Free Crochet Video Tutorials: Learn to Crochet Video Series

Working in Rounds ("work in rnds" or RND 1:")

Description: Working in the round creates different shapes including a tube and a flat circle, with the latter being the basis for many hat and round tablecloth designs. Stitch patterns used in regular crochet can be recreated in the round, but will need altering to create increases (if desired) which help keep the work flat, as opposed to creating a tube.

There are two methods that have become the standard for how to begin working in the round. One involves creating a chain ring (a long chain joined with a slip stitch to the first chain) which can be as wide or narrow as desired based on the number of chains used to create it. This chain ring forms the scaffolding from which all stitches in the first round are worked into. Stitches can be worked up by either placing the hook in the ring or in the chains used to make up the chain ring. Use this method to create hats, snowflakes, flowers, or doilies, where having a solid center might not be important or desired.

The second method involves making a chain to match the height of the stitches being utilized in the first round plus one additional chain, then working the desired number of stitches into the first chain stitch. For example, for working with single crochet stitches in the round, chain 2 (one for height and one extra stitch), for half double crochet, chain 3, for double crochet, chain 4, and so on. This technique, to make a tight, solid first round, is popular for handbag and stuffed animal patterns.

One last note: it's important to vary where the increase stitches are placed when working in the round to create something circular like a hat, coaster, or rounded table matt. If the increases are working in the same manner in each round (i.e. increase, the work x number of stitches, increase, work x number of stitches, etc.)

Directions:

Beginning Method 1: Rnd 1Create a ch to desired length. Slip st to 1st ch to create ring. Ch for height (counts as 1st st in rnd). Work two sts for every one st of ch ring by inserting hook into ring (not into chs!). Slip st to 1st st to complete rnd. Rnd 2:Ch for height (1st st made). Work two sts in each st around. Rnd 3:Ch for height (1st st made), *work two sts tog, one st by itself* repeat from * to * around and slip st to 1st st. Rnd 4:Ch for height (1st st made), *work two sts by themselves, two sts tog* repeat from * to * around and slip st to 1st st. Rnd 5:Ch for height (1st st made), *work two sts tog, three sts by themselves* repeat from * to * around and slip st to 1st st. Rnd 6:Ch for height (1st st made), *work four sts by themselves, two sts tog* repeat from * to * around and slip st to 1st st. For each successive rnd, continue repeating directions from * to *, adding one more st in between each increase.

Beginning Method 2: For sc rnds, ch 2 (ch for height plus 1 extra ch), work desired number of sts in 1st ch and join with slip st to st sc. Continue directions from Method 1, starting at Rnd 2. For hdc rnds, ch 3. For dc rnds, ch 4, and so on.

Tunisian Videos What is crochet? Basic Stitches Chain Stitch Slip Stitch Single Crochet Single Crochet Dec Extended SC Extended SC Dec Half Double Half Double Dec Double Crochet Double Dec Treble Crochet Treble Crochet Dec. Double Treble Double Treble Dec Triple Treble Triple Treble Dec Foundation Stitches Foundation SC Foundation HDC Foundation DC Foundation TR Fancy Stitches Back Cross Stitch Bobble Stitch Bullion Stitch Cluster Stitch Double Sol. Knot Front/Back Loops Front/Back Posts Front Cross Stitch Loop Stitch Picot Stitch Popcorn Stitch Puff Stitch Reverse SC Shell Stitch Solomon's Knot Spike Stitch Unentangled CS V Stitch Misc. Turning the Work Changing Yarn Joining Motifs Joining New Yarn Work Between Sts Working in Rounds Weave in Ends
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