Working in Rounds and Spirals
Most of the pieces for the dolls are worked in rounds, not straight rows.
There are two ways to crochet in the round: spirals, joined rounds, and joined turned rounds.
Spirals
The simplest way to work in the round is to make a continuous spiral. When you come to the end of the round, you just crochet into the first stitch of the previous round and keep going. This works best with single crochet. Because the stitches are short enough to create a smooth spiral.
It's helpful to mark the beginning of the round in a spiral with a stitch marker. Otherwise, you won't easily be able to identify where one round begins or ends.
The marker can be a locking stitch marker, a length of yarn, or a safety pin. When you get to the end of the round, remove the marker, work the stitch. and replace the marker into the new stitch.
Joined Rounds
Joined rounds are often used when working circular pieces using stitches that are taller than single crochet or in single crochet when the slant caused by the spiral is undesirable.
When working in joined rounds, crochet around the entire piece using the specified stitch. When you reach the end of the round, work a slip stitch into the first stitch of the previous round, Make one or more chains, as directed in the pattern, and begin the next round.
Joined, Turned Rounds
Sometimes when working in joined rounds. you will tum at the end of each round and work back in the opposite direction.
When working in joined,turned rounds, crochet around the entire piece using the specified stitch. When you reach the end of the round. work a slip stitch into the first stitch of the previous round. Turn the piece over then make one or more chains, as directed in the pattern, and begin the next round. working in the opposite direction than the previous round.
Counting Rounds and Stitches
Don't assume that counting stitches is something only an amateur would do. Even crochet experts count their stitches. It's the only way to ensure that you're following a pattern exactly. It's a good idea to check your stitch count periodically. especially when the number of stitches in each row or round changes. This may seem like a hassle. but it will save you much frustration in the long run.
You already know how to count chain stitches in a foundation chain .
Counting Rounds
After you work a few rounds of crochet. you'll notice that each round creates anoticeable ridge. Between the rows is an indentation. or valley that clearly separates the rounds. The valleys are visible in spiral crochet. and in joined rounds. They are less visible in joined, turned rounds.
To count the rounds in a piece of crochet, lay your work on a flat surface. Count the ridges of each crochet round
Counting Stitches
When you look even more closely at a piece of crochet, you'll see that there are several parts to each stitch. As the top of the stitch is a V. This is where you insert your hook to work another stitch.
Along a row or round of completed stitches you will see that there are posts inside of the valleys. The posts are the vertical parts of the stitches. In between two stitches is a space, which makes up part of the valley This is where you will insert eye shafts. when instructed in the pattern.
To count the crochet stitches in a completed row, lay your work on a flat surface. Count the vertical part—the post—of each crochet stitch (figure 32).
Closing the Hole of Remaining Stitches
When you finish working a piece of circular crochet that forms a 3.D object, you must close the small hole that remains. This is normally completed after stuffing the piece.
1-Thread the yarn tail onto tapestry needle.
2. Insert the needle through the front loop of each stitch around the opening
3. Pull the tail tight to close the hole
4. Weave in the end and clip it close to the surface of the crochet.
Invisible Join
When you finish working a piece of circular crochet that forms a flat circle. you must join the end of the last stitch to the first stitch of the previous round to form an invisible join.
1. Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle.
2. Pull the yam through under the V of the first stitch of the previous round (figure 35)
3. Insert the needle into the center of the last stitch on at the end of the last round (figure 36) and pull the yarn through to secure.
4. Weave in the end and clip it close to the surface of the crochet.
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