How to Use a Circular Crochet Hook

Have you found a circular crochet hook, but have no idea what to do with it? It's not a common find, but it opens the door to a whole new style of crochet! The circular crochet hook allows you to use the Tunisian or Afghan stitch on a much wider panel or, as this article will explain, to create a 2-sided blanket that feels much more like knitting than crocheting.

1. Decide how large your blanket will be and chain the appropriate amount, using yarn A. Keep in mind that, once you start to build on this chain, your stitches will all be on the circular hook at one time.
2. Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook. Yarn over, pull through, and leave that loop on the hook. Repeat to the end of the chain. The tail of yarn A should be at your working hook. Let go of yarn A.
3. Turn your project around so that you are now holding the opposite hook.
4. Attach yarn B with the traditional slip knot. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook (both will be color A). Yarn over again, pulling through the next two loops (the first is color B, the second color A). Repeat until all the loops are off of the hook.
   
   
5. With that same hook and yarn B, build the stitches back onto the hook. Insert the hook under a vertical bar, yarn over, pull through, and keep the loop on the hook. Repeat through to the very last vertical bar, remembering the last bar will be yarn B, not yarn A.
6. Let go of yarn B and turn your project so you are now working with the other hook. Pick up yarn A and work as you did in step #4.
7. Yarn over and pull through two of the loops on the hook. Repeat to the end.
8. With each color you will remove all the loops, add all the loops, and then turn the project. Continue this until you've reached your desired length.
9. To finish, work the stitches off the hook, as in step 4, until you have only one loop remaining. Insert the hook under the first vertical bar, yarn over and, this time, pull through both loops on the hook. Do this the entire way across, then tie off the yarn and weave in your tail.

• Use contrasting colors to emphasize the 2-sided effect!
• Practice this a few times before getting serious. It can be awkward to work with the spare hook and connecting wire hanging behind your hand.
• The number of chains you made will equal your number of loops on the hook as you go. It's easiest to lose stitches at the beginning and the end of a row, so stop and count every so often to be sure you have the right amount.
• If you take a break and can't remember which direction you are going: Use the OPPOSITE color of what is on the hook. (Take off, build on, and turn.)

• Be sure to practice your gauge. Changing tension throughout the project can leave you with a wobbly, hour-glass-shaped fabric.
• Be mindful of the opposite hook - too wide of a project can slide off the other side if you aren't careful.

• A circular crochet hook
• 2 colors of yarn, and plenty of it!