purlJam

# Easy Flat-Seam Bauble

**Difficulty:** Beginner
**Description:** A simple, festive bauble constructed by crocheting two identical flat circles and seaming them together. This method creates a "discus" or "macaron" shaped ornament that hangs beautifully on a tree.

### Materials
*   **Yarn:** DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn. Approx. 15-20g total.
    *   *Suggestion:* 100% Cotton or Mercerised Cotton provides the best stitch definition, but Acrylic works well for beginners.
    *   *Colours:* Festive Red, Green, or Metallic Gold.
*   **Hook:** 3.5mm (Note: This is smaller than the standard 4.0mm for DK to ensure the stuffing does not show through).
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle, scissors, toy stuffing (polyester fibre fill), stitch marker.

### Tension (Gauge)
Tension is not critical for this project, provided the stitches are tight enough to hold stuffing.
*   **Standard Target:** 22 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over double crochet using a 3.5mm hook.

### Measurements
*   **Diameter:** Approx. 7.5cm (3in).

### Terminology & Abbreviations (UK English)
*   **beg:** beginning
*   **ch:** chain
*   **dc:** double crochet (US single crochet)
*   **inc:** increase (work 2 dc into the same stitch)
*   **rep:** repeat
*   **ss:** slip stitch
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **( ... )**: Work instructions within brackets as many times as directed.
*   **[ ... ]**: Total stitch count at end of round.

### Pattern Notes
1.  **Work in Rounds:** This pattern is worked in joined rounds, not spirals. Join with a ss to the first dc of the round, then ch 1.
2.  **Starting Chain:** The ch 1 at the beginning of a round does **not** count as a stitch. Work your first dc into the same stitch where you joined.
3.  **Right Side:** The side facing you as you work is the "Right Side" (RS).
4.  **Math Validation:** Stitch counts are verified at the end of every line in brackets `[ ]`.

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### Instructions

#### Circles (Make 2)

**Foundation:** Make a magic ring (adjustable loop). Alternatively, ch 2 and work 6 dc into the 2nd ch from hook.

**Round 1:** Ch 1 (does not count as st), 6 dc into the ring. Pull ring tight. Join with ss to first dc.
`[Calculation: 6 dc = 6 sts]`

**Round 2:** Ch 1, 2 dc (inc) in each st around. Join with ss.
`[Calculation: 6 sts * 2 = 12 sts]`

**Round 3:** Ch 1, (1 dc, inc) 6 times. Join with ss.
`[Calculation: (1 + 2) * 6 = 18 sts]`

**Round 4:** Ch 1, (2 dc, inc) 6 times. Join with ss.
`[Calculation: (2 + 2) * 6 = 24 sts]`

**Round 5:** Ch 1, (3 dc, inc) 6 times. Join with ss.
`[Calculation: (3 + 2) * 6 = 30 sts]`

**Round 6:** Ch 1, (4 dc, inc) 6 times. Join with ss.
`[Calculation: (4 + 2) * 6 = 36 sts]`

**Round 7:** Ch 1, (5 dc, inc) 6 times. Join with ss.
`[Calculation: (5 + 2) * 6 = 42 sts]`

*   **Fasten off** the first circle and weave in ends.
*   **Do NOT fasten off** the second circle. We will use the attached yarn to join the pieces.

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### Assembly & Finishing

1.  **Align:** Place the two circles together with the **Wrong Sides** facing each other (Right Sides facing out).
2.  **Join:** Insert hook into the same stitch as the join on the second circle, and through the corresponding stitch on the first circle.
3.  **Seam:** Ch 1, work 1 dc through both layers in every stitch around.
    *   *Note:* As you work approx. ¾ of the way around, pause to stuff the bauble.
4.  **Stuffing:** Fill firmly with fibre fill. Ensure you push stuffing to the edges so the bauble is round, not flat.
5.  **Close:** Continue working dc through both layers until you reach the start.
`[Calculation: 42 joining sts total]`
6.  **Hanging Loop:** Before cutting yarn, ch 12 (or desired length for loop), ss back into the first joining dc to secure the loop.

**Fasten off** and weave in the final tail securely inside the bauble.