Crochet Basics: How to make a magic ring
What’s a magic ring?
The magic ring is a really useful technique to start a project that’s crocheted in rounds. I use it all the time for amigurumi and for circular projects like scrubbies. Some people prefer to chain 2 then crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook, but I think that this doesn’t look as good. The ring is tighter so there’s no gap in the middle of the starting round. This is especially important for amigurumi (like my chocolate chip muffin) as you don’t want the stuffing to show through.
How do I make a magic ring?
Start by making a loop of yarn around two fingers. The yarn should pass over itself and to the back of the loop. Insert your crochet hook into the loop from the front and draw up a loop from the yarn behind. Chain 1. You now have a magic ring. The chain 1 stitch does not count as a stitch.
Next you need to crochet the number of stitches in the pattern. Usually it’ll say something like 6sc in magic ring. This means you’re going to make 6sc in the ring we just made before tightening it. Insert your hook into the ring from the front, draw up a loop, yarn over and pull through the two loops on the hook to form a single crochet. Note that you are crocheting over two strands of yarn. Continue to crochet in the ring until you have the required number of stitches.
Once you’ve completed the number of stitches in the pattern, it’s time to close the magic ring. Pull the yarn tail tightly to close the ring. It’s important to make sure there’s not a gap if you’re making amigurumi as this will allow stuffing to escape. You’ll need to weave in the tail from the ring. It’s important not to cut it as this could lead to your project unraveling.
Give the magic ring a go! It’s easy enough for beginner crocheters to pick up and it’ll give your amigurumi a better look