How to create a Magic Ring/Magic Circle
This fabulous little invention is known but a few names, magic ring, magic loop, or a magic circle and probably a few more but I like to call it a magic ring.
The magic ring comes in useful when making projects in the round, like amigurumi and hats. This technique is used to replace beginning chains where you slip st into first chain. In this instance you create a adjustable ring and work your first round of stitches into the ring, it is then pulled closed, this creates a solid foundation for the next round and can be pulled tight eliminating a hole.
This is a great technique to learn so let us get started!
Continue scrolling for a video tutorial.
Even if you are beginner the magic ring it certainly a technique you can learn and once you get the hang of the magic ring technique you will not want to go back.
Replacing Other Starting Methods with a Magic Ring
When working a project in the round you can substitute most starting methods with the magic ring. If your pattern calls for a Magic Ring, you may see it written as, “Work 6 sc in magic ring.” Some patterns may ask you start by “chain 5, slip stitch into first chain” and then “work the first round in that circle”, to change this into the magic ring method you would work the first round into your magic ring. Another example of how a pattern might start is “chain 2, 6 single crochet in 2nd chain from hook” and you would replace this my working the 6 single crochet into the magic ring.
Tutorial
In this tutorial I will show you step-by-step how to start your project with a magic ring. If your like me and prefer to use pictures and words to learn then this tutorial is for you (I have also made a printable ad free version that you can download completely free, keep scrolling), however if you prefer to watch it done then keep scrolling for the video tutorial.
There are two steps to creating a magic ring, the first step is to create the ring and the second step is to work you stitches into that ring.
Step 1: Loop the Yarn Around Your Fingers and create loop.
To start lay the tail end of your yarn against your open left hand, with the tail end pointing toward you. Loop the working end (aka ball end) of the yarn loosely around the back of your first two fingers. Cross the working end of the yarn over on top of the tail end (ensure you tail is long that once your stitches are worked into the ring the tail is still coming out of the stitches, this prevent the magic ring opening), and to the left. Working from right to left, slide the crochet hook under the right-hand piece of yarn and over the left-hand piece and grab the yarn and pull up a loop.
Step 2: Create starting chain.
Continue holding the circle of yarn in your left hand. Wrap the working yarn from back to front over the hook. Draw the yarn through the loop on the hook. This completes one chain. (This does not count as a stitch.)
Step 3: Work first round into magic ring.
Now it’s time to make your first round of stitches into the ring. Insert the hook into the center of the ring, and draw up a loop to begin your first single crochet. (You will be crocheting over both strands: the loop and the yarn tail.)
Complete the single crochet: Yarn over and draw the yarn through both loops on the hook.
Continue making stitches into the loop until you have made the required number for your pattern.
Step 4: Closing and securing the magic ring.
Whilst holding on to your stitches with your right hand use your left hand to pull the yarn tail to draw the center of the ring closed (like a drawstring bag). As you do this, the turning chain and the last stitch of the round will come closer together.
There are two ways to finish the circle either by joining the round with a slip stitch into the starting chain (or first stitch, the pattern should state whether chains count as stitches or not) or if you are working in continuous spirals the you do not need to join the round with a slip stitch, simply start the next round in the first stitch of Round 1.
Tah dah! You have just completed your magic ring. If whilst working your ring starts to loosen you can pull the tail at any time to tighten it again.
Click below to print a PDF version of this tutorial for you to print and keep handy or scroll down for the video version.
Please see the video below on How to create a Magic Ring/Magic Circle.
If you would like to see more tutorials like this please comment below, if you have any specific requests please let me know and I will do my best to create a tutorial for you.
Sandy
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