How To Crochet A Circle (Free Printable Pattern)

Learn how to crochet a circle with this easy step-by-step tutorial for beginners.

Crocheting a flat circle is one of the most useful skills to learn, especially if you want to make coasters, placemats, baskets, bags, hats, amigurumi pieces, or round motifs.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to crochet a circle in two different ways: using single crochet and using double crochet.

The single crochet version is worked in a continuous spiral, which creates a smooth, neat finish with no visible seam.

The double crochet version grows more quickly and is ideal for larger circles and projects where you want a softer, more open fabric.

Both versions follow a simple increase formula, so once you understand the pattern, you can continue making your circle as large as you like.

Before You Get Started

This tutorial is written in US crochet terms.

If you use UK crochet terms, please note:

• US single crochet (sc) = UK double crochet (dc)
• US double crochet (dc) = UK treble crochet (tr)

The samples shown were made using Drops Paris yarn and a 5 mm / US H-8 crochet hook.

You can use a different yarn and hook size if you prefer, but your finished circle may be larger or smaller depending on your yarn weight, hook size, and tension.

Helpful Tips For Crocheting A Flat Circle

When crocheting a circle, you increase each round evenly so the fabric stays flat.

If your circle starts to curl up like a bowl, you may need more increases or a larger hook.

If your circle starts to ripple or wave, you may have too many increases, or your tension may be too loose.

For the single crochet version, you will work in a spiral, so it is important to use a stitch marker to mark the last stitch of each round.

For the double crochet version, you can join each round with a slip stitch for a more traditional round structure.

Materials

• Yarn: Drops Paris or any similar worsted/aran-weight cotton yarn
• Crochet hook: 5 mm / US H-8 crochet hook
• Stitch marker
• Scissors
• Yarn needle/tapestry needle

Size Information

The finished size of your crochet circle will depend on your yarn, hook size, and tension.

Using Drops Paris and a 5 mm / US H-8 crochet hook, your circle will be suitable for small projects such as coasters, appliqués, bag bases, motifs, or practice swatches.

To make a larger circle, continue following the increase pattern, adding one extra stitch between increases on each increase round.

Approximate finished diameter:

• Single crochet circle: approximately 4 inches / 10 cm
• Double crochet circle: approximately 4 inches / 10 cm

Abbreviations

This pattern is written in US crochet terms.

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• sc = single crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• * = repeat the instructions between the asterisks as directed

Pattern Instructions

There are two versions included below.

Version 1 is made with single crochet stitches and worked in a continuous spiral.

Version 2 is made with double crochet stitches.

Version 1: Single Crochet Circle

This version creates a firm, neat circle and is ideal for coasters, amigurumi bases, bag bases, appliqués, and other projects where you want a tighter fabric.

Make 4 ch and join with a sl st in the first ch to form a ring (or magic circle).

Round 1

(RS) ch 1, work 8 sc in the ring.

Do not turn at the end of the round. Continue to work in a spiral, with the right side always facing you. (8 sts)

Please note: Keep track of where your rounds start by placing a stitch marker on the last stitch of each round. There are no turning chains in this pattern.

Round 2

Work 2 sc in each sc around. (16 sts)

Round 3

*1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; rep from * to end. (24 sts)

Round 4

1 sc in each sc around. (24 sts)

Round 5

*1 sc in each of the next 2 sc, 2 sc in the next sc; rep from * to end. (32 sts)

Round 6

1 sc in each sc around. (32 sts)

Round 7

*1 sc in each of the next 3 sc, 2 sc in the next sc; rep from * to end. (40 sts)

Round 8

1 sc in each sc around. (40 sts)

Round 9

1 sc in each of the first 2 sc, 2 sc in the next sc, *1 sc in each of the next 4 sc, 2 sc in the next sc; rep from * ending with 1 sc in each of the last 2 sc. (48 sts)

Work 1 sl st in the next sc, fasten off, and weave in the ends.

How to continue increasing the single crochet circle

To make your single crochet circle larger, continue alternating one plain round with one increase round.

Each new increase round adds one more stitch between increases.

For example:

• Next increase round: *1 sc in each of next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc; rep from * around.
• Following increase round: *1 sc in each of next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc; rep from * around.

Staggering some of the increase rounds, as shown in Round 9, can help prevent your circle from forming obvious corners or a hexagon shape.

Version 2: Double Crochet Circle

This version grows quickly and creates a softer, more open circle.

It is a great option for larger round projects, including placemats, mandalas, bag bases, rug centers, and circular motifs.

There are no beginning chains in this version. Work the first double crochet directly into the magic ring or first stitch of the round.

Start with a magic ring and work 12 dc into the ring. Pull the ring closed and join with a sl st to the top of the first dc.

Alternatively, make 4 ch, join with a sl st to form a ring, then work 12 dc into the ring.

Join each round with a slip stitch to the top of the first double crochet. Do not turn.

Round 1

Work 12 dc into a magic ring. (12 sts)

Round 2

Work 2 dc in each stitch around. (24 sts)

Round 3

*2 dc in the first stitch, 1 dc in the next stitch; rep from * around. (36 sts)

Round 4

*2 dc in the first stitch, 1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches; rep from * around. (48 sts)

Round 5

*2 dc in the first stitch, 1 dc in each of the next 3 stitches; rep from * around. (60 sts)

Round 6

*2 dc in the first stitch, 1 dc in each of the next 4 stitches; rep from * around. (72 sts)

Fasten off and weave in any loose ends.

How to continue increasing the double crochet circle

To continue making your double crochet circle larger, add one more stitch between each increase on every round.

For example:

• Round 7: *2 dc in the first stitch, 1 dc in each of the next 5 stitches; rep from * around. (84 sts)
• Round 8: *2 dc in the first stitch, 1 dc in each of the next 6 stitches; rep from * around. (96 sts)

Continue in this way until your circle is the size you need.

Free Printable

You can also grab the free printable version of this pattern if you’d like to keep it with your pattern binder or use it while crocheting away from your screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my crochet circle curling up?

If your circle is curling into a bowl shape, it usually means there are not enough increases, your tension is too tight, or your hook is too small for the yarn.

Try loosening your tension, going up a hook size, or checking that you have the correct stitch count at the end of each round.

Why is my crochet circle wavy or ruffled?

If your circle is rippling or ruffling, you may have too many increases, or your tension may be too loose.

Check your stitch count and make sure you are not accidentally adding extra stitches at the beginning or end of the round.

Do I need to use a magic ring?

No, you do not have to use a magic ring.

A magic ring gives you a neat, adjustable center, but you can also make 4 chains and join them with a slip stitch to form a ring.

Both methods work well.

What can I make with a crochet circle?

Crochet circles can be used for many projects, including:

• Coasters
• Placemats
• Appliqués
• Bags
• Basket bases
• Rug centers
• Hat crowns
• Amigurumi pieces
• Mandalas
• Round motifs

How do I make my crochet circle bigger?

To make your circle bigger, continue following the same increase formula.

For single crochet circles, you may need to include plain rounds between increase rounds to help the circle stay flat.

For double crochet circles, continue increasing every round by adding one more stitch between each increase.

Can I use a different yarn?

Yes, you can use any yarn you like.

Cotton yarn works especially well for circles used as coasters, placemats, and home decor because it has good stitch definition and holds its shape nicely.

If you use a thicker yarn, your circle will be larger. If you use a thinner yarn, your circle will be smaller.

Is US double crochet the same as UK double crochet?

No. In US crochet terms, double crochet is abbreviated as dc.

In UK crochet terms, the same stitch is called treble crochet and is abbreviated as tr.

A US single crochet is the same as a UK double crochet.

Share Your Make

I’d love to see your finished crochet circles and the projects you make with them.

Tag me on Instagram @handylittleme or use #handylittleme to show off your makes.

Join the Handy Little Me Facebook Group to share photos, ask questions, and connect with other makers.

You can also save this tutorial for later, pin it to Pinterest, or share it with a crochet friend who is learning how to work in the round.

Happy crocheting!