When you first start crocheting, you will quickly learn the absolute basics. One of these basics is the two primary ways how the item you're trying to make is actually made. You can either crochet in rows, or in continuous circles, also called "in the round". Understanding the core differences between these two foundational techniques is essential for any crocheter. Knowing how and when to use each method will completely change how you approach not only looking at patterns and knowing how to read them, but also when you start writing your own patterns! Let's dive into each technique and break down how these two methods work, the pros and cons of each, and with that, knowing which technique to pick for your next project.
Crocheting in Rows
Crocheting in rows is exactly what it sounds like. You work your stitches back and forth in straight lines to create a flat piece of fabric. Because it's so easy to conceptualize, it's often recommended that this is what beginners start with, especially since it allows beginners to practice the same stitch over and over without starting a new project.
To start a project that is worked in rows, you must create something called a foundational chain. This starting chain will determine the total width of your project. Once you're done with your foundational chain, you're going to start crocheting back into that chain you just made. To start the first stitch into your chain, you skip x amount of stitches from your hook. For example, for single crochet, you skip 1 stitch from your hook, and start crocheting into the 2nd stitch from your hook. If you don't skip at least 1 stitch, your project will come apart due to how the yarn is knotted. For double crochet, you'll typically skip 2 stitches.
After you're done going through your entire foundation chain with your stitches, you'll flip your entire project over like flipping the pages of a book, and work your way back across the tops of the stitches you just made.
The Pros of Working in Rows
Working in rows is incredibly versatile and reliable. It is the gold standard method for creating flat items like blankets, scarves, washcloths, and many traditional types of sweaters. Because you are creating a flat rectangle or square, it is very easy to measure your gauge. You can simply lay a rigid ruler across your flat work to see exactly how many stitches fit into a four inch section, ensuring your garments will fit perfectly.
Working in rows also creates a highly reversible fabric. Because you turn your work at the end of every single row, you constantly alternate which side of the stitch faces outward. This gives the finished fabric a beautifully balanced, uniform texture on both the front and the back.
The Cons of Working in Rows
The biggest challenge for beginners working in flat rows is keeping the side edges perfectly straight. It is remarkably easy to accidentally skip the very first stitch of a row or mistakenly add an extra stitch into the turning chain. This results in a project that slowly grows wider or narrower as you work, creating a wonky square instead of a neat square.
Additionally, if you want to make a three dimensional object or a fitted garment using flat rows, you will have to sew the individual pieces together. Seaming pieces together can be a tedious process for many crafters, and it often creates bulky ridges inside garments or toys that can be uncomfortable.
Crocheting in the Round: The Seamless Circle
Crocheting in the round is the secret magic behind hats, baskets, and amigurumi toys. Instead of working back and forth in straight lines, you work in a continuous circle or a spiral. Because you never turn your work, the front side of the stitches will always face outward toward you.
There are a couple of popular ways to start a project in the round. You can chain a small number of stitches and join them into a small ring using a slip stitch, or you can use the famous Magic Ring technique. The Magic Ring allows you to pull the center starting hole completely shut. This is an absolutely crucial technique for making stuffed toys so the white stuffing does not escape through the top of the head.
Once your center starting point is established, you have two choices for how to build your circles outward.
Joined Rounds
In a joined round, you finish the circle by making a slip stitch into the very first stitch of that specific round. Then, you make a chain to step up to the next level and begin the new circle. This technique creates a fabric with concentric, level rings. It is perfect for color work and striped hats because the color changes will line up perfectly evenly. However, the slip stitch and chain leave a visible seam line running vertically up the side of your project.
Continuous Spirals
In a continuous spiral, you do not slip stitch or chain at the end of the round. You simply work your next stitch directly into the top of the first stitch from the previous round. Your fabric grows upward like a spring or a spiral staircase. This is the absolute best method for amigurumi because there is absolutely no seam to hide. The only drawback is that you absolutely must use a stitch marker. Without a marker, it is impossible to know where one round ends and the next round begins.
The Pros of Working in the Round
The greatest advantage of working in the round is the complete lack of seaming. You can create a complete winter beanie, a cozy cowl, or a pair of warm socks without ever picking up a tapestry needle to sew pieces together. It is also the only way to create the incredibly tight, gap free fabric required for stuffed animals like our farmhouse chickens.
The Cons of Working in the Round
Working in the round can be visually confusing at first. The center of a circle can get very crowded with stitches, and keeping track of your mathematical increases is vital. If you increase too quickly, the fabric will ruffle like a skirt. If you increase too slowly, the fabric will curl into a bowl shape prematurely. Furthermore, because you never flip your work, the fabric has a very distinct right side and wrong side. The inside of the tube looks fundamentally different from the outside surface.
Choosing the Right Technique
So, how do you decide which method to use for your next creation? The pattern you choose to follow will usually dictate the required method, but if you are designing your own unique projects, keep these general rules in mind.
Choose rows when you want a flat, drapey piece of fabric. If you are making a cozy baby blanket, a kitchen dish towel, or a classic oversized cardigan, working flat is typically the way to go. The alternating texture of the rows adds a beautiful softness and flexibility to the finished piece.
Choose the round when you need structural integrity or a seamless tube. If you are making a winter beanie, a coffee cup cozy, a sturdy storage basket, or anything that requires polyfill stuffing, you need to work in the round to achieve the best results.
Mixing Both Methods
As you advance in your crochet journey and tackle more complex patterns, you will frequently find projects that require you to master both techniques. A great example of this is a complex amigurumi animal like a bunny or a dog. You might crochet the head and the main body in continuous spirals to keep them perfectly seamless and round. Then, you might switch to flat rows to crochet the long, floppy ears or a flat tail so they lay nicely against the body.
You might also see this hybrid approach in modern garment construction. Many contemporary sweater patterns will have you crochet the front and back body panels in flat rows, but then have you attach the yarn to the armhole opening and crochet the sleeves directly in the round to avoid sewing a bulky underarm seam.
Mastering Your Hook
Both crocheting in rows and crocheting in the round are incredibly essential skills to master. They each offer unique structural benefits and open up entirely different worlds of pattern possibilities. We highly recommend practicing both methods equally. Try making a flat cotton dishcloth to practice keeping your side edges perfectly straight, and then try making a simple amigurumi ball to practice your magic ring and spiral tension.
Once you feel completely comfortable with both building flat rectangles and spinning seamless circles, there is truly no limit to what your hands can create. Grab your favorite hook, pick out a beautiful skein of yarn, and see exactly where the stitches take you today.
The Cozy Stitches Guild