How to Crochet a Circle That Lies Flat

Circle worked in double crochet

The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: One crocheted circle
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $6

There are lots of ways to crochet a circle, but making one that is not wavy or wonky can be a challenge. Fortunately, there is a basic formula for circular crocheting that will keep your piece flat. This circle crochet pattern makes a circle by joining the chain with a beginning slip stitch, increasing stitches during every round to make the circle larger, and closing each round with a slip stitch. The alternative would be to create continuous rounds that lead to a spiral pattern rather than a circle. This slip stitch technique is fairly quick and easy depending on how large of a circle you plan to make. Use this flat crocheted circle method to make a variety of items, including doilies, placemats, coasters, and rugs.

Watch Now: How to Crochet a Simple Circle

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Crochet hook

Materials

  • Yarn

Instructions

  1. Round 1: Work Single Crochet Stitches to Form a Circle

    Begin with a slip knot and then two chain stitches. Then, make six single crochet stitches into the second chain from the hook. Slip stitch to join the end of the round.

    Tip

    This circle begins with six single crochet stitches, but you can adjust that depending on the type of stitch you use. Use these general guidelines for the starting round:

    working round one of a crochet circle
    The Spruce / Mollie Johanson
  2. Round 2: Work 2 Single Crochet Stitches in Each Stitch

    For the second round of the circle, use two single crochet stitches per each stitch you already made. This will give you a total of 12 single crochet stitches for round two. (If you started with a different number of stitches, you should have twice as many stitches as round one.) Slip stitch to the first stitch to join.

    working round two of a crochet circle
    The Spruce / Mollie Johanson
  3. Round 3: Work a Pattern of Single Crochet Stitches

    For the third round, use two single crochet stitches for the next stitch, and then alternate between using one and two stitches. For a crochet circle that started with six single crochet stitches, you will end this round with 18 single crochet stitches. (For circles that started with other numbers of stitches, this round should have three times the number of stitches as the first round.) Slip stitch to the first stitch.

    working round three of a crochet circle
    The Spruce / Mollie Johanson
  4. Round 4: Work Another Single Crochet Stitch Pattern

    For the fourth round, use a single crochet stitch for the next stitch, then another single crochet stitch in the following stitch, and then two single crochet stitches in the next stitch. Repeat that pattern around the circle, and slip stitch to join to the first stitch.

    working round four of a crochet circle
    The Spruce / Mollie Johanson
  5. Continue Growing the Circle

    If you want to continue growing the circle, continue growing the pattern. For each round, add one more single crochet stitch before doing two single crochet stitches. For instance, to create the fifth round you would do a single crochet stitch in each of the first three stitches, followed by two single crochet stitches in the next stitch. And in round six, you would do a single crochet stitch in each of the first four stitches, followed by two single crochet stitches in the next stitch.

    You can end your crochet circle as soon as it's large enough for you. If you want a circle that has a more finished edge, then you can slip stitch in each stitch all the way around. You can also add a scalloped border or other edging.

    crochet circle with a slip stitch edge
    The Spruce / Mollie Johanson