Beginner's Guide to Crochet - UK (2019-10)

CROCHET IN THE ROUND

DON’T TURN
When you crochet in the round, you usually
work with the right side facing you on every
round, so there’s no need to turn your fabric
(unless your pattern states otherwise). You
still need to make a turning chain at the start
of each round though, to bring the hook up to
the right height.

JOINING TOGETHER
Slip stitch is a vital technique when you’re
crocheting in rounds, so turn to page 31 for a
reminder. After you finish the last stitch of a
round, you need to use a slip stitch to join it to
the first stitch to complete the round.

MARK THE FIRST STITCH
To keep track of which round you’re working
on, place a stitch marker in the first stitch of
the round so you can easily see when you
reach the end of the round. Then move the
marker up to the new round. You will need a
stitch marker that opens (as shown opposite)
so you can move it without it getting caught in
the fabric. They’re usually sold in sets. Look
for ‘locking’ or ‘padlock’ stitch markers or
ones that say they are suitable for crochet.

STARTING OFF

To begin working in the round, make a

foundation ring – these can be long or

short. With a short ring, you need

to work the first round of stitches

into the hole in the centre.

Get your hook at the ready for these
fab patterns from Simply Crochet
magazine! To get the issues mentioned
here, you can buy digital versions of
back issues from Apple Newsstand
to view on your iPhone and iPad or
Google Play to view them on Android
devices. For more information and to
find out which other digital platforms
are supported, take a look at the
website address below:
http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/digital

This card is great for beginners

because the flower pattern is

small and easy, and uses just

double crochet, chains and slip

stitch. Turn to page 64 to find the

pattern and practise your skills.

Crocheting in the round is essential

for creating amigurumi like this

hedgehog from issue 84 of Simply

Crochet. A fun challenge designed

by Irene Strange, he even has a tiny

picnic blanket and basket!

Melissa Masterson’s hat from issue

78 of SimpIy Crochet is perfect

if you’re looking to improve your

crocheting in the round. It uses

half-trebles and gives you the

chance to play with colour.

DESIGN IDEAS

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CROCHET ROUNDS

It’s easy when you know how

ROUNDS LIKE ROWS

Crochet in the round is similar to crochet in

rows – make a turning chain at the start of

every round, work stitches into the tops

of the stitches on the previous round,

then slip stitch the round closed.

DIFFERENT FABRIC

When you work in the round, you usually

need to work with the right side of the fabric

facing you all the time, so your stitches will

always be created on the same, right side.

This means the fabric you create with your

stitches in the round will look different to

the fabric worked with the same stitches in

rows. The fronts of the stitches will be

facing you on every row of the right side of

the fabric, while the wrong side of the fabric

will show all the backs of the stitches.

KEEP GOING

The first few rounds that you crochet

might feel awkward or like you haven’t

done it right, but don’t give up! Once

you’ve crocheted a few rounds, it will

become much easier and you’ll be

able to see satisfying results.

CHARTED MOTIFS

Many patterns for crochet shapes and motifs, which are worked

in the round, will also come with a chart. A crochet chart is a

handy visual representation of where each stitch should be

placed. These can be a really helpful guide when you’re first

starting to make foundation rings and work in rounds. For more

on charts, see page 138.

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