Tutorial: How to crochet an oval

Most parts of Amigurumis consist of simple circles that are worked in spirals. You end up with a round, ball- or pipe-shaped crochet part. But in some cases you will need to make a part that has a basic oval shape.

When crocheting an oval you don't start with a "Magic Ring" (or ch 2) as you would for a circular part, you start with a beginning-chain and crochet around it.

This tutorial shall show you how to crochet the first round of an oval, as used in some of my patterns.

Abbreviations (US crochet terms): ch = chain, sc = single crochet

You start with a beginning-ch (in this case: 5 ch), the last ch is a "turning chain" and will not be worked into later.

The first sc of the first round is made into the second ch (from hook). 

The finished first sc.

Work one sc into each of the next ch (the count depends on the number of beginning-ch) - in this case 2 sc. 

Then work 3 sc "around the corner" into the last ch. Next you will work "back" on the other side of the beginning-ch. 

2 sc on the other side of the beginning-ch.

Finally, work 2 sc into the last ch of the round (this is the one where you already made the first sc into). 

The first round of your oval is finished. 

Now just keep following the instructions of the pattern.

Round 2 finished.

Round 3 finished.

Tip: To prevent the holes in the middle (as you can see in the pictures above) use a smaller hook for making the beginning-ch.