by Betty Carew

Created on: March 11, 2010

Spirals are as simple as any other crochet project you have done but these simple spirals can add beauty to the simplest of crochet patterns. Spirals can be used in a scarf, hats, doilies, coasters, hot pads for the kitchen and the list goes on. They are just as versatile as the granny square and are known in other names such as tendrils and curlicues but are mostly known as spirals. Spirals are just what they are called by crocheting around in a spiral until you have achieved the proper dimension you are looking for.

Crocheting a spiral

Round 1: Chain five and join with a slip stitch.

Round 2: Make twelve single crochets inside your chain five loop. Your loop should be full and firm.

Round 3: Work two single crochets in one of the previous chained row of single crochet. Make one single crochet in the next chain of your previous round then two single crochet in the next chain. Repeat these single crochets all way around the previous round.

Round 4: Repeat two single crochet then one single crochet until your spiral is the size you want.

Your spiral may not lay flat at this point but this is easily remedied by spacing your stitches in different chains.

Round 5: After you complete round three you can space your stitches by working two single crochets in two chains and two single crochet in the third chain. This will help keep your work flat.

Round 6: Single crochet in the next three chains and two single crochets in the next chain. You are now making two single crochets in every fourth chain.

Each spiral is a little different in gathering up as you go but if you adjust your stitches it will flatten out easily. If it is gathering too much add a few more single crochets in your chains. If it is flattening out to much decrease your single crochets. Once you have done one spiral it will becomes a lot easier to judge how flat you want them. To finish off your spiral you can thread a needle and weave your yarn in through your last row or you can tie off your end and cut the yarn.

To join your spirals pick two chains on your spirals and sew them together. Repeat this to the length you desire. Make another row and join them in the same manner by choosing two chains on your spiral at the top of your spiral and attaching them to the next one.

Only your imagination can limit what you can make from spirals. They are very easy to make and easy to join. The space between your spirals can also be filled in by making a loop of five chains, single crochet into the loop eight times, chain the desired length of chains up to your spiral. Attach this chain to your spiral with a single crochet, chain back down and single crochet in second chain of your small loop. Chain up to another spiral again and attach to your other spiral then back down to your loop. Repeat this around until you have four separate spirals attached by double chains. This should give you a small loop in the center of the empty space with four different loops attached the same parts of each spiral.

Crocheting is a very rewarding art. It is wonderful for relaxation and will give you many hours of pleasure.  You will find that crocheting is always a challenge as there is always something new to learn. So what are you waiting for? Get going to the best hobby you could ever find.

Learn more about this author, Betty Carew.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.