How To Crochet A Flat Circle
For Beginners

Trying to figure out how to crochet a flat circle cuz your circles are looking a little wonky?

I know when I first started to crochet, the edges of my crochet circles would curl up and I had no idea why?!

Was it my tension? Was I not counting my stitches right? Wrong yarn? Wrong hook? What was I doing wrong?

In this post, I'll show you the exact steps to take to crochet a perfect circle that lays flat.

Once you get your crochet circles right, you can create so many beautiful projects: coasters, place mats, face scrubbies, bags, purses, beanies, bucket hats, baskets, rugs, pillows, blankets, you name it! 

I've prepared a chart with the number of increases you need to make for each round to get your crochet circle to lay flat. You may print it out and keep it in your crochet binder for future reference.

You will also find a list of frequently asked questions at the end of the tutorial. If you have any questions that I haven't answered there, please drop me a comment below.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the Start Crochet links. Please see my disclosure for more details.

Crochet A Flat Circle For Beginners: Tutorial

What You’ll Learn

• How to crochet a flat circle using single crochet (sc) stitch
• How to crochet a flat circle using double crochet (dc) stitch
• How to crochet a circle in the round (joining rounds with sl st)
• How to increase
• Some project ideas for your crochet circles
• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about crochet circles

Materials Needed

• Some classic worsted weight yarn (colors of your choice). Any yarn would do really, just make sure it's not hairy or fuzzy.
• Crochet hook that fits your yarn. Generally I use between a size G/4mm to H/5mm hook.
• A tapestry needle
•  A pair of scissors

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• mc = magic circle
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches

Skill Level

Beginner

Notes

• You can use any type of yarn as long as you have a corresponding crochet hook size (check yarn label for recommendations)
• Numbers at the end of each round in parentheses ( ) = total number of stitches for that round
• I use US crochet terms. Here's a US/UK Conversion Chart

Gauge

Note: Gauge is not really that crucial for this tutorial. Just try experimenting with different hook sizes to get a gauge you are happy with for the project you are working on.

Two Ways to Crochet A Flat Circle

There are two ways to crochet a circle. 

1. You can work each round, join to the first stitch, then move to the next round; or

2. You can work in continuous rounds without joining (also called spiral technique)

In the spiral technique, you will have no visible seam in your crochet circle.

Free Crochet Circle Pattern
Stitch Count Formula
(Printable)

Crochet Flat Circle Pattern Using Single Crochet (sc) Joining Rounds

Join to the first stitch with a slip stitch to form a circle.

• Optional alternative: You could also try the Magic Circle for a tight & closed center.

Round 1: 

• Ch 1, (does not count as the first sc in this and all rounds). then into that circle you just created, work 6 sc stitches.
• If you started with a Magic Circle, pull it closed, then join to the first sc stitch with a sl st (6).

Round 2: (2, 2, 2)

• ch 1 
• 2 sc into the same st as ch 1.
• 2 sc into each stitch around.
• Join with a sl st into the top of beginning ch (12).

Round 3: (2, 1, 2, 1)

• ch 1.
• 2 sc.
• [sc into the next st, 2 sc into the next st], repeat [ ] around
• Join with a sl st into the top of the first stitch of this round (18).

Round 4: (2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1)

• ch 1.
• 2 sc.
• [sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc into the next st], repeat [ ] around
• Join with a sl st into top of beginning ch. (24)

You can continue more rounds until you have the diameter of the circle you want. You can then turn your circle into a coaster, place mat, use it as a base for a beanie or bucket hat, or even make a cute little basket. 

Once you learn how to crochet in the round using single crochet and double crochet stitches, you'll be able to make these cute (and userful) face scrubbies!

Crochet Flat Circle Pattern Using Double Crochet (dc) Joining Rounds

• Start off by tying a slip knot, then Ch 3
• Join to the first stitch with a slip stitch to form a circle.
• Optional alternative: You could also try the Magic Circle for a tight & closed center.

Round 1: 

• Ch 2 (counts as first dc in this and all rounds), then into that circle you just created, work 9 dc stitches (10).
• If you started with a Magic Circle, pull it closed. Join to the top of the first stitch with a sl st (10).

Round 2: (2, 2, 2)

• ch 2.
• dc into same st as ch 2.
• 2 dc into each stitch around.
• Join with a sl st into the top of first stitch of this round (20).

Round 3: (2, 1, 2, 1)

• ch 2.
• dc into same st as ch 2.
• *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, repeat from * around.
• Join with a sl st into top of the first stitch of this round (30).

Round 4: (2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1)

• ch 2.
• dc into same st as ch 2.
• *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, repeat from * around.
• Join with a sl st into the top of beginning ch. (40)

You can continue more rounds until you have the diameter of the circle you want.

Now that you know how to crochet a flat circle, why don't you try to crochet this easy 10-Minute Coaster pattern or this Beginner Face Scrubbie?

Frequently Asked Questions:

I'll answer some of the questions people ask most about crocheting flat circles:

How to crochet circle for beginners

Crochet circles are fairly easy to crochet so they make for ideal crochet projects for beginner crocheters.

All you need is some yarn (some leftover yarn will do), a corresponding crochet hook and a pair of scissors. You may follow the instructions above to make your first crochet circle and make sure you use the correct stitch count and increases in every round so your crochet circle lays flat.

Why is my crochet circle curling up? (crochet circle not flat)

As you work your crochet rounds, you may find that your circle is starting to curl or cup up. This will depend largely on your crochet style, your tension as well as the yarn & hook you're using. 

You'll have to experiment a little with loosening your stitches, using a larger hook size or increasing the number of stitches you begin with.

If you started your dc circle with 10 stitches, try starting out with 12 instead. You may follow the formula in this Printable for Crochet Circle Stitch Count Formula to get your crochet circle to lay flat.

Why is my crochet circle ruffing / wavy?

If your crochet circle starts ruffing or looking wavy, you probably have too many stitches, are crocheting too loosely or your hook size is too big.

Try experimenting with decreasing the number of stitches you start with. If you started your dc circle with 12 stitches, try going down to 10 only.

You can also try using a smaller hook size which should tighten your stitches a little and allow your crochet circle to lay flat.

Where can I find a crochet circle chart / crochet circle diagram/crochet circle increase calculator?

I've prepared a free printable crochet circle diagram for you that you are welcome to download and keep in your crochet binder for future reference.

In this chart/diagram I used the dc stitch. You may use the same formula for the single crochet, half double crochet or trebble crochet stitches, but make sure you use the number of increases indicated in the Crochet Circle Stitch Count Formula.

What is a crochet magic circle?

Well, now that you've mastered the crochet circle, you might be wondering what's all this talk about crochet magic circle? 

Basically, a crochet magic circle is a method to start crocheting in the round that ensures you have a tightly closed center in your round projects.

This avoids the unsightly gap that is sometimes visible when starting crocheting in the round using 3 or 4 chain stitches and creating a ring that way.

To find out how to crochet the magic circle technique, please check this link.

How do you make a circle without a magic circle?

A lot of people find the magic circle quite challenging. If it hasn't worked out for you just yet, don't fret!

There are several other methods you can use the start crocheting in the round without using a magic circle.  You may check these out here.

Ideas for Projects Using Crochet Circles

Crochet circles are so versatile, you can make tons of projects with them. Here are a few suggestions:

Crochet Circle Accessories 

• crochet Circle of Friends
• crochet circle earrings
• crochet circle flowers
• crochet circle granny

Crochet Circle Clothing

• crochet circle skirt
• crochet circle scarf
• crochet circle shawl 
• crochet circle vest
• crochet circle top 
• crochet circle 
• crochet circle hat
• crochet circle purse 
• crochet circle bag
• crochet circle pillow

Crochet Circle Home Decor

• crochet circle blanket
• crochet circle rug
• crochet circle tablecloth
• crochet circle wall hanging
• crochet circle coaster
• crochet circle mandala

The Last Thing You Need To Know About Crochet Flat Circles

As you can see, crochet Circles are super simple to make. In this tutorial, I hope you were able to learn how to crochet a circle in the round using the joining method. You learned how to increase your stitches while working in the round so you get that perfectly flat circle. 

I hope you enjoyed this Crochet Flat Circle tutorial. All you need to do now is practice and you'll get the hang of it pretty quick!

Let me know if you have any questions and...

Happy crocheting!