Crochet is a craft that involves creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with a hooked needle. One of the basic shapes in crochet is the circle, which is often used as the starting point for many projects such as hats, bags, and amigurumi toys.
It is important to get crochet circles to be round because it allows for a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing final product. It’s difficult and that’s why people often ask why my crochet circle looks like a hexagon.
If a crochet circle becomes hexagonal or otherwise misshapen, it can throw off the entire project and make it difficult to work with.
In this article, we will explore the common causes of hexagonal crochet circles and how to fix them to achieve perfectly round circles every time.
Common Causes of Hexagonal Crochet Circles
There are several common causes of hexagonal crochet circles, and understanding these can help you fix the problem and achieve perfectly round circles.
Using the Wrong Number of Stitches in the Starting Round
Many crochet patterns will specify a certain number of stitches to use in the starting round of a crochet circle. If you use too few stitches, the circle will become more hexagonal in shape. On the other hand, if you use too many stitches, the circle will become more oval-shaped.
It is important to follow the pattern and use the correct number of stitches to achieve a round circle.
Tightening the Stitches
Another common cause of hexagonal crochet circles is tightening the stitches too much. If you crochet too tightly, it can cause the circle to become misshapen and hexagonal. To fix this, try loosening your stitches slightly to create a more even and round shape.
Not Evenly Distributing the Stitches
Another factor that can contribute to hexagonal crochet circles is not evenly distributing the stitches in the starting round. It is important to ensure that the stitches are evenly spaced out in the starting round to avoid creating a lopsided or misshapen circle.
Stitch Count Errors
One of the most frequent causes is an error in the stitch count within each round. If you inadvertently increase or decrease the number of stitches in a round, it can distort the circular shape, resulting in a hexagonal appearance.
Improper Turning Chains
Incorrect turning chains can affect the symmetry of your crochet circle. Ensure that your turning chains are of the correct height and are placed appropriately to maintain a circular shape.
Starting Technique
The method you use to start your crochet circle can impact its shape. If you start with a different number of chains than necessary or work the initial stitches differently, it can create a hexagonal effect.
Pattern or Stitch Choice:
Some crochet patterns intentionally create hexagonal circles as a design element. Double-check your pattern instructions to ensure that the use of certain stitches or techniques isn’t causing the hexagonal shape unintentionally.
How to Fix a Hexagonal Crochet Circle?
If you find that your crochet circles are turning out hexagonal or misshapen, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem and achieve perfectly round circles.
Fixing a hexagonal crochet circle and transforming it into a perfectly round one involves identifying and correcting the underlying issues. Here are steps to help you fix a hexagonal crochet circle:
Materials You’ll Need
- Your hexagonal crochet circle project.
- Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn.
- Yarn in the same color.
- Scissors.
Stitch markers (optional).Step-by-Step Instructions:
Identify the Issue
Examine your crochet circle to determine the specific cause of the hexagonal shape. Look for areas where the circle may have too many or too few stitches in certain rounds, causing uneven sides.
Count Your Stitches
Carefully count the number of stitches in each round of your crochet circle, starting from the center and working outward. Compare your stitch count to the pattern’s instructions or your intended stitch count for each round.
Adjust Stitch Count
If you find that you’ve been inadvertently increasing or decreasing stitches in some rounds, make the necessary corrections. You may need to frog (undo) a few rounds and rework them with the correct stitch counts.
Maintain Consistent Tension
Pay attention to your tension while crocheting to ensure it remains consistent. Inconsistent tension can lead to irregular shapes.
Correct Turning Chains
Ensure that your turning chains at the beginning of each round are the correct height and that they don’t contribute to the hexagonal shape. Follow your pattern instructions or guidelines for turning chains.
Add or Remove Stitches
If necessary, add or remove stitches strategically in certain rounds to bring the circle back into shape. Use single crochet increases or decreases as needed.
Use Stitch Markers
Consider using stitch markers to mark the first stitch of each round. This can help you keep track of your stitch counts and ensure that you start and end each round correctly.
Continue Crocheting
Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments, continue crocheting in the pattern as directed. Pay close attention to maintaining the corrected stitch counts and tension.
Evaluate Progress
Periodically check your work to see if the hexagonal shape is gradually transitioning into a round shape. Be patient, as it may take a few rounds to see a noticeable improvement.
Block and Finish
After completing the circle, block your crochet work to help shape it further. Follow the blocking instructions for your yarn type. Once dry, your circle should appear round.
Remember that fixing a hexagonal crochet circle may take some time and patience, especially if the distortion is significant.
Regularly checking and adjusting your stitch count, tension, and turning chains as you progress through the project will help you achieve a round shape in the end.
Common Causes and Solutions for Hexagonal Crochet Circles
Here is a table showing all the causes and their solutions for Hexagonal crochet circles:
| Common Cause | Solution |
| Incorrect stitch count | Double-check stitch counts in each round and make corrections. |
| Uneven turning chains | Ensure turning chains are the correct height and placement. |
| Inconsistent tension | Maintain consistent tension throughout the project. |
| Starting technique errors | Follow the pattern’s starting instructions precisely. |
| Incorrect pattern or stitch use | Review pattern instructions; ensure stitches match the design. |
| Lack of stitch markers | Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round. |
| Adding/removing stitches | Strategically add or remove stitches to correct shape. |
| Using improper hook size | Ensure you’re using the correct hook size for your yarn. |
| Pattern or yarn changes | Stick to the original pattern and yarn for desired results. |
| Tightening or loosening yarn | Maintain consistent tension and avoid changing tension. |
Tips to Avoid Crochet Circle to be Hexagonal
Preventing a crochet circle from turning hexagonal involves paying attention to various aspects of your crochet technique. Here are six tips to help you avoid a hexagonal shape:
Count Stitches Carefully
Incorrect stitch counts are a common cause of hexagonal shapes. An extra or missing stitch in a round can distort the circle.
Count your stitches at the end of each round and compare the count to the pattern instructions. Be meticulous about maintaining the correct stitch count for each round.
Use Proper Turning Chains
Inconsistent turning chains can affect the symmetry of your circle.
Follow the pattern instructions for turning chains. Ensure they are of the correct height and are placed in the right position to maintain the circular shape.
Maintain Consistent Tension
Inconsistent tension can lead to uneven stitches and a distorted circle.
Pay attention to your tension while crocheting. Keep your yarn tension consistent to ensure uniform stitches throughout the project.
Start with the Right Technique
Errors in the starting technique can impact the overall shape of the circle.
Follow the pattern instructions for starting the circle. Pay attention to the initial chain and stitches to set the foundation correctly.
Use Stitch Markers
Losing track of the beginning of each round can result in stitch count errors.
Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round. This makes it easier to identify the start of a new round and helps you stay on track.
Avoid Yarn Changes Mid-Project
Switching yarns can sometimes lead to changes in tension, affecting the shape.
If possible, avoid changing yarns in the middle of a project. Stick to one yarn type and color for a consistent look.
By implementing these tips and being mindful of your stitch count, tension, turning chains, and starting techniques, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of your crochet circle turning hexagonal.
Regularly checking your work and making adjustments as needed will help you maintain a round and even shape throughout your project.
FAQs
Your crochet circle may turn into a hexagon due to variations in stitch tension and stitch count. Uneven tension or adding too many or too few stitches in each round can cause the circle to develop angular edges. To maintain a perfectly round shape, ensure consistent tension and follow the correct stitch count instructions in your pattern.
A crochet circle can curl inward or outward when the tension of your stitches is inconsistent. If it’s curling inward, your stitches might be too tight; if it’s curling outward, they might be too loose. Adjust your tension to achieve a flat circle by practicing even and uniform stitches.
Curving in crochet often happens when you’re working in rows, not rounds. This can be due to increasing or decreasing stitches incorrectly. Make sure you follow the pattern instructions carefully to maintain a straight edge in your project.
A crochet hexagon can curl for similar reasons as a circular one: uneven tension and stitch count issues. Maintain consistent tension and ensure you’re following the correct stitch count for each round or side of the hexagon to prevent curling and achieve a flat result.
Conclusion
Hexagonal crochet circles are a common problem that can be caused by several factors such as using the wrong number of stitches in the starting round, tightening the stitches too much, or not evenly distributing the stitches in the starting round.
To fix hexagonal crochet circles, you can check the pattern and count the stitches in the starting round, loosen the stitches, and evenly distribute the stitches in the starting round.
Paying attention to the shape of your crochet circles is important to achieve the desired result in your projects, and by following these steps, you can create perfectly round circles every time.
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