Hallestam Crochet Atelier: Working in the Round — A Crocheting in the Round Tutorial for Structure, Flow & Symmetry

Crocheting in the round is where crochet becomes sculptural. Circles, spirals, ovals and three-dimensional forms all begin here. In this crocheting in the round tutorial, we explore how structure, flow and symmetry work together to create perfectly balanced rounds — the foundation for bags, baskets, amigurumi and architectural crochet.

Working in the round invites your technique to become more mindful, more calculated, and beautifully precise.

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Why We Crochet in the Round — Balance, Symmetry & Sculptural Form

Crocheting in the round allows fabric to move outward evenly in all directions. This creates natural shapes that are:

• symmetrical

• stable

• firm yet flexible

• visually seamless

In this crocheting in the round tutorial, we focus on teaching your hands to create circles that lie flat, expand consistently and hold their structure without rippling or cupping.

Symmetry is not a coincidence — it’s a skill.

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Crocheting in the Round Tutorial — The Two Core Methods

There are two primary ways to begin crocheting in the round:

1. Magic Ring (Adjustable Loop)

Creates a fully closed center — ideal for amigurumi, bags and anything requiring a polished finish.

2. Chain + Slip Stitch Join

Creates a small central opening — perfect for decorative pieces or lace-like structures.

Once your foundation is established, rounds build outward through strategic increases placed evenly around the circle. This creates clean geometry and prevents distortion.

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Understanding Increases for a Perfect Circle

Every expansion round requires a predictable increase pattern.

The classic formula:

1st round: work into magic ring 2nd round: increase in every stitch 3rd round: 1 stitch, 1 increase repeat 4th round: 2 stitches, 1 increase repeat …and so on.

This rhythm ensures that the circle grows evenly, staying beautifully flat.

If your circle waves: too many increases. If your circle cups: too few increases. Small adjustments create dramatic stability.

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Common Problems (And Elegant Fixes)

Rippling Edges

Caused by excess increases. Fix: Replace one increase round with a “no-increase” round to soften expansion.

Cupping or Bowl Shape

Caused by too few increases. Fix: Add an extra increase repeat after every few rounds to release tension.

Visible Round Seams

Often caused by uneven joins or inconsistent tension at the start/end of rounds. Fix: Try the “stacked stitch” method or invisible join for cleaner transitions.

A well-made circle is calm, balanced and confidently structured.

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Refining Your Round Technique — Flow, Tension & Alignment

To create Hallestam-quality round work:

• maintain consistent tension around the entire circumference

• avoid pulling the joining slip stitch too tightly

• rotate your work occasionally to visually assess symmetry

• align increase points carefully for an even spiral or wheel pattern

Your hands should guide the fabric outward in a gentle, even expansion.

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Atelier Practice Project — The Perfect Circle Swatch

This exercise builds control and symmetry.

Instructions:

• Begin with a magic ring

• Round 1: 6 sc into the ring

• Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12)

• Round 3: 1 sc, inc around (18)

• Round 4: 2 sc, inc around (24)

• Round 5: 3 sc, inc around (30)

• Continue until you reach ~10 cm

• Finish with one no-increase round for perfect balance

Observe how increases shape the circle — and how tension affects the geometry.

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Coming Up Next in the Crochet Atelier

Don´t miss the next episode — Hallestam Crochet Atelier: Increasing & Decreasing — Sculpting Clean Shapes — as always, it will arrive on Wednesday next week.

Each part follows a 7-day rhythm so you can learn, practice and grow with intention.

With love,

Hallestam Design