This step-by-step tutorial will help you learn how to crochet a magic circle – also sometimes referred to as a magic ring / magic loop, or adjustable loop / adjustable ring. I’ve included step-by-step instructions with a photo tutorial and a video tutorial today to help ensure you have what you need to master this new technique.
The magic circle / magic ring is a really handy technique to know if you’re a fan of amigurumi projects or projects that are worked in the round.
The magic circle is an alternative to creating a ring with a number of chains that are joined with a slip stitch to form a ring (which typically leaves a visible hole in your project). The main advantage of the magic ring method is that it creates a tightly closed ring when you’re crocheting in the round. So if you’re using it for amigurumi, this means no hole for the stuffing to show through and a more professional-looking finish.
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The magic ring crochet technique is relatively easy to do but with some practice, it’ll be as easy as creating a starting chain. It can be used for project worked in a continuous spiral or in turned rounds.
Materials:
For this tutorial, I’m using a 5.5 mm Furls Odyssey Crochet Hook and Bernat Premium (Worsted weight, size 4) yarn in Sky Blue but this technique can be accomplished with any yarn and hook combination.
Check out the YouTube video version of this tutorial here:
How to Crochet the Magic Circle
Using your non-dominant hand, hold the end of the yarn between your thumb and pointer finger. Wrap the working yarn around your fingers (from front to back) once.
Cross the working yarn over top of the yarn on the inside of your hand and lay the working yarn across the top of your fingers. Secure the yarn by pinning it between your pinky finger and ring finger.
Insert your crochet hook underneath the first strand of yarn and grab the second strand of yarn.
Pull the second strand of yarn under the first strand of yarn.
Twist the yarn to create a loop. Yarn over the hook using the working yarn and pull through the loop to create a chain.
This is the first chain of your turning chain (even if you aren’t turning. If your first stitch is taller then you’ll need to add additional chains to get your yarn to the height of the first stitch – adding more chains, like a second chain for a half double crochet and a third for double crochet stitches.
Remove your fingers from the loop. Your magic circle is now completed. Now onto the next step: How to Work Into an Adjustable Circle / Magic Ring
Working Your First Round of Crochet Stitches into a Magic Ring
To work into the magic circle, insert hook into the center of the ring and work your required number of stitches, ensuring that both the ring and yarn tail are crocheted over. In my example here, I’m crocheting six single crochet stitches (Get my tutorial on how to do the single crochet stitch).
When you’ve finished crocheting your first round of stitches, gently pull the tail end of the yarn until your ring closes and you have a tightly closed ring. like in the image below.
Continue working your subsequent rounds of stitches as normal. Important step: make sure that you use a yarn needle to weave in the tail end of your yarn before you get to the end of your project (especially if you’re creating amigurumi and need to stuff your project) so that your magic ring is secured.
Now that you know how to crochet a magic circle, let’s pratice using it! Some of my free crochet patterns that utilize the magic circle technique are:
Clawdia Cat, Carter the Carrot, Penny the Bunny Cactus, Buttons the Bunny CAL (part one, part two and part three) and Once in a Blue Moon Triangle Scarf.
Ready to learn something else? Check out another crochet tutorial to learn techniques that are perfect for beginner crocheters:
- Basic crochet stitches: Half Double Crochet and Double Crochet Stitches
- Create round crochet projects with my how to crochet a flat circle tutorial
- How to Single Crochet Increase & Single Crochet Decrease
- How to Crochet a Cone
- How to Soften Scratchy Yarn
Don’t forget to follow me on social media for behind-the-scenes content, giveaways and so you always know when new free crochet patterns become available. Happy crocheting!
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