How to Crochet a Magic Ring

The question I get asked most often is how to make a magic ring (sometimes also called a magic circle) to begin an amigurumi.

What is a Magic Ring?

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.

L: ch2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc in each st around.
R: magic ring, ch 1, 6 sc in magic ring, 2 sc in each st around.

It can take a few attempts to master the magic ring technique, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll never go back to your old method again, I promise!

I recommend you watch the video to see the method in action, but in case you prefer text or want something visual to refer to, I’ve also made a photo tutorial version for you.

Quick finder:

• Video Tutorial (right- and left-handed)
• Magic Ring Tips
• Step-by-Step Instructions (right-handed)
• Step-by-Step Instructions (left-handed)

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How to Crochet a Magic Ring – Video (right-handed)

Click to watch this video on YouTube.

How to Crochet a Magic Ring – Video (left-handed)

Click to watch this video on YouTube.

Note: The videos may look a little small embedded in the blog: if so, you can fullscreen them or click through to YouTube to watch them full-sized 🙂

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Magic Ring Tips

• Remember that the magic ring is just the loop of yarn – it doesn’t include any crocheted stitches. If you’re following a pattern, you’ll work all the stitches of Rnd 1 into the magic ring, and pull the ring tightly closed at the end of Rnd 1.
• You can use magic ring in any amigurumi pattern – if it starts with a chain, just replace the starting ‘Ch 2, X sc in 2nd chain from hook’ with ‘Make a magic ring, ch 1, X sc in magic ring’.
• To work in joined rounds instead of the spiral I demonstrate, simply sl st into the first st at the end of Rnd 1, then ch 1 to begin the next round.
• Magic ring is also pretty handy for other crochet patterns worked in the round, too. For taller stitches, instead of the ch 1, you would ch 2 (for hdc), 3 (for dc), or more for even taller stitches, then work Rnd 1 of your stitches into the magic ring.
  Note that, with taller stitches, the turning (or non-turning, if you’re working without turning) chain typically does count as a stitch, so where I say to ignore the ch 1 in the video, you’d instead count that chain as the first stitch of Rnd 1, and sl st into the top of the chain before beginning Rnd 2.
• If your ring needs extra strength or security, you may prefer a double ring instead of a standard magic ring. See my Amigurumi Double Ring tutorial to learn when and how to use this more secure option.

Is it ‘Magic Ring’ or ‘Magic Circle’?

While you’ll sometimes see the magic ring called the ‘magic circle’ or ‘magic loop’ online, I use magic ring, because it’s more precise. Magic loop and magic circle have different meanings, unrelated to crochet:

• Magic ring: starting crochet in the round
• Magic loop: a narrow circular knitting technique
• Magic circle: a society of magicians

Terminology matters! 😀 But whenever you see a crochet pattern that tells you to make a magic circle or a magic loop, you’re safe to assume it means a magic ring.

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How to Crochet a Magic Ring – Step-by-Step Instructions (right-handed)

This demonstration shows a piece made using the following pattern:

Make a magic ring, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring. ( 6 st)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 st)

If you’re following a different pattern, you’d complete steps 1-2 of this tutorial exactly as shown below, then work the chain and the stitches of Rnds 1 and 2 as specified in your pattern.

Please note: in the following photos, the starting yarn tail is always on the left and hanging down. The working yarn begins on the right and is then picked up over my left forefinger in Step 2.

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 left thumb and forefinger:
   
    
2. Insert hook into the loop from front to back. Draw up a loop:
   
    
3. Ch 1 (or as many as stated in your pattern). Note: this does NOT count as a stitch:
   
    
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 of Rnd 1:
   
    
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 round (6 sc shown here):
   
    
6. Grab the yarn tail and pull to draw the centre of the ring tightly closed:
   
    
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):
   
    

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How to Crochet a Magic Ring – Step-by-Step Instructions (left-handed)

This demonstration shows a piece made using the following pattern:

Make a magic ring, ch 1.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring. ( 6 st)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 st)

If you’re following a different pattern, you’d complete steps 1-2 of this tutorial exactly as shown below, then work the chain and the stitches of Rnds 1 and 2 as specified in your pattern.

Please note: in the following photos, the starting yarn tail is always on the right and hanging down. The working yarn begins on the left and is then picked up over my right forefinger in Step 2.

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:
   
    
2. Insert hook into the loop from front to back. Draw up a loop:
   
    
3. Ch 1 (or as many as stated in your pattern). Note: this does NOT count as a stitch:
   
    
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 of Rnd 1:
   
    
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 round (6 sc shown here):
   
    
6. Grab the yarn tail and pull to draw the centre of the ring tightly closed:
   
    
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):
   
    

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Loved this tutorial? I have so many more amigurumi tips and tricks to share with you!

Boost your amigurumi skills with my latest book, The Essential Guide to Amigurumi, your comprehensive guide to amigurumi techniques and tips.

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