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How To Crochet A Basic Oval Shape
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Materials
Fabric strips 1/2 inch wide Size J or K crochet hook |
You could also make this rug with worsted weight yarn, using two strands held together throughout. However, a rug made with fabric strips will be sturdier and will last longer than one made from yarn.
For instruction on preparing fabric strips to crochet with, see: http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa092599.htm
Basic Instructions for Crocheting an Oval Shape
Starting chain: Chain 22.
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in back
loop only of next 20 ch; 3 sc in last ch, turn sideways
and continue along other side of the foundation ch, sc in remaining
loop of ea of next 20 ch, 2 sc in first ch of this rnd, sl st to
first sc. Turn.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same place as sl st, 2 sc in ea of next 2 sc,
sc in ea of next 20 sc, 2 sc in ea of next 3 sc, sc in ea of next 20 sc,
join with a sl st to first ch. Turn.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in same place as sl st, sc in ea of next 21 sc,
(2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc) 3 times, sc in ea of next 20 sc,
(2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc) twice, join with sl st to first ch. Turn.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, 1 sc in same place as sl st, sc in ea of next 2 sc,
(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) twice, sc in ea of next 20 sc,
(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times, 1 sc in ea of next 20 sc,
join with sl st to first ch. Turn.
Rnd 5: Ch 1, 1 sc in same place as sl st, sc in ea of next 21 sc,
(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc) 3 times, sc in ea of next 21 sc,
(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc) twice, join with sl st to first ch. Turn.
Rnd 6: Ch 1, 1 sc in same place as sl st, sc in ea of next 4 sc,
(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) twice, sc in ea of next 20 sc,
(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) 3 times, 1 sc in ea of next 19 sc,
join with sl st to first ch. Turn.
Rnd 7: Ch 1, 1 sc in same place as sl st, sc in ea of next 22 sc,
(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc) 3 times, sc in ea of next 21 sc,
(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc) twice, join with sl st to first ch. Turn.
Remaining Rnds: Continue in this manner, increasing 3 stitches
around the curve on each round by placing one more stitch between each increase
on each additional round (6 increases total per round).
For size rug you want: Keep adding rounds until you have the
width and length you desire.
| Your increases don't have to be all in the same area; the important thing is to end up with 3 increases around each curve. |
Varying the places where you do the increases: For example, if you are on a round where you would be putting 7 stitches in between each increase, you can vary the stitches in between the increases so that your increases won't be all lined up in the same place, like so: instead of 7 sc between increases on that round, do 5, 11, 5. In other words (sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 11 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc). Or instead of 7 sc between increases on that round, do 6, 9, 6. In other words (sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc). You can vary it any way you want. (Whatever number you subtract from the first or third number, add that to the center number.)
| You will actually end up with a more nicely rounded curve on the oval when varying the places where you do increases on the curve as opposed to all the increases being lined up in the same area. |
To avoid "stepped" appearance when changing colors: each time you are introducing a new roll of fabric strips, do this: instead of completing the last sc of the old fabric, leave two loops on the hook and draw the new fabric through the two loops of the old fabric to complete that sc. Continue, crocheting over the two ends of fabric to tuck them in.
To see an illustration of the method of changing colors described above, see: http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa072697.htm
You can, of course, use these same instructions to make a rug made from fabric strips that are narrower or wider than 1/2 inch. (Adjust hook size used accordingly.) If you use narrower strips, the rug will be smaller with same number of rounds crocheted; if you use wider strips, the rug will be larger with same number of rounds crocheted.
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You can make different size ovals by adjusting your
starting chain to be shorter or longer. You can follow these basic directions
by substituting the number of your starting chain and the number of stitches
you would be working along the straight sections accordingly. The increases
on the end curves would still be done the same way.
You can use these same basic directions, with starting chain length of your choice, for crocheting ovals with thread or yarn to be used as placemats, bottoms for purses or anything else an oval would be used for. |
Photo and article by Sandi Marshall, licensed to About.com, Inc. If someone else wants these instructions, please give them the URL to this web page, so that they can come here and explore everything this site has to offer, for themselves. Thank you. URL of this page is http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa100299.htm
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