Spirals are a way to work in the round, but these are a special type. Basically, the only difference between this and a general circle is that you do not join the previous round with a slip stitch.

Stepped End Spiral:

Tapered End Spiral:

Making A Spiral:

1. Ch the designated amount, join with a sl st to form a ring. 

2. Sc in each st around. DO NOT JOIN.

Note: At this point you should have a stitch marker. They are purchasable at Walmart or you can just use a piece of scrap yarn. Tie it around the post of the first stitch you made so that you can tell where the round begins or ends.

3. 2 sc, hdc, or dc in the next sts around. DO NOT JOIN.

4. Repeat Round 3 for as many rows as you need.

Finishing With A Stepped End:

At the end of the last round, simply fasten off the yarn without making a sl st in the first st.

Finishing With A Tapered End:

Sl st in the first st and finish off spiral.