Crochet Gauge Fix – Flat Circles
Why don’t the edges of a crochet circle lay flat when you followed the instructions correctly using the recommended hook size and yarn? There are a few reasons that may cause ruffling or tightening of the edges, but no worries, we also have some easy solutions to fix these issues.
The formulas for making flat crochet circles are very simple, there are no secrets:
- Any double crochet (dc) circle begins with 12 stitches & increases by 12 in every round (12, 24, 36, 48, etc).
- Any half double crochet (hdc) circle begins with 8 stitches & increases by 8 in every round (8, 16, 24, 32, etc).
- Any single crochet (sc) circle begins with 6 stitches & increases by 6 in every round (6, 12, 18, 24, etc).
The formulas above are often adapted for different designs; for example, to make ovals, squares, hexagons, or other shapes. One of my personal preferences regarding sc formula is that I often increase by 12 in every other round instead of increasing by 6 in every round, which makes increases smooth and almost invisible.
Ok, let’s start our check list 🙂
- RUFFLED CIRCLE – UNCONVERTED STITCHES:
Remember to always check what terminology is used in the pattern to avoid unexpected “Oops”. Per se, if you learned to crochet using UK standards and you followed a pattern that was written in US terms (without converting it), then your dc circle will have ruffled edges as shown below.
Here is a simple chart that will help you to convert patterns:
- RUFFLED CIRCLE – WORKING BETWEEN STITCHES:
Be sure to insert the hook under the top 2 loops of the stitch (unless otherwise specified). Working in the space between the stitches will change the gauge and your circle will be ruffled.
WHAT IS GAUGE?
Gauge is an important part of a pattern that indicates the number of stitches and rows per inch/centimeter. Always check the gauge and your total stitch count to ensure the correct result. Try using a smaller or larger hook if you need to obtain the gauge. If that doesn’t help, here is the key for changing your tension:
- The height of the stitches can be adjusted by the length of the first loop that you pull through the stitch to create a new stitch.
- The width of the stitches can be adjusted by the hook size or by the looseness/tightness of the last loop on the hook.
- DOME SHAPED CIRCLE – GAUGE FIX:
If your crochet circle has a dome shape it means your stitches are too tall or too narrow. REASONS – The first loop is too loose and the last loop is too tight.
Here are some tips on how to fix a dome shaped circle:
Double crochet corrections – Yo; insert the hook in st; yo and pull up a loop a little lower than you normally do; [yo and pull through 2 loops] 2 times. The last loop on the hook should not be too tight.
Half double crochet corrections – Yo; insert the hook in st; yo and pull up a loop a little lower than you normally do; yo and pull through all loops on the hook. The last loop on the hook should not be too tight.
Single crochet corrections – Insert the hook in st; yo and pull up a loop a little lower than you normally do; yo and pull through all loops on the hook. The last loop on the hook should not be too tight.
- RUFFLED CIRCLE – GAUGE FIX:
If your circle ruffles, it means your stitches are too short or too wide. REASONS – The first loop is too tight and the last loop is too loose.
Here are some tips on how to fix a ruffled circle:
Double crochet corrections – Yo; insert the hook in st; yo and pull up a loop a little higher than you normally do; [yo and pull through 2 loops] 2 times. The last loop on the hook should not be too loose.
Half double crochet corrections – Yo; insert the hook in st; yo and pull up a loop a little higher than you normally do; yo and pull through all loops on the hook. The last loop on the hook should not be too loose.
Single crochet corrections – Insert the hook in st; yo and pull up a loop a little higher than you normally do; yo and pull through all loops on the hook. The last loop on the hook should not be too loose.
USEFUL TIP: If your finished circle does not lay perfectly flat but you have already finished a large amount of work…no need to rush frogging it, just try to block it and you might be surprised by the result! Find wet blocking instruction in this –> ARTICLE on our blog.
These are great tips. I recently found my self with the dome shape. I was using a new yarn at the time, and the hook suggested on the label. I knew it was my tension, due to swelling in my fingers at the time. But, did not know how I could correct it. Thank you.
You are welcome, glad it helped 🙂
Thank you! This is really good information especially if trying out a new yarn orhook or even a new designer!
Thank you!I am going to start it over and see if I can correct my ” ruffles”!
Horay! Exactly what you said, my circle was not lying flat and it was due to me crocheting in the space and not in the two loops, so it was ruffling. Thank you so much! Problem solved. Alice
Sounds good, you are welcome 😉
Sometimes I’ve found switching to a slightly smaller hook reduces ruffling.
Thank you for the info! I didn’t notice the severity of my shawl ruffling, so now I’m rowing ahead from where the “problem” started. Is there a way to fix it without starting over? Would blocking be enough to straighten everything out so it isn’t noticeable? I’d have to frog at least 8 rows, and last night I frogged 6 because I didn’t like the stitch pattern so I reallllly want to avoid tearing out that many stitches/rows.
Blocking often helps, especially for shawls. I would definitely block a shawl.
Thank you for these tips. I’m currently crocheting a cap to the pattern exactly, and it kept getting smaller and smaller and did not fit. I’ve made many caps but this one haunts me.
What does “ pull up a loop a little lower than you normally do” mean? Lower meaning shorter? I don’t get what a low mean. Thanks!
Hi Jocelyn, sure you can call it a shorter loop…or tighten up the loop shown in the picture.
This is so helpful! Thank you!
You are welcome, glad it helped.