How To Crochet A Flat Spiral
For Absolute Beginners

Trying to figure out how to crochet a spiral cuz you don't want that unsightly seam line that you get in the joining rounds technique in crochet circles?

In this post, I'll show you the exact steps to take to crochet a perfect spiral using the continuous rounds method (which means you won't be joining rounds with slip stitches (sl sts) and chaining (ch) after each round.

This tutorial is for crocheting single colored flat spirals. If you're interested in 3-D spirals used to make crochet worry worms or crochet wind spinners, have a look at this blog post.

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

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

The spiral method is also used in 3-dimensional crochet projects like Amigurumi (crochet toys). You would normally use single crochet (sc) stitches for these, work up a spiral circle to the width required for the project using the number of increases you'll find in this formula, then continue without increases to get the height that you want.

I've also included a list of frequently asked questions at the end of this 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 Spiral For Beginners: Tutorial

What You’ll Learn

• How to crochet a continuous spiral using single crochet (sc) stitch
• How to crochet a continuous spiral using double crochet (dc) stitch
• How to increase (add correct number of stitches for project to lay flat)
• Some project ideas for your spiral crochet circles
• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about crochet spirals

Materials Needed

• Some classic worsted or aran 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.
• Stitch markers or a piece of contrasting color yarn
• 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
• fo = fasten off

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 or row.
• If you are new to reading crochet patterns, you might find these tips helpful.
• You can make the pattern larger (or smaller) by changing the yarn weight and/or hook size or by adding rounds (Note that you will have to increase with each round).
• Please note that I use US crochet terms. Here's a US/UK Conversion Chart that you may print for reference.

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. I've previously shown you the Joining Method: Where you can work each round, join to the first stitch, then move to the next round; or

2. Continuous Rounds: You can work in continuous rounds without joining (also called spiral technique, which is what we're learning here)

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

Crochet Spiral Pattern - Single Crochet (sc) 

If you're looking to crochet a circle using single crochet (sc), it's basically the same stitch count as the crochet flat circle by joining rounds method, except you don't join the rounds by slip stitching and chaining one, you just put a stitch marker in your last stitch of the round and continue with your increases as usual.

Crochet Spiral Pattern Instructions - Single Crochet (sc)

Round 1:

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

Round 2: 

• Into that circle you just created, continue to work 6 sc stitches (6).
• Do not join to the first sc stitch with a sl st. Place a stitch marker into the top of your last stitch and simply continue to Round 3.

Round 3: (2, 2, 2)

• 2 sc in each stitch around till you reach your stitch marker (12).
• Move your stitch marker to the last stitch of this row and continue to round 4.

Round 4: (2, 1, 2, 1)

• *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around (18)
• Move your stitch marker to the last stitch of this row and continue to round 5.

Round 5: (2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1)

• *sc in the next 2 st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around (24).
• Move your stitch marker to the last stitch of this row and continue to the next round and so on. 

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. 

For the exact stitch count you need for each round, you can refer to this Free Printable Stitch Count Formula below.

Crochet Spiral Pattern - Double Crochet (dc)

Round 1: 

• Start off by tying a slip knot on your hook, then Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc) (3).
• Work 11 dc into the 3rd ch from your hook (12).
• Do not join this round with a sl st (12).
• (Alternatively, you could start with a Magic Circle and crochet 12 dc into the ring).

Round 2: 2, 2, 2

• Start working a dc into the top of the first st from the previous round.
• Place a stitch marker or piece of contrasting colored yarn into your first stitch of each round (so you remember where your starting stitch is for each round).
• 1 dc into the same st.
• 2 dc into each st around (24).

Round 3: 1,2,1,2

• Start working a dc into the fist st from the previous round.
• Remove the stitch marker from the previous round and place it into your first stitch of Round 3.
• *[2 dc into the next st, 1 dc in next]
• Repeat from * around (36).

Round 4: 1,1,2,1,1,2

• Start working 1 dc into the next 2 sts from the previous round.
• Remove the stitch marker from the previous round and place it into your first stitch of Round 4 (remember, you just made 2 new stitches, so go back and place your stitch marker into the 1st stitch of this round).
• *[2 dc into the next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts]
• Repeat from * around (48).

Round 5: 1,1,1,2,1,1,1,2

• Start working 1 dc into the next 3 sts from the previous round.
• Remove the stitch marker from the previous round and place it into your first stitch of Round 5 (remember, you just made 3 new stitches, so go back and place your stitch marker into the 1st stitch of this round).
• *[2 dc into the next st, 1 dc into the next 3 sts].
• Repeat from * around (60).

Rounds 6 & beyond: 1,1,1,1,2,1,1,1,1,2

For any subsequent rounds, use the same formula as above, crochet 1 dc in each of the next 4 stitches, and 2 dc in the following st. And so on...

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. 

Here's a video tutorial from LoveCrafts to show you exactly how to crochet a spiral.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crochet Spirals:

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

Crochet Spiral vs Round

There are 2 methods to crochet in the round:

1. Crochet in the round by joining at the end of each round with a slip stitch (sl st) and chain 1 (ch 1) - leaves a visible seam
2. Crochet in the round using the continuous method where you do not join each round using a slip stitch (sl st) and you do not chain 1 (ch 1) after each round. You simply continue with your increases as stated in the pattern above.  This method does not leave a visible seam and gives a pretty spiral effect to your round crochet projects.

How To End Spiral Crochet

Depending on the project you are working on, you might want to end your spirals with a seamless stitch. 

- You could either use your crochet hook to simply create a slip stitch to the end of your project...

- Or, you could use your tapestry needle to finish off your spiral. For this method:

1. Cut your yarn leaving a tail of about 6 inches (15 cm).
2. Thread your tapestry needle with your tail end. 
3. Skip one stitch and insert your yarn needle into the second stitch from behind (counting from right to left).
4. Pull the yarn all the way through the stitch.
5. Insert the needle back into the top (middle) of the last stitch you just worked (between the two stands "v" of the previous stitch).
6. Pull the yarn all the way through that stitch.
7. Weave in the end of the yarn on the wrong side to secure your work.

You'll notice that this method makes a really nice finish that blends in with your other stitches. Awesome, right?

How To Spiral Crochet With Two Colors

Here at Craftsy, there's a great tutorial on how to crochet a spiral using 2 colors. 

As you can see, crochet Spirals are super simple to make. In this tutorial, I hope you were able to learn how to crochet a spiral in the round using the continuous method. You learned how to increase your stitches while working in the round so you get that perfectly flat spiral. There are so many exciting spiral crochet projects you could do! Here's a suggestion for you...

Crochet Spiral Project Idea

Candy Swirl Coasters - Spiral Coaster Crochet Pattern by Hooked on Patterns

I hope you enjoyed this Crochet Spiral 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!