Crocheting in rounds can refer to two methods, The first method forms a tube, such as working in rounds to form a tube for leg warmers. The second method forms a flat surface such as the crown of a hat, or a table mat.
To form a tube, work a foundation chain and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. To work, for example, single crochet around, chain 1, then work one single crochet into each chain stitch around. When you get to the end of the round, you can (A) work in the spiral-fashion or (B) treat each round separately.
A. To work in the spiral-fashion, you continue to work in rounds without a slip stitch to join the rounds. When you complete your first round, you immediately go into your second round. For this method, you should place a marker at the end of round 1, then move it up with each new round to keep track of the rounds completed.
B. To treat each round separately, at the end of the round join the last stitch to the first stitch of that round with a slip stitch. Before starting the next round, work a chain 1, (or the number of chains to give the correct height for the stitches which form the next round - see Crochet Turning Chains Reference Chart) then continue to work around, closing the round by working a slip stitch into the first stitch worked at the beginning of the round.
The second method of working in rounds is to obtain a flat surface or motif. Shapes most commonly found when using this method are circles, hexagons, ovals, and squares. These shapes are formed with increases either spaced out in the piece, or places one above another.
To make a circle, chain desired number of stitches and form a ring by slip stitching into first chain. Work first round directly into the space formed by the center of the ring, not into the chain stitches.
Joining A Ring |