The magic circle is a technique to start crochet projects that begin with a center circle and work in the round, like granny squares, and when you crochet a hat from the crown to the brim. This tutorial is written for a beginner crocheter. This is considered one of the basic crochet stitches.
Many adorable amigurumi crochet projects begin with a magic circle. And it is magic! With this method, you work your crochet stitches into the circle and when the first row is complete, you just pull on the end thread, and “Voila!” there is no center gap! This is sometimes referred to as the magic ring or the magic loop
In making the magic loop, you create an adjustable circle for starting crochet projects that you work in the round. There are different ways to make the working loop. An alternative to the magic circle is to chain stitch crochet and close the stitches forming a circle. With the chain stitch method for crochet in the round, it is difficult to close the circle and you might end up with an unsightly hole in the middle of your project.
Here are step-by-step instructions with images on how to make a magic circle, as well as a video.
How do you do a Magic Circle
Learn how to do the crochet magic circle with this step-by-step tutorial with images.
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The magic circle is sometimes referred to as the magic loop. It is used for any crochet project that is worked in rounds. It's an adjustable ring that allows you to easily work your first round of stitches and when it is done, gently close the circle by pulling the end.
The magic circle technique is often used for starting amigurumi projects, as well as granny squares and crocheting hats from the top to the brim.
Alternatives are doing chain stitches and then connecting the ends. This option doesn't form the nicely closed center like the magic circle.
Materials
- Yarn for a crochet project
Tools
- Crochet hook suitable for a project, I used a Furls wood hook - see link below. I like the way it feels in my hand
- Small scissors for cutting yarn
Instructions
- Start by laying the yarn over your non-dominant fingers with the yarn tail facing your body. Since I am right-handed, I'm laying the yarn over my left middle and index finger.
- Take the other end, referred to as the working yarn, and wrap it around your fingers, wrapping under the fingers towards your body and over your fingers away from your body.
- Lay the new yarn behind the first yarn, forming an X.
- Taking your crochet hook, go under the first yarn.
- Loop the yarn around the crochet hook. This is called a yarn over.
- Bring the loop back under the first yarn.
- Now, go back and pick up the working yarn again. Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook.
- Bring it through the original loop you made, like a slip knot.
- Pull it through, making a new loop.
- And, here is your finished magic circle for crochet ready for the first stitch. You'll work your stitches into the center of the ring.
Notes
NOTE: Before you start stitching, give the end of your yarn a gentle pull and make sure that the loop closes before you do all of the stitches in the first row. If not, start over. 🙂
Once you get the hang of the crochet magic ring, it comes naturally. You might need to practice several times, but then it is easy!
See our video tutorial on YouTube
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Is there a difference between a magic circle and magic ring?
No – just different terminology for the same technique. It is also sometimes referred to as the magic loop. It is used to start crochet projects that are worked in the round.
Is there an alternative to the magic circle?
Yes! You can start by chaining four (4) crochet stitches. Next you slip stitch into the first chain, forming a circle. Make sure not to twist your chain. A slip stitch is just putting your hook into the first loop, looping your yarn around your crochet hook and pulling it through. You now have a small circle made from four (4) chain stitches.
To work your project, you would bring your hook into the center of the circle formed by the chain stitches. If you have a lot of stitches in your first round, you can add more chain stitches to your loop. CAUTION: the more stitches, the bigger the center gap will be in your finished project.
Which is the best way to start a crochet project worked in the round?
I prefer the magic circle method to begin your project. It is easy to add your stitches to the circle – you can make it quite large, so it is easy to get your hook in and around the base circle. And, then it is super easy to pull the end yarn and make the circle tight. It is a much more professional way to begin your stitch-in-the-round crochet projects.
Now, how do I start my project?
See the full details with our beginner’s tutorial on how to crochet a hat. The basics are:
- Make your magic circle
- Insert hook into the middle of the circle for the first round of crochet stitches
- With the working end of the yarn, loop the yarn around your hook for the starting chain
- You can do single crochet stitches or double crochet stitches around the loop of yarn, depending on what your patterns calls for
- The advantage of the magic ring method is once you get your first round of stitches done, you just gently pull the tail end of your yarn and the center circle of yarn closes perfectly!
- Now you are ready for the next round in your pattern.
- After you finish your project, use a yarn needle to weave in the yarn end into your project.
Browse through more crochet inspiration and projects on Create Whimsy.
