If you've been diving into the world of amigurumi or any crochet project that's worked in the round, you might have come across the term magic ring (also known as the magic circle or adjustable ring). It might sound a little intimidating at first, but trust me, once you learn how to do it, you'll never want to go back to chaining and slip stitching to form a loop again!
The magic ring is a clever little technique that lets you start crocheting in the round without leaving a hole in the center. This is especially helpful for projects like stuffed animals, hats, flowers, and other round motifs where you want a nice, clean finish.
Whether you're brand new to crochet or just need a refresher, I'll walk you through exactly how to make a magic ring step-by-step.
What is a Magic Ring?
The magic ring is a method used to begin crocheting in the round by creating a loop that can be pulled tight. Instead of chaining a few stitches and joining them into a circle, you create an adjustable loop that closes up snugly when you're done with your first round of stitches, leaving no gap in the center.
This technique is commonly used in:
- Amigurumi and stuffed toys
- Crochet flowers
- Circular coasters or mandalas
- Hats worked from the top down
How to Crochet a Magic Ring
 |
| Step 1. Loop the yarn with the tail of the yarn closest to you, then wrap the yarn around your fingers away from you. |
 |
| Step 2. Slide the crochet hook under the first strand of yarn, then hook the second strand. |
 |
| Step 3. Pull the second strand under the first, bringing a loop through the ring. Gently remove your ringers, keeping the loop on your hook. |
 |
| Step 4. Chain to secure the loop in place. This does not count as your first stitch unless your pattern says otherwise. |
 |
| Step 5. Crochet into the ring. Be sure to crochet over both the ring and the yarn tail so the ring can be cinched closed later. |
 |
| Step 6a. Once you've made all your stitches, grab the yarn tail and pull it gently but firmly. |
 |
| Step 6b. The ring will close, pulling all your stitches into a neat, gap-free circle. |
 |
| Step 7. Continue your project with a slip stitch if your pattern is worked in joined rounds, or continue in a spiral (which is typical for amigurumi). |
Troubleshooting Tips
Why is my magic ring not closing?
You might've missed crocheting over the yarn tail. Make sure your stitches are wrapping over both the working loop and the tail yarn.
Why is the magic ring so tight to work into?
Try not to pull the tail too tightly after your first stitch. It's easier to tighten the ring after you've finished all your stitches for that round.
Why is there still a gap in the center?
Sometimes, when you have too many stitches in the single magic ring (like 10+), it can become harder to pull the center completely shut. In those cases, try using a double magic ring instead. It gives a more secure hold and helps close up the center more evenly.
Why does my magic circle loosen when I work into it?
This can happen for a couple of reasons:
- The loop isn't held securely at the start. The magic circle shifts around as you crochet, and the ring may loosen. You can try pinching the base of the ring or holding the yarn tail firmly as you work the first few stitches to keep it stable.
- There are too many stitches in the ring. If you are starting wtih a large number of stitches (like 10 or more), the single loop might not hold them tightly. In that case, try using a double magic ring, which creates a stronger and more secure foundation.
Once you've completed the first couple of rounds, pull the yarn tail again to fully tighten the center. Then weave the tail through the stitches of the first round a few times to lock it in place and prevent it from loosening later.
You Might Also Like...
- How to Use a Running Stitch Marker: Track your rounds more easily with this clever alternative to stitch markers.
- How to Change Color in Crochet: A simple method for switching colors cleanly and seamlessly in your crochet work.
- How to Single Crochet Decrease (and Invisible Decrease): Make your decreases blend in beautifully with this invisible sc2tog technique.
- How to Reuse Unravelled Yarn: Learn how to smooth out and reuse yarn you've unravelled from old or unfinished projects.
Share Your Creation with Me!
What are you currently working on? I'd love to see it! Please share it with me on Instagram and/or use the #onceuponacheerio hashtag.
What's Next?
📌 PIN THIS POST to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it later!
💬 LEAVE A COMMENT, I’d love to hear from you!
🔗 ADD MY PATTERNS to your Ravelry queue or favorites!
👋 FOLLOW ME on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss a thing!
This is an original crochet tutorial written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this crochet tutorial as your own. If you wish to share this crochet tutorial, you may link to this blog post, but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for personal use, but please DO NOT sell or distribute the crochet tutorial.
Post a Comment