Make a Crochet Magic Ring for Beginners • Made From Yarn

A crochet magic ring is an adjustable loop providing a tightly closed center for crochet patterns worked in the round. It’s an important technique that creates a hole-free starting ring, making it an essential skill for beginner crocheters!

You may have chanced upon its other names, such as the magic circle, magic loop, or adjustable loop. It’s a useful crochet skill for Amigurumi (crochet stuffed animals) and other circle crochet projects that call for a gap-free center.

This is a more modern way of starting crochet projects in the round. So, if this is your first time hearing it, don’t worry. We’ll show you how to master this magical technique and guarantee you’ll fall in love with it.

Learn how to crochet magic ring to make a small hole in the middle of a circle

If you are completely new to crochet, check out the detailed guide to crochet for beginners by Craft Passion. It comprises the basic knowledge and practical techniques of this yarn craft.

You may also wish to check out the below basic crochet tutorials to jumpstart your crochet journey:

Contents

What Will You Learn from this Crochet Magic Ring Tutorial?

What is a Magic Ring in Crochet?
Abbreviation and Chart Symbol of Crochet Magic Ring
How to Crochet Magic Ring
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Crochet Magic Ring
How to make a Double-loop Magic Ring
Tips and FAQs about the Magic Ring

This is a side-by-side comparison of a crochet circle that begins with a magic ring and a foundation ring. Magic rings produce a tightly closed center, which is more appealing for some projects.

Why Should You Learn the Magic Ring Technique?

Traditionally, circular projects begin with chain stitches and are joined with a slip stitch to form a foundation ring. However, this foundation ring method leaves a hole in the middle of the circle, which may be unappealing for garment or Amigurumi (crochet stuffed animal) projects. This is where the magic ring technique comes in handy.

Although not necessary, this method is also seen in the below projects for a clean, tidy-looking finish:

Crochet hats
Crochet coasters
Crochet baskets
Crochet bags
Crochet granny squares

What is a Crochet Magic Ring?

As mentioned at the beginning of the tutorial, a crochet magic ring is a technique used in crochet to create a tightly closed center for crocheted items worked in the round.

Due to the way it is constructed, the tail end of the crochet magic ring acts as a “drawstring” that allows you to pull and tighten the circle. This leaves a hole-free outcome, making it an ideal starting point for many round patterns.

chart symbol and abbreviation of magic ring in crochet, including a pattern example of how to make a 6 single crochet stitch in magic ring.

Abbreviation & Chart Symbol

A magic ring or magic circle is abbreviated as “MR or MC” in US and UK terminologies.

In a chart pattern, a magic ring is represented by a spiral shape or a circle with the abbreviation “MR” written inside it.

The illustration may differ from chart to chart, but it is the only crochet symbol that looks like a spiral.

[Note: All of our patterns and terms are based on the US letter and number system. This guide is shown using the right hand.]

Anatomy of Magic Ring

The image above shows how MR is presented in a crochet chart and a written pattern.

In this case, the written pattern calls for “6sc in mr, sl st.” It is essentially telling you to make six single crochet stitches into the magic ring, then slip stitch to join the round.

In the chart above, you will see three symbols; one for the magic ring in the center, surrounded by the symbol for a single crochet stitch, and a solid oval for a slip stitch.

How to Crochet Magic Ring

There are several ways to start a magic ring; some like to lay it on a flat surface, and some wrap the yarn over two or three fingers.

In this tutorial, we will demonstrate the method by wrapping the yarn over one finger.

In short, you will need to make an adjustable loop and crochet the first round of stitches into a loop. Then, pull the yarn tail to close the circle. The tighter you pull on the tail end of the yarn, the smaller the hole will be.

The first few steps of making the magic ring are very similar to how to start a slip knot. Instead of pulling the knot tight in the first steps, you would secure the tip with a chain stitch, then make stitches into the center ring.

The magic circle technique may be challenging for beginners, but it can be done with patience and practice.

Here are a few tips before we begin the free crochet magic ring tutorial:

Familiarize yourself with how to hold the crochet hook and yarn so that it’s easier to navigate the technique;
Control your tension so that it’s not too tight to crochet the second round of stitches;
Leave enough yarn tail so that you can properly secure the center;

Step-by-Step Tutorial with Pictures

We will split the magic ring crochet tutorial into two sections; part one includes forming the adjustable ring, while part two involves making crochet stitches into the magic loop.

This is how to make an adjustable loop:

easy step by step tutorial to crochet a magic ring or magic circle to begin a circle pattern. Part 1/2

Place the yarn between the index and middle finger of your non-dominant hand, and drape the tail end of the yarn in front of your index finger. Ensure that the yarn end is facing downwards;
Take the working yarn back up and bring it across your index finger. This will create a small “X” shape;
Lightly hold down the yarn end to secure it. Insert the hook under the yarn tail, and catch the working yarn with the tip of the crochet hook;
Draw the working yarn through and the strand of yarn while twisting the hook towards you;
Slowly slide the magic ring off your index finger and pinch the ring and tail end down with your thumb and middle finger. Hold the working yarn like you normally would, yarn over, and draw the working yarn through the loop on your hook;
You’ve just made a chain stitch* and a starting ring!

* The number of chain stitches required depends on the type of stitches your pattern calls for. For example, you will make one chain stitch for single crochet stitches, two for half double crochet stitches, and so on.

Now, you can make any stitches into the ring after creating an adjustable loop. Depending on the crochet pattern, this includes the single crochet stitch, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, or a combination of two or three basic stitches.

Are you ready to crochet stitches into the magic ring? Let’s get started with part two! In this example, we will be crocheting 6 sc stitches.

easy step by step tutorial to crochet a magic ring or magic circle to begin a circle pattern. Part 2/2

Insert the hook into the center of the circle. Ensure that the hook goes under the ring and the yarn tail; otherwise, you can’t tighten the circle in the end;
Make your first single crochet stitch into the magic ring;
Continue making five more sc stitches into the adjustable loop;
Secure your stitches in one hand. With the other hand, pull the tail end of the yarn. You will notice the hole getting smaller and smaller;
Continue to tighten the circle by pulling on the yarn tail;
Insert your hook into the first stitch of the round to complete it. There are two ways to complete your first crochet magic ring;
- Make a slip stitch to close the round or,
- Continue with sc stitches to make a continuous / spiral round.

Note: You may mark the first sc stitch with a stitch marker to avoid crocheting into the initial chain stitch.

What is a Double Magic Ring?

The double-loop magic ring technique ensures a more solid and secure adjustable loop. This method prevents the hole in the middle from loosening at certain conditions.

When should you use the double magic ring method?

If you are using slippery yarn
If a project requires extra support

Though there aren’t many patterns that specifically request a double magic ring, you can use it to replace any regular MR.

double-loop magic ring is perfect for slippery yarn. It will prevent the middle hole from opening up.

Here are the steps to how to make a double magic ring:

It’s quite similar to making a regular magic ring. However, instead of crossing the yarn over your finger once, wrap the working yarn over your index finger twice to create two loops.
Make your stitches into the loop as normal. Make sure you insert your hook under both the loops and the tail end. Then, you are ready to close.
- We’ve labeled the two loops as “A” and “B,” so it’s easier to understand.
- First, lightly tug the yarn tail to identify loop “A.”
Pull on loop “A” to close loop “B.”
Lastly, pull on the yarn tail connected to loop “A” and tighten it to close the circle.

FAQ About the Crochet Magic Ring Technique

How much yarn tail should I leave?

At least 4-6 inches is recommended. You’ll need enough length to properly secure the circle and prevent it from unraveling.

Does the turning chain or chains for a magic ring count as a stitch?

It depends on the stitch you are working with. Suppose it’s sc stitches; maybe not. If it’s double crochet stitches, it may. Check the pattern designer’s notes to make sure.

Is there an alternative to the magic ring?

Yes! As mentioned earlier, you can form a ring by beginning with a row of chain stitches and ending with a slip stitch. However, the center of this method is not as close as a magic ring.

For example, in the classic granny square pattern, you’ll find the written pattern as “sl knot, ch 3. Join with sl st in the first st to form a ring.”

Why is my magic ring not closing well?

There may be several reasons:
– You have placed too many stitches in the ring
– You didn’t crochet over the yarn tail

Are you ready to make your first magic ring? Try the different methods and keep practicing to see which works best for you. Have a magical time circling!

Crochet Magic Ring Patterns

Below are some beginner-friendly patterns that begin with a magic ring;