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Magic Ring (left-handed)

Looking for the right-handed instructions? If not, read on…

What is this ‘Magic Ring’, anyway?

A magic ring is a way to begin crocheting in the round by crocheting over an adjustable loop and then pulling the loop tight. The advantage of the magic ring method (below, right) is that, unlike the regular “chain 2, x single crochet in 2nd chain from hook” method (below, left), there is no hole left in the middle of your starting round.

magic ring vs traditional method
L: ch2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc in each st around.
R: magic ring, 6 sc in magic ring, 2 sc in each st around.

How do I make a Magic Ring?

  1. Make a loop a few inches from the end of your yarn. Grasp the join of the loop (where the 2 strands of yarn overlap) between your right thumb and forefinger:
    magic ring
     
  2. Insert hook into the loop from front to back. Draw up a loop:
    magic ring
     
  3. Ch 1. Note: this does NOT count as a stitch:
    magic ring
     
  4. Insert hook into the loop, so you are crocheting over the loop and the yarn tail. Draw up a loop to begin your first sc:
    magic ring
     
  5. Complete the sc. Continue to crochet over the loop and the yarn tail until you have the required number of sc for your first rnd (6 sc shown here):
    magic ring
     
  6. Grab the yarn tail and pull to draw the centre of the ring tightly closed:
    magic ring
     
  7. Begin your second round by crocheting into the first stitch of the first round (below, left). At the end of round 2 your work will look like this (below, right):
    magic ring
     

You’ll never go back to your old method again, I promise!

5 Comments »

  1. Angela Marconi Said,

    October 17, 2007 @ 8:23 pm

    Thanks so much for the info and especially for posting lefty instructions!!! :)

  2. Andre Said,

    January 21, 2008 @ 1:03 pm

    Thanks for this info.

    I’ve started crochet yesterday and my book explanation wasn’t really helpfull (and they’re all RIGHTY).

    Your photo really help me !

    I want more lefty instruction :)

  3. Mya Said,

    February 16, 2008 @ 1:31 pm

    Thanks for the visual instructions! I have a book but it was all words and no pictures and I am a visual person (and a lefty). Maybe now I’ll have the courage to make a hat.

    Thanks again!!!

  4. Susan Said,

    May 8, 2008 @ 4:06 pm

    Thanks so much! Awesome technique. Really easy to master with the left-handed insructions and photos. You are right, I will never go back to chaining to begin projects in the round!

  5. Maria Said,

    November 16, 2008 @ 11:16 pm

    Thank you SO MUCH for the lefty instructions!!! I was trying to adapt this from a righty set of instructions given in a pattern and I was SO confused! Your instructions and photos are clear as a bell, thanks so much!

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