magic ring for amigurumi
Link easily to this tutorial in your patterns: www.planetjune.com/magicring
The question I get asked most often is how to make a magic ring to begin an amigurumi.
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.
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.
How do I make a Magic Ring?
Choose your preferred learning method! I have video and step-by-step photo tutorials, all for right- and left-handers. Continue to:
- Magic Ring video tutorial (right- and left-handed versions)
- Magic Ring for right-handers (photo tutorial)
- Magic Ring for left-handers (photo tutorial)
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Heidi said
Love the concept but my magic ring does not close. It looks like a pie with a piece missing. I’m trying the little whales, making 6 stitches before pulling the ring closed. I have watched the video several times, there are more than 6 stitches on that one. If I chain one, turn and sc 6 sts I still have an open side.
June said
Please check the pattern and video again, Heidi. The magic ring is only the loop of yarn; the video shows all the stitches of Rnd 1 (the 6 sc) being worked into the ring before you pull it closed and begin Rnd 2. Your piece should also never be turned. By turning your work, you’re introducing the missing piece of the pie; you should actually work in a spiral and make the first stitch of Rnd 2 directly into the first stitch of Rnd 1. Both my Tiny Whale pattern and my video have 6 stiches made into the magic ring – i.e. Rnd 1 of the pattern – so you can follow the process in the video exactly to begin your whale.
betty-ann hill said
Thank you for this magic ring. I have crochet for years. Self-taught, this is an amazing technique.
Leilani said
Is the magic chain always 6 chains. I see that on quite a bit of designs that the beginning just says make magic ring. Thanks
June said
No, the magic ring is just the loop of yarn – it doesn’t include any crocheted stitches. All the stitches of Rnd 1 are worked into the magic ring before you pull it closed, so you’ll make as many stitches as your pattern specifies for Rnd 1. See my tutorials (linked above) for an example that shows 6 sc in Rnd 1.
Sue said
I needed this answer. Just started the plumeria and wasn’t sure. I’m so hopeful for grand daughter. She turns 1 next month. Her mother loves plumeria, fragipani, etc. Made me a lei from for first time we met in her Hawaii. Lol. And I’m endeavoring to make 1 flower a year for my grand daughters bdays. Her middle name is Leiana, garland of grace. Her mom can then add each year to a ribbon. making a lei. I’m thinking strung thru middle like leis. At least my hope. Lol. I’m just starting.
Beth said
For myself I’m still working on trying and figuring out the magic ring myself (for some reason no mater which way I cross the yarn over my fingers the tail part of the yarn will not pull it closed at all. I either end up with the loop turning nto a slip knot or no stitches at all when I try to close the loop. What side of my body should the working yarn be on and is it on over the top yarn cross or an under the bottom yarn cross when the yarn begins on the hand?
Thanks.
June said
Beth, my brand new magic ring video tutorial should help you figure that out!
Ivy Cain said
Hi! I just need help with the heart!! I don’t get any of it!!!!!
June said
Irene, if you’re talking about my Love Hearts pattern, it’s fully explained with step by step photos on the pattern page www.planetjune.com/hearts – I suggest you follow the pattern carefully, paying close attention to the photos, and you should be able to complete it.
If you still have problems, please email me with the details of exactly where you’re going wrong – i.e. at which point your heart stops looking like the one in my photos, and include a photo if possible so I can see what you’re doing wrong, and help you further.
Jade said
I’ve got the magic ring down pat and think it’s great, however, I would like to learn how to make different flowers and snowflakes than just those with the magic/ adjustable ring in their instructions.
How do I extrapolate the magic ring instructions to a pattern that does not use the adjustable ring as a base?
Do I just skip the chain x, join w/ sl st part and just crochet Round 1 into the magic ring?
Example 1 (from a flower pattern):
Ch 4, join w/ sl st to form a ring. Round 1, ch 5, *sc in ring, ch 3; rep from * 5 times, join w/ sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch
Example 2 (from a snowflake pattern)
Ch 6, sl st to beg ch to form a ring. Round 1: Ch 3, 1 dc in ring, ch 2, * 2 dc in ring, ch 2; repeat from * 5 times. Join to 3rd chain from beginning ch 3 (12 dc 6 ch 2 loops).
How would I use an adjustable ring in these patterns. Or can I not?
I’m sure the answer’s very clear to others, but I just can’t seem to wrap my head around to how use the non-adjustable patterns with an adjustable ring method.
Thanks, Jade
pat said
CANNOT PRINT THIS without printing pages of comments-i live in senior residence and computer is six floors down so cannot live it on
June said
Pat, I’ll send you a PDF so you can print it 🙂
DeAnn Douthit said
thank you so so very much.I am trying to make an afghan for my for grand child [ girl] and was trying to find a flower that did not look like a dish scrubber. how very kind you are for sharing your knowledge and from your notes,I can tell you are a woman with a great sense of humor and someone I would love to have as a friend. As my 3 children would say you are awesome, and your prouduct would cause a declartion of
SWEET.
Jenny Stark said
Thanks for putting up a link for lefties 🙂
Shelly said
Thanks so much for this. I have been wondering just how to do this and I’m very greatful that you posted it. I hope you don’t mind that I linked to it on my blog. If you do just let me know and I will remove it.
Thanks again.
anna said
Thanks so much! I was wondering what people were talking about when they said magic ring…….That is so cool.
cyen said
Thanks again June! I experimented with the “magic ring” this past weekend, and it worked great. I made a nice ball based on your acorn tutorial.
I’m curious, The magic ring has a nice closed pattern to it. I’m wondering if (like in the example of a ball) there is a way to “end” a pattern with a magic ring?
Thoughts?
margery winter said
Wow, just in time for next friday’s Berroco Knitbits #205. What timing-your tutorial on the magic ring is the perfect segue into my crocheted wedding cake!
Thanks
Eve said
Awesome tute!!
Maizee said
What more can I say. THANK YOU!
Kari said
Jeez, lady… what perfect timing! I just finished my first single crochet skinny scarf, in preparation for my first Fuzzy Friend amigurumi! Expect another sale soon, well – as soon as I make up my flaky mind! LOL