To increase in a crochet circle, add the same number of stitches each round that you started with. For single crochet, that means 6 more stitches every round. Place the increases evenly, and your circle will lie flat.
Key Takeaways
An increase means working 2 stitches into 1 stitch.
Single crochet circles start with 6 stitches and grow by 6 each round.
Half double crochet circles start with 8 and double crochet circles with 12.
Total stitches = round number × starting stitch count.
Too few increases cause cupping. Too many cause ruffling.
What Is an Increase in Crochet?
An increase is a stitch technique where you work two or more stitches into the same stitch of the previous round. It adds stitches and widens the fabric.
In a circle, each round has to be longer than the last. Increases are how you make that happen.
Why Do Crochet Circles Need Increases?
Circles grow because each round has a larger circumference than the one before. A circle’s circumference is about 6.28 times its radius (2π). That is why each round needs roughly six more single crochet stitches to stay flat.
Taller stitches take up more height, so they need more added stitches per round. That is why hdc uses 8 and dc uses 12.
How to Increase a Stitch in the Round
An increase in single crochet takes four quick steps:
Insert your hook into the next stitch.
Work a single crochet.
Insert your hook into the same stitch.
Work another single crochet.
Patterns write this as inc or 2 sc in next st.
How to Start a Crochet Circle: Magic Circle vs Chain Ring
A magic circle (also called a magic ring or adjustable ring) lets you pull the center fully closed. It is the standard start for amigurumi, hats and coasters.
A chain ring is a short chain joined with a slip stitch. It leaves a small hole in the middle, which suits doilies and some flat motifs.
Is a Magic Circle Always 6 Stitches?
No. Six is the usual count for single crochet, but the right number depends on stitch height.
Stitch Round 1 Increase per round
Single crochet (sc) 6 6
Half double crochet (hdc) 8 8
Double crochet (dc) 12 12
Some patterns use 4 stitches for small details or a squarer shape. Always follow your pattern’s count.
How to Increase a Crochet Circle: Single Crochet Chart
Round Pattern Stitches
1 6 sc in magic circle 6
2 inc in each st 12
3 (1 sc, inc) × 6 18
4 (2 sc, inc) × 6 24
5 (3 sc, inc) × 6 30
6 (4 sc, inc) × 6 36
7 (5 sc, inc) × 6 42
8 (6 sc, inc) × 6 48
Each round adds one more plain stitch between the increases. The number of increases never changes.
How to Increase a Magic Circle in Crochet
Work your first round of stitches into the ring, then pull the tail to close it. In round 2, increase in every stitch. From round 3 on, spread the increases evenly.
Put a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round. It saves you from losing your place.
Half Double Crochet Circle Chart
Round Pattern Stitches
1 8 hdc in magic circle 8
2 inc in each st 16
3 (1 hdc, inc) × 8 24
4 (2 hdc, inc) × 8 32
Double Crochet Circle Chart
Round Pattern Stitches
1 12 dc in ring 12
2 2 dc in each st 24
3 (1 dc, inc) × 12 36
4 (2 dc, inc) × 12 48
In joined rounds, start each round with a chain 3, which counts as your first double crochet. End with a slip stitch into the top of that chain.
Spiral Rounds vs Joined Rounds
Spiral rounds have no joining. You work in one continuous line and track the start with a stitch marker. This is the usual method for amigurumi.
Joined rounds end with a slip stitch and begin with a turning chain for hdc and dc. The seam stays in one place, which suits flat items like coasters and rugs.
What Is a 4 Increase in Crochet?
The phrase has two common meanings, so check your pattern.
Four increases per round. The piece starts with 4 stitches and adds 4 per round. This gives a rounded square rather than a true circle.
Four stitches in one stitch. You work several stitches into the same space to build a corner or point. It is a bigger increase than the standard two.
How to Increase Granny Stitch in the Round
A granny circle uses clusters of double crochet separated by chain spaces. You grow it by adding clusters or extra chains each round.
Exact counts vary by pattern, so follow your pattern’s numbers rather than the single crochet rule above. If increases stack in the same spots, the shape drifts toward a square. That is how a granny circle becomes a granny square.
How Do I Increase My Crochet in Rows?
Work two or more stitches into one stitch at the start, middle or end of the row. For taller stitches, you can also work into the base of the turning chain, which is normally skipped.
How to Make a Stitch in the Round
Working in the round means crocheting in a circle instead of turning your work.
Make a magic circle or chain ring.
Work round 1 into it.
Close with a slip stitch, or continue in a spiral.
Add increases each round.
Common Problems and Fixes
Problem Likely cause Fix
Circle curls like a bowl Too few increases Recount and add the missing increase
Edges ruffle Too many increases or too many starting stitches Rip back and recount
Hexagon shape Increases stacked in the same spots Stagger where each round’s increases start
Wrong stitch count Missed or doubled stitch Count after every round
Tips for a Flatter Circle
Count after every round.
Use a stitch marker.
Don’t stack increases on top of the previous round’s increases.
Match your hook size to your yarn weight. Tight tension makes a stiff circle, and loose tension makes a floppy one.
Practice in cotton yarn, which shows stitches clearly.
Where Are Crochet Circles Used?
Circles are the base of coasters, doilies, hats, rugs, baskets and amigurumi toys. Once you master increases, you can build most round shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to increase a stitch in the round?
Work two stitches into the same stitch of the previous round. In single crochet, that is two single crochets in one stitch, written as “inc”.
How do I increase my crochet?
Work two or more stitches into one stitch. You can do this in rows or in the round, at the edge or in the middle of the work.
How to increase a magic circle in crochet?
Work 6 sc into the ring, then 2 sc in every stitch in round 2. Add one more plain stitch between increases in each round after that.
What is a 4 increase in crochet?
It usually means either four increases per round or four stitches worked into one stitch. Check your pattern to see which one it uses.
How to increase a crochet circle?
Add the same number of stitches each round as you started with: 6 for sc, 8 for hdc and 12 for dc.
Is a magic circle always 6 stitches?
No. Six is standard for single crochet, but hdc uses about 8 and dc about 12. Some patterns use 4.
How to make a stitch increase?
Make one stitch, then make another stitch in the same space.
How to increase granny stitch in the round?
Add extra clusters or chain spaces each round, following your pattern’s counts.
How to make a stitch in the round?
Start with a magic circle or chain ring, work stitches into it, then continue in a spiral or joined rounds.
Final Thoughts
The rule is simple: add the same number of stitches each round that you started with. Count often, spread your increases, and your circles will lie flat.