How to Do the Crochet Magic Ring

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The magic ring is a crochet technique that has a number of applications. Here’s how to do the crochet magic ring.

Also known as the magic circle, working in the round is a common technique used in crochet. It has a number of applications including:

• amigurumi
• hats
• baskets
• coasters

Basically, anything you want round, you can use the crochet magic ring.

It can be done using a variety of yarn weights and crochet hook sizes. It just depends on what you are making.

How to Do the Crochet Magic Ring

For demonstration purposes, I am using worsted weight yarn (category 4) and a 6mm crochet hook. I am also right-handed and so I make the ring with my left hand as I hold the crochet hook with my right hand.

• securing the end of the yarn between my thumb and pointing finger, make a loop that is approximately 2 inches in diameter
• it should overlap at the top – so that part of the ring is made up of 2 strands of yarn
• this is the “ring” of the magic ring

• insert your crochet hook down the centre of the ring

• pull a loop of yarn up through the ring from the free end of the yarn
• make sure that free end of yarn is easily accessible

• chain 1, 2 or 3 depending on how loose or tight you crochet, as well as the type of crochet stitch you are using for your magic ring
• I am a “loose” crocheter and so I chain 1 stitch when working with single crochet or half double crochet stitches. I chain 2 stitches when using double crochet stitches
• If you are a “tight” crocheter, you may wish to chain 1 for single crochet, chain 2 for half double crochet and chain 3 for double crochet
• the chain stitch should equal the height of your stitch, so it all depends on how you crochet
• for this example, I will be using the half double crochet stitch and so I will chain 1

• you are now going to crochet over/around the 2 strands of yarn
• chain a stitch or 2, depending on the crochet stitch that you will be doing

• do the number of required stitches for your project
• for demonstration purposes, I will be doing 8 half double crochet stitches
• ensure that you are crocheting around the 2 strands of yarn that make up the magic ring

• notice that it does not look like a ring yet – we have not closed up the circle yet
• make sure the end of the yarn is accessible – you will be using it later to tighten up your circle
• if you are getting close to the end of the yarn, gently pull it so that there is more available – this will tighten up your circle a bit too
• I like to keep my circle loose and not fully enclosed until I am done at least one full round

• Once I’ve completed at least one full round, then I will pull on that loose end to tighten up the hole so that it becomes a complete circle.

• when you have reached the number of stitches that you need to do, you will either slip stitch to join to the chain, or keep going in a spiral fashion
• it all depends on what you are making.

If it is something quite small, like an amigurumi project, I will actually wait until 2 or 3 rounds before tightening as it is easier to work with. In fact, this is one of the tips in my 5 Helpful Amigurumi Tips. This is because I’m working single crochet stitches with a very small hook.

Here’s a video of doing the magic ring which you may find helpful.

Once you know how to do this technique, you’ll want to use it whenever the crochet project that you are working on, calls for for it.

The magic ring creates a perfect circle.

Want to remember how to do the crochet magic ring? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.