Crocheting in Rounds: Magic Ring, Changing Colors, and Weaving in Ends

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Do you already know chain stitches, single crochets, and double crochets? Then you can now try crocheting in rounds. Many of my projects begin with a small chain ring.

Here I will show you closed rounds: Each round is finished with a slip stitch. This is different from crocheting in spiral rounds, where you continue crocheting without this finish.

Closing Four chain stitches to form a ring

If the pattern says "Make ch4 and join with 1 sl-st into the 1st ch to form a ring", you proceed as follows:

1. Crochet four chain stitches. The loop on the hook does not count.
2. Insert the hook into the first chain stitch. The arrow in the image shows you the insertion point.
3. Pick up the working yarn and pull it through the chain stitch and the loop on your hook. This slip stitch closes the chain into a ring.

Starting the first round with double crochets

In my patterns, the foundation chain stitches always count as the first stitch. For single crochets, you start with one chain stitch, for half double crochets with two, for double crochets with three, and for treble crochets with four chain stitches. The entire foundation chain counts as one stitch.

For our double crochet example, you crochet three chain stitches. They replace the first double crochet. Place a loop on the hook, insert it into the center of the ring, and pull the yarn through the ring.

Finish the double crochet: Pick up the yarn and pull it through two loops, then pick up the yarn again and pull it through the last two loops. You also crochet the remaining double crochets into the center of the ring, not individually into the chain stitches of the ring.

Your project pattern determines how many double crochets you need. If the round should contain 12 double crochets, for example, you crochet three foundation chain stitches and eleven more double crochets.

Closing the round with a slip stitch

Insert the hook into the top of the three starting chain stitches. The arrow shows you the spot.

Pick up the yarn and pull it through the insertion point and the loop on your hook. The round is now closed. This final slip stitch does not count as an additional pattern stitch here.

Changing the color

Option 1: Work the final slip stitch already with the yarn of the new color. Then start the next round with the appropriate foundation chain stitches in the new color.

Option 2: Finish the round, cut the old yarn, and pull it through the last loop. Start the new color at another suitable spot. This way, not all color changes are stacked on top of each other. Make sure that the intended pattern sequence and stitch count are maintained.

Weaving-in yarn ends while crocheting

You can carry yarn ends in suitable areas between the stitches while crocheting. In the following image you can see how the turquoise yarn end is carried in the area of the yellow round.

Only cut off the protruding ends when they are sufficiently secured. How well carrying them works depends, among other things, on the yarn and the pattern. Alternatively, you can sew the yarn ends on the back between the stitches with a yarn needle.

A little exercise

Close four chain stitches into a ring. Crochet three foundation chain stitches and eleven double crochets into the center of the ring. Count: Together with the foundation chain stitches, you have twelve stitches. Close the round with a slip stitch into the third foundation chain stitch.

If you want to try the color change, work exactly this final slip stitch already with another color. One round is enough for this first exercise.

Your next project from the basic stitches

If you are familiar with the basic stitches and closing the round, you can try a suitable project. My Granny Square Christmas Trees with Star are a small idea for the Christmas season. The pattern requires chain stitches, single crochets, and double crochets.

A year-round alternative is the Granny Square Pouch. For this you need slip stitches, single crochets, as well as half and full double crochets. The fabric lining is optional; sewing instructions and cutting pattern are included. Check the respective material list before starting.

Back to Lesson 2: Half Double Crochets, Double Crochets, and Treble Crochets

On to Lesson 4: Standing Stitches and Invisible Round Closure

Back to the overview: Learn to crochet