20 Free Circle Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Get out of the everyday rows using rounds! Use circles in your stitching for a different look and new techniques. To make a flat circle, you’ll need to increase evenly around so your circle doesn’t get ruffled or misshapen.

These knit, crochet, and craft patterns from Yarnspirations are designed to showcase circles in all of their forms, single and combined. Wear them, use them, or decorate your home with them!

Circles Together

In these patterns, several circles are combined together to make a larger item. Whether it’s a throw, a wall hanging, or a pillow, using different circles let you easily mix patterns, colors and sizes for a unique look.

• Crazy Circles Cap and Carryall
• Medallion Tunic
• Going in Circles Throw
• Circling Accent Pillow
• Circle Motif Pillow
• Round in Circles Crochet Wall Hanging
• Festive Garland
• Rainbow Circle Vest

A Single Circle

These patterns rely on just one circle. The circle might be 3-D as a pillow, or had bits added on the edges to turn in to a vest, but just one circle is the main force behind these projects.

• Versatile Circle Wrap
• Endless Circle Vest
• Soft Sage Circle Jacket
• Teen Endless Circle Vest
• Half Circle Bag
• Full Circle Pillow
• Circle Afghan
• Circle Scrubby
• Circle Loom Weaving
• Circle Rug
• Full Circle Crochet Pillow
• Sun Blossom Mandala Doily

More Shapes

For a different look, the Circles in Square Round-Up has circles that become squares.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of circle projects can I knit or crochet?

Circles are incredibly versatile! Round dishcloths and pot holders… classic and quick. Circle-shaped rugs. Circular motifs for bags, pillows, and blankets. Round placemats. Circular shawlettes. Mandalas as wall art or tabletop decorations. Circular poufs and pillows. Round bags and baskets. In knitting, top-down shawls and seamless yoke sweaters both use circular construction. In crochet, everything from simple round coasters to elaborate mandala blankets begins with a center ring and grows outward. The circle is one of the most fundamental forms in both crafts.

How do you crochet or knit a flat circle that doesn’t curl or ruffle?

The magic is in the increase rate! For a flat crochet circle in double crochet, you add 12 stitches per round distributed evenly… 12 in round 1, 24 in round 2, 36 in round 3, and so on. If you add too few stitches, the circle cups upward. Too many and it ruffles. For knitting, top-down circular shawls use increases at specific intervals to maintain flat geometry. Once you understand the math of maintaining flat fabric growth, circles become very logical. Always check your work every few rounds and adjust if you see curling or ruffling.

Are circle motifs good for beginners?

Yes! A basic crochet circle is one of the most beginner-friendly projects… you start with a magic ring, work basic stitches in the round, and increase in a regular pattern. It’s very logical and the results are satisfying from the first round. The first few rounds can feel fiddly (working into a tight center ring), but this gets much easier with practice. Knitted circles are slightly more complex because they require working in the round and understanding the increase logic, but they’re still very achievable for intermediate beginners.

What’s the magic ring technique and why is it used?

The magic ring (also called adjustable ring or magic loop for crochet) is how most crochet circles begin… it creates a center opening that you can pull closed tightly after the first round so there’s no hole in the middle. Without it, you’d start with a chain and have a loose, open center. You create a loop, work your first round into it, then pull the tail to close the center. It feels awkward at first but becomes second nature quickly. It’s used for almost all amigurumi, all in-the-round crochet circles, and any project where you need a closed center.

Can I make circle projects from yarn scraps?

Circles are perfect for scraps! Round dishcloths, small mandalas, coasters, and decorative circles use small amounts of yarn. A mandala in concentric rings of different colors is a beautiful way to use many small amounts of coordinating leftovers. Circular patchwork-style blankets (multiple circles joined together) let you use many different yarns. And individual circle motifs can be joined in almost any color combination and still look intentional and beautiful because the circular shape creates its own visual unity regardless of color variety.

Tips for Success with Circle Patterns

Working with circles is such a fun way to switch things up in your projects! But I know they can feel tricky at first. Here’s what I want you to know…

Keep Your Increases Consistent

The secret to a flat circle is distributing your increases evenly in every round. If you’re crocheting, space your increases equally… maybe every 6th stitch in round 1, then every 8th in round 2. For knitting, the math works similarly. Uneven increases = ruffles and waves. Even increases = beautiful, flat circles every time.

Mark Your Stitch Count

Use a stitch marker to count how many stitches you actually have in each round. It takes 30 seconds and catches mistakes before you’ve worked 5 more rounds. Trust me on this one!

Pick Your Yarn Weight Wisely

Lighter weight yarns (think sport or DK) create smoother, more defined circles than bulky or super bulky. They’re also more forgiving if your tension isn’t perfect. Save the chunkier yarns for projects where a little texture adds charm.

Ready to level up your circle game? Check out my guide on how to crochet a flat circle for detailed stitch-by-stitch help, or explore more crochet techniques to expand your skills!