How to make a perfect double crochet circle. I developed this technique myself over my many years of crocheting – that being said, I’m sure I’m not the only one who has come up with it, or something similar to it.
Read my original blog post explaining the technique I use and why by clicking here.
This pattern is a reference and to be used as a substitution for sections of other patterns that require circles with similar stitch counts. When the technique is understood it can be applied to circular patterns with other stitch counts and even other shapes. I use the same idea for starting and joining rounds when making solid squares.
Notes:
- The ch2 at beginning of each round does not count as a full dc until you slip stitch to close the round. The ch2 and the slip stitch together count as a whole dc. Together they count as the LAST dc of each round. The first full dc you make of each round counts as the first dc of that round.
- Proper hook size for the yarn you are using will yield a perfectly flat and round circle. If your circle cups, switch to a larger hook and start over. If your circle ruffles, switch to a smaller hook and start over.
- When you make slip stitches do not pull them extra tight – they should be about the same size as the two loops at the top of all the other dc in the round.
Commence Pattern
Round 1: Ch 2. 11 dc into magic circle. Close magic circle. Slst into first dc {not the ch2} to join.
12 dc around
Figure 1, aka round 1
Round 2: Ch 2. 2dc in the same dc that you slip stitched into to join previous round. (2dc in next dc) 10 times. Dc into the slst that closed the previous round. Slst to the first dc made {not the ch2}.
24 dc around
Figure 2, aka round 2
Round 3: Ch 2. Dc in the same dc that you slip stitched into to join previous round. 2dc in next dc. (Dc in next dc, 2dc in next dc) 10 times. Dc into last dc. Dc into the slst that closed the previous round. Slst to the first dc made {not the ch2}.
36 dc around
Figure 3, aka round 3
Round 4: Ch 2. Dc in the same dc that you slip stitched into to join previous round. Dc into next dc. 2dc in next dc. (Dc in each of next 2 dc, 2dc in next dc) 10 times. Dc into each of last 2 dc. Dc into the slst that closed the previous round. Slst to the first dc made {not the ch2}.
48 dc around
Continuation of pattern: Each round increases by 12 stitches by increasing the number of dc that come before the 2dc. Example: Round 3 – (dc, 2dc); Round 4 – (dc, dc, 2dc); Round 5 – (dc, dc, dc, 2dc); Round 6 – (dc, dc, dc, dc, 2 dc)
To finish off: invisible join by taking the yarn under the top two loops of the first dc {the dc you would normally slip stitch to} thereby creating the top two loops for the ch2 and completing it as the last dc. (Alternately you can slip stitch to the first dc made and then fasten off.)
Finishing with the new-fangled invisible join.
