Crocheting "in the round" is, very simply, crocheting a round or oval shape, by working your stitches AROUND your beginning chain. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, but surprisingly, a LOT of people just don't get it!
I have compiled some tips, and taken some pictures, to help you on your journey!
As I mentioned, there are a number of ways to work a circle or oval shape. Each pattern designer has their preferred method, so be sure to read your pattern carefully, to achieve the same look as the designer. Some will have you join your work, and some will have you work a continuous round. Some will have you TURN at the beginning of each round, and some will not. These methods will vary from designer to designer, and even pattern to pattern! It all depends on what the final look is supposed to be...
First, no matter which technique, or shape you are working on, you have to start with a chain. This can be a chain of any length, from 2 to infinity! Generally, a circle, or round shape, such as a hat, will start with a chain of 2. You will then work each stitch of the first round in the second chain from the hook.
For an oval shape, such as a tote bag, you will have a longer chain. Let's start with showing work on an oval. Work your first stitches, as written, in that beginning chain. Once you reach the last chain, you will generally need to work several stitches in that last chain, in order to "turn the corner", without puckering your work.
For an oval shape, such as a tote bag, you will have a longer chain. Let's start with showing work on an oval. Work your first stitches, as written, in that beginning chain. Once you reach the last chain, you will generally need to work several stitches in that last chain, in order to "turn the corner", without puckering your work.
Once you have completed the stitches in the last chain, where do you go? That's easy! Simply work in the very next stitch, on the opposite side of the chain you JUST worked! Think of it like working in the bottom of the stitches you made on the first side of the chain.
Work the remainder of the stitches in the bottom side of those chains, until you reach your last chain, which is also your first stitch, from the beginning of this round.
Work the remainder of the stitches in the bottom side of those chains, until you reach your last chain, which is also your first stitch, from the beginning of this round.
You did it! You have reached the end of your first round. Now, you will either JOIN your work (usually with a slip stitch in the top of your first stitch) or continue on, without joining. To continue on, without joining, you will work the stitches of the next round in the top of the stitches of the first round, that you just finished. Pay attention to your pattern, to see which method to use.
 |  |
Working a circle, or round shape, is completed the same way as an oval, EXCEPT all of your first round of stitches are worked in the same chain.
Once you have completed the necessary number of stitches, you will either join them, with a slip stitch in the top of the first stitch, or continue the second round without joining, by working the next stitches in the top of the stitches of the first round.
Once you have completed the necessary number of stitches, you will either join them, with a slip stitch in the top of the first stitch, or continue the second round without joining, by working the next stitches in the top of the stitches of the first round.
 |  |
Now, let's put our skills to work! Nothing too difficult, just a simple little cell phone pouch, with a happy applique!
Happy Cell Phone Pouch~
Materials Used:
Worsted weight yarn, in your choice of colors
Size H/8 (5.00mm) crochet hook
1 button
Yarn needle
Pouch:
Rnd 1: ch 15. Hdc in 2nd ch from hook. Hdc in each of the next 12 chs. Work 2 hdc in last ch. Working the opposite side of the ch, hdc in each of the next 13 chs across. Join with sl st in 1st hdc. (28 sts)
Rnds 2-12: ch 1. Hdc in each st around. Join. (28 sts)
Rnd 13: ch 1. Sc in each of the next 5 sts. Ch 12(Creating button loop). Sc in each remaining st around. Join. Fasten off.
Sew a button to the front side of pouch, where button loop can slip easily over it.
Smiley Applique:
Rnd 1: ch 2. Work 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. (8 sts)
Rnd 2: ch 1. Work 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sts)
Rnd 3: ch 1. *Sc in next st, work 2 sc in next st*. Repeat (*) around. Join. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. (24 sts)
Using a yarn needle, and contrasting color yarn, stitch a smiley face on the circle. Use the long tail to sew face to the front of your pouch. Weave in all ends, and your pouch is finished!
Materials Used:
Worsted weight yarn, in your choice of colors
Size H/8 (5.00mm) crochet hook
1 button
Yarn needle
Pouch:
Rnd 1: ch 15. Hdc in 2nd ch from hook. Hdc in each of the next 12 chs. Work 2 hdc in last ch. Working the opposite side of the ch, hdc in each of the next 13 chs across. Join with sl st in 1st hdc. (28 sts)
Rnds 2-12: ch 1. Hdc in each st around. Join. (28 sts)
Rnd 13: ch 1. Sc in each of the next 5 sts. Ch 12(Creating button loop). Sc in each remaining st around. Join. Fasten off.
Sew a button to the front side of pouch, where button loop can slip easily over it.
Smiley Applique:
Rnd 1: ch 2. Work 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. (8 sts)
Rnd 2: ch 1. Work 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sts)
Rnd 3: ch 1. *Sc in next st, work 2 sc in next st*. Repeat (*) around. Join. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. (24 sts)
Using a yarn needle, and contrasting color yarn, stitch a smiley face on the circle. Use the long tail to sew face to the front of your pouch. Weave in all ends, and your pouch is finished!
RSS Feed