by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: March 08, 2010

Most crocheting patterns with squares and circles are worked in rounds.  A spiral begins like a typical round.  It starts with a circle or adjustable ring.  

With a spiral instead of joining when the round meets, stitching just continues on in the same manner.  When making spirals it is essential to use some kind of stitch marker.  This is the only way to keep an accurate count on the pattern.  In a spiral the naked eye can not be trusted to see the stitching without a marker.

The most common use of the spiral in crocheting today may be when making Amigurumi animals.  This is a Japanese art form.  It has become very popular world wide.  These animals are made as children' toys, collectibles and embellishments for many projects.  There are also some spiral scarf patterns that work up quickly.

First lets take a look at the basic pattern of a spiral.
*4 ply yarn
*Size J hook
*Stitch marker (safety pin works well)

Rnd1: Ch 4, join with a sl st into the beginning ch.  Ch 3, dc. Mark the first chain to indicate where the round began. 10 dc. (12 stitches)

Rnd 2: Remove the marker and dc.  Place the marker in the dc. Dc in the same stitch. Work 2 dc in every stitch to the marker. (24 stitches)

Rnd 3: Remove the marker and dc. Place the marker in the dc. 2 dc in next stitch *1 dc in next, 2 dc in next. Repeat from * until the marker. (36 dc)

Rnd 4: Remove the marker and dc. Place the marker in the dc. 1 dc in the next stitch. 2 dc in the next stitch, * 1 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, Repeat from * to the last 2 stitches. Complete the spiral with ahdc in next stitch, sc in the next dc, and sl st to beginning of the last round.

Here is a fun little Amigurmi Lady Bug that can be made with spiral crocheting.

Supplies:
*red yarn
*black yarn
*stitch markers
*2 wiggly eyes
*stuffing
*size g crochet hook
*yarn needle

Begin with the upper body with the red yarn.
Ch 2
Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in the first ch. Place a marker
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 stitches) Place marker
Rnd 3: *2 sc in next sc, scin next st. Repeat from * to marker (18 stitches) Place marker
Rnd 4: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc. Repeat from * to marker (24 stitches) Place marker
Rnd 5: * 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc. Repeat from * to marker (30 stitches) Place marker
Rnd 6: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc. Repeat from * to marker (36 stitches) Place marker
Rnd 7: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc, Repeat from * to marker (42 stitches)
Rnds 8 - 16: sc in each sc around
Fasten off.

Base (with red yarn)
Ch 2
Rnds 1 -8: work rounds 1 - 8 of Upper Body (42 stitches)
Fasten off.

Head
Use the black yarn
Ch 2
Rnds 1- 4: Work rounds 1 - 4 of Upper Body (24 stitches)
Rnds 5-8: Sc in each sc around
Rnd: 9 *Sc 2 tog, sc in next 2 sc. Repeat from * around (18 stitches)

Legs (make 6)
With black yarn Ch 2
Rnd 1: Work 4 sc in first ch. Place marker
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (8 stitches)
Rnds 3 -4: Sc in each sc around
Fasten off.

Spots (make 6)
Use black yarn Ch 2
Rnds 1 -2: Work Rnds 1 and 2 of Upper Body (12 stitches)
Fasten off.

Attach the eyes t the head.  Stuff the upper body and sew to the base.  Stuff the head and sew to the body. Attach spots. Stuff the legs very lightly and attach three to each side.  Make a straight mouth and 2 antennae with red.


sources:
Aunt Maxine's pattern notebook
www.crochetcabana.com

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