How to Turn Straight Crochet into Round Crochet

Crochet in the round from scratch is an extremely versatile and useful tool, for most projects you want to create. However, what do you do when you want "in the round" work that isn't so, well, round? You start working it like a straight piece and then change over to round work. This tutorial explains 2 techniques.

Method 1 - Crochet Both Bars of a Stitch This way works best for small flat beginnings, like duck tails.

Make your slipknot and place it on your hook. Chain as many stitches as are needed for your project. Slide your hook into only the front (closest to you) bar of the second chain from your hook (first chain that is not on your hook), complete a single crochet. Place a single crochet in the front bar of each remaining chain.

Turn the work, but do not chain up a stitch. Instead, slide your hook directly into the remaining bar of the stitch. If you aren't sure, it should be the piece of yarn closest to you, the hook and the top of the work. Work single crochets into the remaining bars until you reach the other side of the work. Continuing working, as with a regular round piece, making increases where necessary.

Method 2 - Crochet Around the Edges This way is great for socks and flat purse bottoms.

Place a slipknot on your hook and chain up 4 fewer stitches than are called for in your design. Slide your hook into the second chain from your hook (first chain that is not on your hook) and complete a single crochet. Repeat this for all the remaining chains. Do as many rows as you need to achieve the right width. For socks, you should only need a row - or two if your yarn is very thin, and for a purse you will need several rows. Work, turn and chain on these rows as you normally would for a straight piece.

When you complete all the straight rows you need, turn the work sideways so that the small side edge is facing up. Make a single crochet stitch into the bars closest to the top. Turn the work sideways again until the bottom of the first row of chains is on top. Work single crochets into at least one bar of each these chains. Turn again for the other short side and work a single crochet into that, then continue working around as for regular in the round work, including increases wherever they are required.