How to Crochet Ovals

A crocheted oval is the basis for making rugs and placemats.

Learn to crochet an oval shape if you want to expand your needle crafting repertoire. Squares and rectangles make fine rugs and placements but an oval shape breaks up monotonous straight edges. Beginning crocheters can make ovals easily by combining basic chain and double crochet stitches. Varying your choice of yarn and hook size will give you many options for making decorator rugs, runners and tabletop accessories.

Things You'll Need

• Worsted weight yarn
• Crochet hook US size I-9

Instructions

1. Make 19 chain stitches with the yarn and crochet hook. Skip the first three chain stitches and work a double crochet in the next 15 stitches.

2. Make five double crochets in the next stitch. This creates one end of the oval. Work 14 double crochets on the other side of the long chain. Slip stitch into the beginning chain three stitches. You should have 38 stitches.

3. Chain three stitches. Make a double crochet in the joining stitch of the first round. Work two double crochets in each of the next four stitches. This turns the other end of the oval.

4. Double crochet in the next 14 stitches. Make two double crochets in each of the following five stitches to make the turn at the oval's end. Double crochet in the next 14 stitches and join to the beginning of the round with a slip stitch. You should have 48 stitches.

5. Chain three stitches. Double crochet into the joining slip stitch. Make two double crochets in each of the next nine stitches to make the turn at the end of the oval. Double crochet the following 14 stitches.

6. Work two double crochets in each of the next 10 stitches to make the turn. Double crochet in the following 14 stitches. Slip stitch into the beginning chain to join the round.

7. Continue working two double crochets in each stitch at the oval's ends while working one double crochet in each side's 14 stitches. When the oval is large enough for your purpose, work the last row and slip stitch into the beginning chain stitch. Cut the yarn and fasten it off.

Tips & Warnings

• Use heavier cotton yarn, a larger hook and more rounds to make a simple mat or rug.

• Hold together a strand of worsted weight yarn and a strand of faux-fur yarn. Use a larger hook to crochet a bedside rug that tickles your feet in the morning.

• Select a washable sport-weight yarn and a smaller hook to make a set of placemats.

• Combine a large hook with a thinner wool yarn to produce a loose stitch texture. Throw it in the washer with some soap and hot water, run it on the longest wash cycle, then lay it flat to air dry. You've just made a felted oval rug.

References

• Coats and Clark; Needlecrafts; Free Crochet Projects; Oval Placemate and Coaster