A magic ring is an adjustable starting circle for amigurumi and similar crochet patterns that work in crochet circles. You can both do a normal magic circle and a double magic circle, which will give your project more stamina. If you are having trouble with the magic ring, there are still alternatives you can use. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Standard Magic Circle
Step 1. Make a loop with the thread
You will need to loop the yarn around your fingers so that the yarn you are working with, or the end attached to the larger ball, is on the right, while the "tail" of the yarn stays on the left.
Step 2. Insert the hook through the loop
Slip the hook through the loop from front to back.
Use the tip of the hook to grab a portion of the yarn from the end of the working yarn
Step 3. Pull the thread through the loop
Pull the portion of yarn you grabbed through the loop to create another loop on the hook.
Note that this doesn't count as your first point
Step 4. Chain stitch
Repeat to create as many chain stitches as needed for this pattern.
Step 5. Put your first row of stitches in the ring
Step 6. Pull the ends of the thread
Keep the working end of the yarn pulled while gently pulling the tail end down. As you do this, the links should close together in the center, completing your magic ring.
Step 7. Create a slip stitch in the first stitch
To close this first circle and start the rest of the project, slip a slip stitch in the first loop stitch, and proceed to the next circle.
Method 2 of 4: Double Magic Ring
Step 1. Wrap the thread around your fingers twice
Instead of making just one ring, as you would a regular magic ring, you will need to make two. The tail should be in front, while the working thread should remain behind.
- Note that this is very similar to the regular magic ring, but many prefer the double ring for projects that will see a little more action, because a double magic ring gives greater strength.
- You should wrap the ring around the first two fingers on the non-dominant hand.
Step 2. Make a ring
Slip the crochet hook between the two sides of your double loop, working from front to back. Grab the working end of the yarn and pull it back through the front, creating a loop on the hook.
Even if you are making a double loop, you only need to make a single loop on the crochet hook. The "double" results, for the most part, from the double loop you made at the beginning of the operation. Most of the remaining steps are similar to what you would use to make a regular magic ring
Step 3. Make a starting chain
Grab the end of the working yarn and pull it through the loop on the hook, creating a single chain stitch.
Usually you need one starting chain for a single stitch pattern, two for a half double pattern, two or three for a double pattern, and four for a triple pattern
Step 4. Pull the ring off your index finger
Step 5. Crochet as many stitches as you need
Chain as many chains as required for the first round, according to the instructions in your pattern.
Step 6. Pull the tail of the thread to tighten the ring
You may not be able to close both rings; that's okay, only one needs to be closed
Step 7. Close the circle and join it to the next by making a slip stitch in the first point of the circle
Method 3 of 4: Alternative Option
Step 1. Make a slip knot
Make a loop with the thread. Grab the end of the working yarn, or the end still attached to the ball, using the crochet hook. Pull this piece of yarn through the loop and pull it tightly creating an adjustable loop on the crochet hook.
- While your starting slip knot is adjustable, the final loop won't be like that, so it's important that you make it as tight and closed as possible by making tight and even stitches.
- Use it as an alternative if you have trouble making the magic ring.
Step 2. Chain two
Work two chain stitches.
Step 3. Insert the first circle into the second stitch on the hook
Crochet through the second stitch on the hook, which is also the first stitch you created, and create the first circle in this loop.
Step 4. Slip stitch in the first stitch
To close this round and begin the rest of your pattern, slip a slip stitch in the first stitch of your ring, bringing the yarn to a new level in the circle.
Note that this ring is not as adjustable as the magic ring, but it will still give you the crochet circle you need for your pattern, and you may find it easier to create
Method 4 of 4: Another Alternative Option
Step 1. Make a slip stitch
Pull well to create a loop on the hook.
- Note that this method is another alternative if you are having difficulty making the real magic ring. While this starting slip stitch is adjustable, the final loop won't.
- This method may best suit patterns that use double stitch, while the other alternative method we mentioned in this article tends to better suit single stitch patterns.
Step 2. Four chain stitches
Work a series of four chain stitches to create the starting chain.
Step 3. Slip stitch in the first chain stitch
In the first chain stitch you made, or the fourth stitch now present on the hook, slide the hook through the stitch and grab the working end of the yarn on the other side. Pull it through the front of the ring again to create a slip stitch.
- You should be left with a loop on the crochet hook.
- Note that this creates a loop but as this loop is quite open you will need to add more links to help you close it more.
Step 4. Chains
Create as many more chain stitches as the pattern requires, using the same method you used to create the other four before.
Step 5. Insert the first point in the center of the ring
All stitches from the first round (excluding the chain stitches you just made) should go into the ring.
