The Basic Circle

I did not come up with this pattern, but I've noticed it's reappearance in many circular patterns I've used. Want to make a coaster or a trivet? This is the place to start. Also good for a circular dish towel, the base to a mug cozy, or even the bottom of a stuffed toy! I've included two variations.

Abbreviations:
sc = single crochet
ch = chain
slst = slip stitch

With slipstitch rounds and chains to go up: can leave a visable line (spiraling out from center) at row joinings, especially on the back of the work.
Do 1A or 1B.
1A. Start a magic ring with 6 sc, slst closed
  Photo tutorial available here.
  Video available here.
1B. ch 6, slst to form ring, ch 1, sc 6 into ring, slst closed
2. ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc total), slst
3. ch 1, *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next sc* repeat around ring (18 sc), sl st
4. ch 1, *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc* repeat around ring (24 sc), sl st
5. ch 1, *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 3 sc* repeat around ring (30 sc), sl st
6. ch 1, *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 4 sc* repeat around ring (36 sc), sl st
Continue adding 1 sc to each repeat until the circle is as large as you'd like.


Working in a spiral: eliminates spiral line, requires a bit more counting and paying attention.

Do 1A or 1B.
1A. Start a magic ring with 6 sc
  Photo tutorial available here.
  Video available here.
1B. ch 6, slst to form ring, ch 1, sc 6 into ring
2. 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc total)
3. *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next sc* repeat 5 more times (18 sc)
4. *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc* repeat 5 more times (24 sc)
5. *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 3 sc* repeat 5 more times (30 sc)
6. *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 4 sc* repeat 5 more times (36 sc)
Continue adding 1 sc to each repeat until the circle is as large as you'd like.


Here is a sampling of things I've made recently which incorporated the Basic Circle. The captions are links to the patterns, all free!

Lop Bunny

Froggie Coaster

Tribble Coasters