4 Ways to Crochet a Circle/Ring

Many projects begin with a circle or ring that is crocheted into to create granny squares, various motifs, hats, round purses, rugs, etc. Here are 4 ways to crochet that beginning ring.

1. Chain Ring – One of the most popular ways and one you will see in most patterns is the chain circle. The pattern states a given number of chains and then you join with a slip stitch into the first chain, creating a ring. Subsequent stitches are worked into that ring. (Notice the space in the center of the circle.)

2. Working in the First Chain Stitch – The pattern will give you the number of chains (ch 2 for a sc circle; ch 3 for an hdc circle; ch 4 for a dc circle). Work the number of circle stitches (sc, hdc or dc) in the first chain stitch (2nd chain from hook for sc, 3rd chain from hook for hdc, 4th chain form hook for dc). Join with a slip stitch in the top of the beginning chain. You can pull the yarn end to tighten the ring center. (Notice the smaller center in the circle.) Picture is double crochets worked in 4th chain from hook.

3. Magic Ring or Adjustable Ring – Begin a slip stitch. Crochet number of chains needed for circle stitches (1 for sc; 2 for hdc, 3 for dc). Work rest of stitches (sc, hdc or dc) directly into that slip stitch space. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain. Pull the yarn end to tighten the center. Notice the center is adjustable to make it tighter or looser as needed.

4. Sliding Loop presented in Edie Eckman’s Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs. Page 10 includes a series of pictures to clearly demonstrate this adjustable ring. It is a double slip stitch that works like the adjustable ring, except it is worked around two strands of yarn so it could be stronger. Work as in #3, only work around two loops. Pull the one end to tighten the ring. Pull the tightened end to cinch the other yarn strand that has not tightened. Pull the original end to close the ring.