Understanding Right Side and Wrong Side in Crochet Rounds

When you start crocheting in rounds, you create fabric that grows outward from the center in a circular pattern. This method naturally produces two distinct surfaces: the right side and the wrong side. Knowing how to identify and work with these sides can improve your finished project’s appearance and help you follow patterns more accurately.

This post will guide you through the basics of right side and wrong side in crochet rounds, explain why they matter, and show you examples to help you recognize these sides in your own work.

Close-up of crochet fabric with right side and wrong side textures

Close-up view of crochet fabric showing the difference between right side and wrong side textures

What Happens When You Crochet in Rounds

Crocheting in rounds means you start at the center and work your stitches outward in a circle or spiral. Unlike rows, where you turn your work at the end of each line, rounds often involve joining the last stitch to the first or working continuously without turning.

This technique creates fabric with two different faces:

• Right Side (Front): Usually the side you want to show. It tends to have a smoother, tighter texture.

• Wrong Side (Back): The side that faces inward or is hidden. It often has a bumpier or raised texture.

  
  

Because you don’t flip your work as often in rounds, the stitches naturally face one direction, making these sides more noticeable.

Why Right Side and Wrong Side Matter

Understanding which side is which helps you:

• Follow pattern instructions correctly

• Make sure your project looks polished and professional

• Choose the right side for display or finishing touches

• Avoid confusion when adding details like embroidery or color changes

  
  

Always check your pattern notes. Some designs might specify which side to treat as the right side, especially if the stitch pattern creates unusual textures.

Example: Double Crochet in Joined Rounds

Let’s look at double crochet stitches worked in joined rounds without turning your work. This is a common way to crochet in rounds.

• You start by making a chain and joining it into a ring.

• Then you work double crochet stitches around, joining each round with a slip stitch.

• You don’t turn your work; you always work from the same side.

  
  

This method keeps one side of the stitches facing you throughout the project.

What You See on Each Side

• Wrong Side (Back): This side has a raised, bumpy texture. The back loops of the stitches extend further, creating a slightly convex surface.

• Right Side (Front): This side looks flatter and tighter. The front loops pull the fabric inward, giving it a slightly concave appearance.

  
  

Knowing this difference helps you decide which side to display or use as the “front” of your project.

Circular crochet piece showing right side and wrong side textures

Eye-level view of circular crochet piece showing smooth right side and textured wrong side

How to Identify Right Side and Wrong Side in Your Work

Here are some tips to help you spot the right side and wrong side when you crochet in rounds:

• Look at the texture: The right side usually looks neater and more uniform. The wrong side often has bumps or loops sticking out.

• Check the stitch shape: Front loops pull the fabric inward, making the right side appear flatter. Back loops push outward, making the wrong side look raised.

• Follow the pattern: Some patterns mark the right side with a symbol or note. If not, trust the texture and stitch shape.

• Use stitch markers: Place a marker on the first stitch of each round to keep track of your starting point and side.

  
  

Common Stitches and Their Sides in Rounds

Different stitches create different textures on each side. Here are a few examples:

• Single Crochet: The right side looks smooth and dense, while the wrong side shows small bumps.

• Half Double Crochet: The right side has a slightly ridged texture, and the wrong side is more raised.

• Double Crochet: As explained, the right side is flatter, and the wrong side is bumpy.

  
  

When you combine stitches in patterns, the difference between sides can become more or less obvious.

What to Do If Your Pattern Doesn’t Specify Sides

If your pattern doesn’t say which side is the right side, you can decide based on your preference:

• Choose the side with the texture you like best.

• Consider how the project will be used or displayed.

• Keep your choice consistent throughout the project.

  
  

Mark the right side with a stitch marker or a small piece of yarn to avoid confusion later.

Tips for Working with Right Side and Wrong Side in Crochet Rounds

• Keep your tension even: Uneven tension can make the difference between sides less clear.

• Use stitch markers: They help you track rounds and sides.

• Practice with swatches: Try crocheting small circles or motifs to see how the sides look.

• Pay attention to yarn type: Some yarns show texture more clearly than others.

• Check your work often: Look at both sides as you go to avoid surprises.

  
  

Understanding the right side and wrong side in crochet rounds helps you create projects that look neat and professional. By recognizing the textures and shapes of your stitches, you can follow patterns more easily and make confident choices about which side to display.