How to make a perfect circle in amigurumi
Crochet terminology: US terms (single crochet = sc).
When working crochet circles for amigurumi, it is common for a slightly hexagonal shape to start appearing instead of a perfectly round circle.
This happens because, in more traditional patterns, the increases often end up being aligned one on top of the other, creating small visible "corners" along the rounds.
The solution is simple: stagger the increases, alternating the position where they begin in certain rounds.
Why does the circle become hexagonal?
When we always repeat the same sequence, for example:
(2 sc, 1 increase) x 6
the increases are aligned with those of the previous round.
Over several rounds, those stitches begin to form lines, and the circle can gain six more defined sides.
How to avoid this
In rounds where there is an even number of single crochet stitches between the increases, divide those stitches in half.
Instead of starting immediately with the full sequence, work half of the single crochets at the beginning of the round, work the increases normally, and finish with the other half.
Practical example
Imagine you have a round with:
(2 sc, 1 increase) x 6
Instead, work:
1 sc, 1 increase, (2 sc, 1 increase) x 5, 1 sc
This way, the increases are shifted in relation to the previous round and no longer form a continuous line.
In the next round, if the sequence is:
(3 sc, 1 increase) x 6
you can work it normally.
And then, when you have an even number of single crochet stitches again:
(4 sc, 1 increase) x 6
stagger again:
2 sc, 1 increase, (4 sc, 1 increase) x 5, 2 sc
Simple rule to memorise
When the number of single crochet stitches between increases is odd, you can keep the normal sequence.
When it is even, divide that number in half and place half of the single crochet stitches at the beginning and the other half at the end of the round.
This way, the increases are staggered and the circle grows much more uniformly.
Result
With this small change, you can:
- reduce the "corners" in the circle;
- avoid the hexagonal effect;
- better distribute the increases;
- obtain a rounder and more uniform base;
- improve the finish of heads, bodies, and other circular amigurumi pieces.
Tip: this technique does not change the total number of stitches in the round. It only changes the position of the increases.