How to Crochet a Perfect Flat Circle: A Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

Here is a clear, actionable DIY tutorial based on the video transcript provided.

# How to Crochet a Perfect Flat Circle (Beginner-Friendly)

This tutorial will teach you how to crochet a flat circle using double crochet stitches. This technique is perfect for making coasters, placemats, or the base for bags and hats. We’ll use a "joined rounds" method to avoid unsightly gaps and create a neat, professional finish.

• Yarn: A chunky weight yarn (the tutorial uses Sirdar No.1 Chunky in mustard). A solid color is best for beginners to see your stitches clearly.
• Crochet Hook: 5mm (or the size recommended on your yarn label).
• Scissors
• Darning Needle (for weaving in ends)
• Stitch Markers (optional, but highly recommended for keeping your place)

Step 1: Make a Magic Circle and Foundation Round

1. Create a magic circle. If you are unfamiliar with this technique, practice it first. It creates a tight, adjustable center with no hole.
2. Insert your hook into the loop. Chain 2. Important: Do not count these chain stitches as a stitch. They are simply a height adjuster. This trick prevents gaps at the join.
3. Work 10 Double Crochet (dc) stitches into the center of the magic circle.

• How to double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into the circle, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through the last 2 loops.

1. Once you have 10 dc stitches, pull the yarn tail firmly to close the circle.
2. Join the round with a Slip Stitch (sl st) into the top of the first double crochet stitch you made (not into the chain-2). Pull the slip stitch tight.

Step 2: Round 2 – The Increase Round

1. Chain 2 (again, do not count as a stitch).
2. Work 2 Double Crochet (dc) into every single stitch from the previous round. This means you will be doubling the number of stitches.
3. As you work, you will have 20 stitches total (2 in each of the 10 original stitches).
4. At the end of the round, you will see a small gap before the first stitch. To keep the circle flat, work 1 extra Double Crochet into the very first stitch (the one where your chain-2 comes from). This fills the gap perfectly.
5. Join with a Slip Stitch into the top of the first DC of the round.

Step 3: Round 3 – The “1, 2” Pattern

1. Chain 2.
2. Work 1 Double Crochet (dc) in the first stitch.
3. Work 2 Double Crochet (dc) in the next stitch (an increase).
4. Repeat this pattern (1 dc, 2 dc) all the way around the circle.
5. At the end, you should have 30 stitches. If you have a small gap, you can add an extra stitch to fill it.
6. Join with a Slip Stitch into the first DC.

Step 4: Round 4 – The “1, 1, 2” Pattern

1. Chain 2.
2. Work 1 Double Crochet (dc) in the first stitch.
3. Work 1 Double Crochet (dc) in the next stitch.
4. Work 2 Double Crochet (dc) in the next stitch (an increase).
5. Repeat this pattern (1 dc, 1 dc, 2 dc) all the way around.
6. You will end with 40 stitches.
7. Join with a Slip Stitch into the first DC.

Step 5: Round 5 – The “1, 1, 1, 2” Pattern (and beyond)

1. Chain 2.
2. Work 1 Double Crochet (dc) in each of the next three stitches.
3. Work 2 Double Crochet (dc) in the next stitch (an increase).
4. Repeat this pattern (1 dc, 1 dc, 1 dc, 2 dc) all the way around.
5. You will end with 50 stitches.
6. Join with a Slip Stitch.

Pro Tip: To make a larger circle, simply continue this pattern. Each new round adds one more single stitch before the increase. The number of stitches in your center (10) will be the number you add each round.

Step 6: Finishing and Weaving in Ends

1. After your final slip stitch, cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.
2. Pull the tail through the loop on your hook to secure it.
3. Thread the tail onto a darning needle.
4. To create an invisible join, insert the needle under the two loops of the first double crochet stitch (not the chain-2) and pull it through.
5. Then, insert the needle into the back loop of the last stitch you made and pull it through. This mimics a stitch.
6. Turn the circle over. Weave the yarn tail through the back of several stitches, moving towards the center.
7. Tie a few small knots in the center to secure it (this is safe for coasters as the back is not visible).
8. Snip the yarn close to the knot.

• Don't Skip the Stitch Markers: Even if you are experienced, use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round. It is incredibly easy to lose your place, especially when watching TV.
• The "No Rules" Gap Fix: If you see a small gap at the end of a round, don't be afraid to add an extra stitch. It’s better to have a perfect circle than to follow a strict count.
• Count Your Stitches: After each round, count your stitches to ensure you have the correct number. This prevents the circle from ruffling or turning into a bowl.
• Use the Right Yarn: A chunky yarn works up very fast, making this a perfect "mindless" project for relaxing.
• Weave Ends Securely: For items like coasters that will be washed, weave the ends deeply and tie a few knots to prevent them from coming undone.