Increasing evenly in the round is a basic skill that all crocheters should know how to do. Working a circle that doesn't wave (increasing too fast) or bowl (increasing too slowly) means that you can make a nice flat-lying circle that can be used for a variety of projects - from cushion covers, to the crown of a hat to the bottom of a basket.
Essentially, all it means is increasing the same number of stitches in each round that you started with. The rule of thumb is you work in:
- Multiples of 6 for single crochet (UK double crochet)
- Multiples of 8 for half double crochet (UK half treble)
- Multiples of 12 for double crochet (UK treble)
These numbers aren't set in stone and may need to change with the yarn and hook sizes.
No matter which stitch you use, you will work your circle in the same way:
A Flat Circle (Pattern):
Do not count your chain stitches as a stitch.
Round 1: Ch2, Make 6 (8, 12)stitches into a magic loop.
Round 2: Ch2, make 2sts into each stitch around. 12 (16, 24)
Round 3: Ch2, (1sts, 2sts into the next stitch) six (eight, twelve) times. 18 (24, 36)
Round 4: Ch2, (2sts, 2sts into the next stitch) six (eight, twelve) times. 24 (32, 48)
Round 5: Ch2, (3sts, 2sts into the next stitch) six (eight, twelve) times. 30 (40, 60)
Continue working in this manner until you reach your desired diameter.
A Flat Circle (Visually):
In visual terms, you don’t need to refer to a pattern to make a flat circle. You simply:
Start with a magic loop.
On the first round, Ch2, make 6 (8, 12)sts into the magic loop
On the second round, Ch2, make 2 stitches into each stitch around
On each subsequent round, Ch2, make 2 stitches into each “V” where 2 stitches have been worked into the same stitch in the previous round and 1 stitch into each other stitch.
