How to Close Crochet In the Round

Hi everyone! In today's tutorial I am going to show you a commonly used method for closing in the round crochet. This is a very easy technique, and very useful when making items such as hats, slippers, mittens, and amigurumi, or anything else where a small gap is left after the final (usually decrease) round. So with that, let's get started.

The Method

For today's tutorial I am using part of an amigurumi I have been finishing over the weekend. The final round ends with six stitches, but if you have a slightly different stitch count that is okay. As I said above, you can use this technique for other items besides amigurumi.

Join in the first stitch (or wherever instructed in your pattern) of the final round. Below, the final round ends with a decrease in all the stitch, returning to starting stitch count of six; I will join the beginning and end of the round together. 

Secure the work with a knot. Make sure it is tight. Once the last row has been fastened off, thread the end into a tapestry needle.

Thread the tapestry needle in and under the outer bar of the first stitch. You must only use the outer bar (the bar closest to you), otherwise the technique will not work properly. Repeat this all the way across until you have worked through all of the remaining stitches (in this instance six). It may be helpful, especially for beginners, to mark all the stitches of the final round. Unless they count towards the final stitch count in your pattern, do not thread through any turning chains or joining slip stitches.

Once all the stitches have been threaded, pull the yarn end to tighten and close the opening. 

Secure the work one last time, then secure the remaining ends as necessary. In the case of the ball below, and most other round amigurumi, you can simply thread the end to the inside of the work, enough so that it will not come back out again (threads often lock onto the fiber fill). For hats and other items where you will see or feel the wrong side of the work, you will have to weave the ends into the fabric with a technique of your choice.

I hope you enjoyed today's tutorial. Until next time, happy crafting!