How to crochet a magic circle

What is a magic ring in crochet? This technique has taken the crafting world by storm. If you've ever tried crocheting in the round, you might have found that a little hole forms at the start of your project. This can be frustrating and hard to cover up. The magic ring solves that.

Contents

What is a magic ring in crochet
What you need to create a magic ring
How to crochet a magic circle

The magic ring, or magic circle, is a cast-on method that will eliminate that pesky little hole. Read on to discover how to crochet a magic circle. In this guide, you'll learn:

• How to do a magic ring in crochet
• The tools you need for a perfect magic ring
• When to use the magic ring in your crochet projects

What is a magic ring in crochet?

A magic ring is a cast-on method for crocheting in the round. If you're not familiar with what that means, it's simple. When you make a project in crochet, you may work back and forth, in rows. We call this working flat. For example, if you're making a scarf or a blanket, you'll probably be working flat. On the other hand, working in the round means you'll make a circle, starting from the inside out. You'll probably crochet in the round when making a hat or a bag, or some kinds of granny squares. Amigurumi projects are usually crocheted in the round.

When you cast on to crochet in the round, you'll create a little ring of your starting stitches. Unfortunately, this gives you a little hole at the centre of your project. You may be able to close it up later when you're weaving in your ends, but it can be hard to do that neatly.

This is where the magic ring comes in. The magic ring is a method of casting on that will give your project a smooth appearance, without that little hole. Once you know how to do a crochet magic ring, your projects will look effortlessly neat. Sometimes the magic ring is called the adjustable ring or adjustable circle, as you'll be able to tighten it easily by tugging the tail end of the yarn.

Some patterns will tell you to begin with a magic ring. This may be abbreviated as "MR" (magic ring) or "MC" (magic circle). You can also use the magic ring as a cast-on method for patterns that don't specifically call for it.

If you're new to the world of crochet, the magic ring can seem quite intimidating. It's true that this isn't the easiest cast-on technique, and you may need to practise a couple of times before you're confident with it. However, with a bit of patience even beginners can master the magic loop. When you've practised a few times, you'll be surprised that you ever worried about how to make a magic ring crochet!

What you need to create a magic ring

The good news is that you don't need any specialist equipment to make a magic circle in crochet. To get started, all you'll need is your yarn and your crochet hook. Your pattern should give you an idea of what size hook to use, but remember to check your gauge before starting. You may need to change the size of your hook.

If you're a beginner, you might find it easier to use thick yarn (worsted weight or higher) and a large hook. The process can be fiddly if you're working with fine yarn and a small hook. Even if your planned project uses a fine weight of yarn, practising with a thicker weight can be a good way to familiarise yourself with this new technique. Once you know how to do a magic circle in crochet, you'll be able to progress to finer yarns and smaller, more delicate hooks.

How to crochet a magic circle

Now it's time to get started and learn how to make a magic circle in crochet. First, some quick notes on terminology. We'll be using UK terms here, so if you are working from an American pattern, you'll need to translate. When we talk about the working yarn, we mean the part that is attached to the ball.

1. Make a loop in your yarn, crossing the working yarn over the tail end.
2. Insert your hook through the centre of the loop. Yarn over and pull up the working yarn through the ring and upwards.
3. If you are working from a pattern with double crochet stitches, chain 1 with the working yarn. If your pattern calls for treble crochet stitches, you'll need to make more chains here.
4. Insert the hook into the circle, going under both strands of yarn.
5. Yarn over the hook. Now pull back through the circle of yarn. You should now have two loops on your hook.
6. Yarn over the hook again. Pull back through both loops on the hook to complete your first stitch.
7. You can now repeat steps 4 - 6 until you have the right number of stitches. Each time, you'll be working your new stitch into the starting circle.
8. When you've got the right number of stitches, tug the yarn end gently but firmly to close up the circle.
9. To finish joining the circle, you'll need to connect the first and last stitches together. Find the first double crochet stitch of your circle (not your starting chain). Slip stitch into it. You have now completed your first round.
10. If your circle starts to loosen up at any time, just give the tail end a tug to secure it. You can weave it in to keep it tight, but you may prefer to wait until you've finished your project.

Summary

Ready to start working with the magic circle? Now that you know how to crochet a magic ring, the world of amigurumi, hats, bags and other great patterns in the round is waiting for you. Pick up your hook and try it today!

Related articles

Want more guidance for your crochet adventures? Check these out:

• Guide to crochet tools and accessories
• Choosing different types of yarn
• Choosing the right amount of yarn for your project