Are you ready to add a little sprinkling of magic to your crochet skills?🪄 If you’ve ever crocheted a beanie, or a cute little amigurumi creature, you might have noticed an annoying little hole right in the center where you started. It’s annoying, right? Well, say goodbye to that gap and hello to the magic ring! 🧶
Also known as a "magic circle" this technique is an absolute game-changer. It might feel a little tricky at first (it’s like doing a magic trick with your fingers!), but don’t worry. Grab your hook and your favorite yarn, and let's conquer this together. We promise it’s easier than it looks!
What is a Magic Ring? 🤔
The magic ring is an adjustable loop that allows you to pull the center of your work tightly closed, to make sure you will not get the annoying hole in the center of your work.
Unlike the traditional method where you chain (ch) 4 and join with a sl slip stitch (sl st) to form a ring, the magic ring leaves zero space in the center. It gives your projects that super neat, professional, and polished finish. ✨
What is the Purpose of the Magic Ring?
If you want to crochet anything in the round, especially amigurumi toys, and bucket hats, you need to master the magic ring. It ensures stuffing doesn't peek out the bottom of your plushie, and it keeps your hats toasty warm without a drafty hole at the top.
3 Ways to Make a Magic Ring
We know that everyone’s hands work differently. What feels comfortable for one crocheter might feel like finger-gymnastics for another. That’s why we’ve gathered three different techniques for you. Try them all and see which one works for you!
Technique No. 1: The Finger Wrap ☝️
Video Tip: Click the little gear icon ⚙️ to slow down the speed if you need to watch the yarn movement closely!
How to do it:
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Grab your yarn tail and wrap the yarn around your index finger twice.
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Make a loop.
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Insert the hook in the loop and pull the yarn from your index finger through the loop.
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Ch 1 (pull the yarn back through the loop again).
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Do the required number of sc in the ring.
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Close the ring by pulling on the short end of the yarn.
You are now ready for the next step in your crochet pattern. Happy crocheting!
Technique No. 2: The "X" Method
This is often the easiest method for beginners because the tension is easier to control.
How to do it:
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Place the short end of the yarn under your left index and middle finger. Hold the yarn in place with your thumb. Work the long end of the yarn around your fingers once.
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Work the yarn back to the tops of your fingers so that the yarn creates an “x”. Keep the yarn in place by holding it with your ring finger and pinky.
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Insert your crochet hook under the bottom string and catch the top string with your hook. Pull the yarn through.
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Bring the hook back to its upright position so that the yarn twists once.
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Catch the yarn you are holding with your ring finger and pinky and pull the yarn through the loop.
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Your magic ring is ready!
Technique No. 3: The Tabletop Method (Stress-Free) 🧘
Struggling to hold the yarn and the hook at the same time? No stress! You can use a flat surface to help.
How to do it:
You can also place the yarn on the table instead of wrapping it around your index finger.
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Make a loop with the short end of the string on the bottom.
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Insert your crochet hook in the loop and pull the long end of the yarn through the loop.
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Ch 1 (wrap the yarn around your hook and pull it through the little loop on your hook).
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You have made a magic ring(mr).
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Do the required number of single crochets in the magic ring.
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Close the ring by pulling on the short end of the yarn to gather the single crochets into a circle. You could, if you want/need to, finish the round with a slip stitch in the first stitch.
Practice makes perfect! 🧶
Remember: When you crochet into the ring, make sure you are working over both the ring itself and the yarn tail. If you don't crochet over the tail, the magic won't happen when you pull it!
Once you finish your first round, you usually repeat the increase pattern to grow your circle flat. Or, if you keep the stitch count the same, you'll start building a tube (hello, amigurumi legs! 🦄).
Still struggling?
Don't panic! It takes a little muscle memory. But if the magic ring is just not acting like a friend today, you can check out this blog post for a good alternative for the magic ring.
Happy crocheting, everyone! We can't wait to see what you create. Don't forget to tag @hobbii_yarn! 📸❤️
