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Magic ring crochet – it gives so many people fits! Stop struggling today and let’s master it!
So many crochet projects look better when started with an adjustable ring. This adjustable ring is known as a magic ring, magic loop, or magic circle in crochet. When we are learning to crochet, the magic ring seems to give us all fits. I know every time I used it I had to find a magic ring tutorial to remind me how its done. I have since practiced until I have mastered it. That being said, this post is all about how to crochet a magic ring and I will include the way I learned to do it.
What is a magic ring Crochet?
The magic ring in crochet is a method of starting crochet projects that crochet in the round. The point of it is to be able to “cinch” it down so there is a closed circle of stitches. Essentially it is an adjustable circle that you crochet into and close tightly preventing the center of your project from having a hole.
You can avoid the magic circle by doing a couple chain stitches and slip stitch to the first stitch, making a circle, but the magic ring is closeable and the circle created by chain stitch and a slip stitch is not. By not being able to “close” the circle created by the chain stitches, you project will have a hole in the center. When you crochet a magic ring, you close the whole leaving a cleaner look.
The photo below is a project I started with a magic ring (the pink yarn). Once I crocheted the magic ring I worked 8 single crochet stiches into it and pulled the tail tight. Once the magic ring was closed, I joined the last single crochet stitch to the first single crochet stitch with a slip stitch.
One project example you could use a magic ring on is a granny square. The granny square is started by forming a circle. I have made tons of granny squares over the years, and I have always started with the chain stitch circle. However, some other projects I have done recently look better with the magic ring instead, so I have been practicing it.
How many ways are there to crochet a magic ring?
There are several ways to crochet a magic ring (or magic circle), so the objective here is to find the magic ring method that works best for you and learn it! I will also share which of these methods work the best for me and my brain.
I have come up with 2 very different ways for an easy crochet magic circle. The first crochet magic ring tutorial is what I like to call the “X Method.” I have no idea what it’s actually called, but you make an X with the yarn, so that’s why I call it that.
The X Method
I have seen the “X Method” done on both a single finger or multiple fingers. I included the link to the one finger “X Method” because it is a smaller circle and easier to get off your hand without it coming undone.
Keep in mind this magic ring won’t come out right if your “tail” of yarn isn’t in the right place. The two ends of your yarn are called the yarn tail and the working end or working yarn. The working yarn is the yarn you are crocheting with, whereas the yarn tail is the end you will tie off after the magic ring. The tail should be what you hold between your thumb and index finger. Yes, I figured that out by doing it wrong.
I just rolled off some yarn and wrapped it around my finger without giving it much thought. The magic ring would not close. Then I realized my mistake. My tail was on the wrong side. So start by placing the tail in your palm, then wrapping the yarn around your finger.
Once you have wrapped the yarn around your finger, in the right direction of course, you will insert your hook over the yarn closest to your fingernail and grab the yarn closest to your wrist. You will grab the yarn with the hook and pull it UNDER the yarn closest to your fingernail. Now you will crochet your desired stitch. The next stitch will be done inside the circle.
In addition to getting your tail on the correct side, you also want to make sure you have two strands of yarn forming your circle. When you crochet into the magic ring loop, there should be two strands of yarn across the top of the circle. Make sure your stitch is wrapping around both strands, otherwise it won’t close when you pull the tail.
The Slip Knot Method
The second crochet magic circle technique is very different from the “X Method.” This method starts with a slip knot so it may be easier for some. This method explains a little bit about the two strands as well, but basically if you aren’t crocheting over 2 strands of yarn, there isn’t an end to pull to close the circle.
If you haven’t mastered your slip knot, here are a couple videos to help you out.
All of the methods above seem a bit complicated to me. When I make a slip knot, I simply make a loop, stick the hook through it and yarn over and pull yarn through the loop. Sometimes I might make 2 loops and just insert one loop into the other. It is really not as complicated as all these videos make it seem. The slip knot crochet knot is the basis of starting to crochet. And I know some people do struggle with it. That being said, below are photos of how I make a slip knot.
Crocheting into the ring
Once you have mastered making the crochet magic ring, now you have to crochet into it. This is where I mentioned you should have 2 strands of yarn. Once it is time to crochet into the ring, the stitch you use will depend on the pattern. You may start with a single crochet, or a double crochet, just whatever your pattern calls for. It will tell you how many stitches to crochet INSIDE the ring. Once you have done the required amount of stitches you will close the adjustable loop and move on to the next round of your pattern.
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Another Method
Since writing this post I have seen a new method. I failed to save it so that I could share it with you all, but I will explain it and hopefully recreate some pictures. Basically, when you create your slip knot, you leave it loose. You will have a loop on your hook and the untightened slip knot. The untightened slip knot is your magic circle. You simply start crocheting into it instead of tightening the slip knot!
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