Magic Ring – Photo and Video Crochet Tutorial

Learn how to crochet the magic ring — an easy way to start projects crocheted in the round. This step-by-step stitch tutorial and video will show you how!

Welcome to You Should Craft!

Did you notice anything shiny & new on You Should Craft? There’s a new logo, an updated layout, lots of new pictures on crafts, MORE crochet patterns, and MORE video tutorials. Don’t miss out!

Anyway, are you here because you’d like to learn how to crochet the magic ring? Right, I thought so! I’ll shut up about new stuff and start talking (typing?) about how and why to use the magic ring.

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Let’s talk about the magic circle.

WTF is a magic ring/circle?
The magic ring (aka magic circle aka magic loop) is a versatile, adjustable loop you can use to start projects that are crocheted in the round. It’s traditionally used for amigurumi projects, but can be used for any pattern that requires you to work in the round.

Why is it magic?
It’s adjustable! You start with a big, roomy ring that has room for all of your stitches (no hook jamming!), then tighten the ring at the end.

Why should I use the magic ring?
It’s flexible: Any stitches can be crocheted into the magic ring, just as you might use a chain-4 loop. For example, I’ve used the magic ring for my cotton face scrubbies [puff stitches], daisy granny squares [double crochets], and beer mug beer cozy [single crochet].

It’s tight: Because it’s adjustable, the magic ring produces a much smaller center hole than the chain loops traditionally used for crocheting in the round.

And, it’s super easy!

Cool. What are we doing today?
I’ll show you how to crochet 12 double crochet (dc) stitches into a magic ring.

If you were reading a pattern, the instructions for this practice ring would say:
Round 1: ch 2 and dc 11 into magic ring (12 stitches)

Magic Ring Video Tutorial:

Magic Ring Photo Tutorial:

First, hold the yarn tail between your thumb and middle finger and wrap the yarn around your fingers once.

Next, put your crochet hook under the bottom section of yarn, and over the top section.

Pull the yarn through.

Chain (ch) 2. These chains will count as the first double crochet (dc).

Technically, this is the end of the magic ring technique, but I’ll show you how to crochet into the ring.

Crochet 11 dc into the ring (or whatever your pattern requires).

Now for the “magic” part of the magic circle! It’s adjustable! oooh, aahh.

Gently pull on the tail end of the yarn, to close the ring.

Finish off with an invisible join or slip stitch to the starting chain. Trim yarn and weave in ends.

From here, you can add more rounds [the photo above shows the first two rounds of the modified daisy granny square], or stockpile teeny circles. The choice is yours!

Whether you’re learning how to crochet or brushing up on your skills, check out some of the other YSC stitch tutorials.