How To Crochet in the Round | Step-By-Step + Video Tutorial
rocheting in the round is the foundation of nearly every plushie (amigurumi) pattern. Instead of working back and forth in straight rows, you’ll build your piece in a continuous spiral, forming smooth shapes perfect for stuffed toys, balls, some hats, and more.
Whether you’re brand new to amigurumi or just need a refresher, this guide breaks down how crocheting in the round works, with clear written steps and a video tutorial you can follow along with.
What Is Crocheting in the Round Used For?
You’ll use this technique whenever you need to create:
- Tubes, spheres, ovals, or domes — the basic shapes of plushies
- Round-shaped pieces
- Stuffed pieces that need smooth edges and no sharp corners
- Hats, bowls, bags, and other circular items
- Any amigurumi project—it is the primary construction method
Crocheting in the round lets you build 3D forms cleanly and efficiently, and it’s the backbone of all plush-making.
Skill Level & Technique Details
Skill level: Beginner
Common formats: Magic ring, spiral rounds
Works with: Any yarn weight
Commonly used in: Plushies (amigurumi), toys, bowls, baskets, hats, bags
Watch: How to Crochet in the Round
Prefer learning visually? Watch the video tutorial below.
If the video doesn’t load, click here.
If you prefer written instructions, keep scrolling for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Step-By-Step | How to Crochet in the Round
Below is the most common method for amigurumi: working in a continuous spiral starting with a ch-2.
- Chains 2.
- Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the second chain.
This forms your adjustable starting loop. Most plushie patterns start with 6 stitches, but patterns may vary. - Pull the starting tail of the slip knot tight to close the hole completely.
- Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round.
This keeps you from losing track—crucial for amigurumi. - Continue working in a spiral, without joining, increasing as your pattern instructs.
(For example: Round 2: Increase in each stitch around to grow your circle.) - Keep moving your stitch marker up each round so you always know where your round begins.
That’s it! Once you master this motion, the rest of amigurumi will feel so much simpler.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Problem: There’s a small hole in the center of the piece.
Fix: Make sure you’re tightening your starting stitch fully before continuing. If the chain-2 method isn’t working for you, try the magic ring.
Problem: Your circle looks hexagon-shaped or uneven.
Fix: This is normal when crocheting in spirals. Tightening your tension slightly or gently stretching/flattening the piece can help. Even shaping improves with practice.
Problem: Stitch counts keep going off.
Fix: Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round. Missing or accidentally adding stitches is the #1 round-working issue.
Problem: Your rounds seem to “lean.”
Fix: Spiral rounds naturally lean a bit—that’s expected. I call this phenomenon “stitch drift.”
Related Crochet Tutorials
If you’re learning to crochet in the round, these will help next:
- Invisible Increase
- “Walking” Slip Knot
- Invisible Decrease
- “Degree of Pointiness”: The Shape Is In The Math
HbK Patterns That Use Crocheting in the Round
Pretty much all of them—crocheting in the round is the backbone of plushie construction.
But if you’re new to amigurumi, try these beginner-friendly free patterns:
Final Notes
Crocheting in the round is one of the most important skills you’ll learn as a plushie maker. Once you understand how the rounds grow and stack, you’ll start recognizing the structure in every amigurumi project — and your confidence (and speed!) will skyrocket.
If this tutorial was helpful, the rest of the Beginner’s playlist on YouTube is a great next step.st of the Beginner’s playlist on YouTube may be useful for you.
Kati is the designer behind Hooked by Kati. With thousands of patterns sold around the world, Kati prides herself in creating innovative, easy-to-follow amigurumi patterns. She has designed for several publications, including Crochet!, Crochet World, Simply Crochet, and I Like Crochet. Kati finds her inspiration in science fiction, video games, and numerous visits to the zoo — all passions she shares with her husband and two boys.
