches in the first round.
It all depends on your crochet tension. Try a few times and you will get the right amount of starting stitches for your crochet circles.
There are several ways to start a circle. Some like to start it from a chain 3, while others like to use the “magic ring” technique. Let’s consider two options in different examples of knitting a circle.
In the example, I use the method of joining each round with a slip stitch. For crochet beginners, it is an easiest way of joining rounds.
There is one downside – this will leave a noticeable seam where chain 3 is. It will not bother you at the beginning, but later you will seek the solution to crochet circle without seam.
After you master the basic crochet circle, here is the link to seamless crochet circle.
Start with chain 4 or magic ring
Start working in that circle.
Second way to start a circle (and is my favorite) is a magic ring technique.
Follow the link and you will land on a full magic ring guide.
Round 1
Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 9 more dc in the magic ring (or in the chain loop).
Sl st in the top chain 3 we made at the beginning of the round.
Round 2
Ch 3, dc in the same st, 2 dc in each st around (20 stitches). Sl st in top of the chain.
Round 3
Ch 3, 2 dc in the next, *1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, sl st in top of the chain to join (30 st)
Round 4
Ch 3, 1 dc in the next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in 2 next sts; rep from * around, sl st in top of the ch to join (40 st).
As you can see from the picture below, there is a certain increase pattern which you can use in the next rounds and make a circle as big as you want.
If I am in the round 4, I need 3 dc between the increases (2 dc in the same stitch).
Round 5
4 dc between increases.
Round 6
5 dc between increases, etc.
This way we increase every round by 10 stitches, which is our initial stitch in the first round.
How do I fix a round crochet circle?
Why is my crochet circle ruffling?
The excessive amount of stitches will cause a circle rippling.
Unravel the rounds where it got wavy and continue to follow the increase pattern.
If your circle is big and you do not want to unravel a 2 or 3 rounds, you can try fixing by crocheting the next round without increasing and see does it help. Sometimes it does work and after blocking it will be flat.
Why is my crochet circle curling?
If there are too little stitches, the crochet circle will curl.
Unravel the rounds where it got curly and continue to follow the increase pattern. By mistake, you added too few stitches.
It can happen that a piece ripples or curls even when you are following the pattern.
If your tension is off, the outer stitches may be too tight.
Another reason is that the yarn and hook sizes are incompatible. Try to increase a hook size and see if this helps.
In the beginning, if you do not get it right the first time, is absolutely nothing to be concerned about. It will be some trial and error.
Why does my crochet circle look like a hexagon?
You are making increases on top of each other with each new row. After round 4, scatter the increases. Knowing increase formula, it is easy to do.
For example, if you start round with an increase, the next round should start with a set of simple double crochet.
You can see how I do the single crochet flat circle that doesn’t look like a hexagon in my crochet hat tutorial. Also, you will see how to crochet single crochet circle in the spiral in that tutorial.
Conclusion on crochet circles
Circles of different diameters may well become separate elements of a beautiful product in the free-form style.
Handbags and jackets, rugs and pillows and other interior items will look good. In addition, the crocheted circle is the basis of almost any summer hat.
The crochet circle is an extremely important element, because it serves as the basis for various details and also amigurumi toys.
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