How to Crochet a Magic Circle

How to Crochet a Magic Circle: Crochet for Beginners

Image source: Finally Finished Crafts

Have you already mastered how to crochet a circle, but you’ve found a pattern that requires you to learn how to crochet a magic circle (also known as a “magic ring”)? If you’re ready to create some crochet magic, keep reading. This article will cover the following topics:

• • What exactly a magic circle (or magic ring) is
  • Why it’s important to learn how to crochet a magic ring for beginners
  • The basic crochet skills you’ll need before practicing how to crochet a magic ring for beginners
  • Beginner tips for learning how to do a magic ring in crochet
  • How to do a magic circle in crochet (with two different techniques)

If you already know how to sew or if you’re learning how to sew, learning how to crochet is an excellent way to broaden your DIY horizons.

What is a Crochet Magic Circle (or Magic Ring)

Before you ask the question, “How do you make a magic ring in crochet?” start by investigating exactly what a crochet magic ring (or magic circle) is.

Image source: Wilmade

A magic circle is another way to crochet in the round. Crocheting in the round refers to working crochet stitches (such as single crochet stitch, double crochet stitch, half-double crochet stitch, and even triple crochet or treble crochet stitch) in a circular way, instead of rows.

Unlike a regular crochet circle, magic circles transform the first round into an adjustable loop. After you’ve created your magic circle, you can pull on the yarn tails to tightly close the center. For this reason, magic circles are frequently used in amigurumi crochet projects.

Image source: All Free Crochet

Review the chart below to familiarize yourself with how a magic circle is written or shown in crochet patterns.

Name	Abbreviation	Symbol
Magic circle/magic ring	Mc / mr	Image source: Caitlins Contagious Creations

Why Is It Important to Learn How to Make a Magic Circle in Crochet?

Learning how to make the magic circle in crochet is essential for creating specific types of crochet projects because it removes the hole in the center of the circle. 

Examples of crochet projects that begin with a magic circle:

1. 1. Hats
   2. Granny squares
   3. Amigurumi projects (animals, dolls, etc.)

It’s also easier to work a larger number of starting stitches (after you’ve started your crochet chain) using the magic circle technique.

Image source: Whistle and Ivy

Learning how to make a magic circle in crochet isn’t an essential skill like learning how to weave in ends, increase, and decrease. However, finding the answer to the question: “How do you crochet a magic circle?” will open up a new world of creative crochet possibilities.

Once you master the magic circle in crochet, you might never want to go back to traditional crochet circles, and that’s okay! Just like learning how to change yarn colors in crochet, this skill will transform the way you approach new crochet projects.

If you want to replace other starting methods with a magic ring, you can generally replace the starting chain stitches with a magic ring. Then proceed with the pattern as normal, stitching your first round into the magic circle.

Beginner Tips for Learning How to Make a Magic Ring in Crochet 

As you’re learning how to crochet, it’s important to use the right crochet hook and yarn in order to set yourself up for success. If you’re a sewer, you know how crucial it is to work with the correct type of fabric for your crochet project and skill level. The same is true for crochet yarn.

Image source: What’s Nana Making

As you prepare to practice how to do a magic circle in crochet, keep these tips in mind while yarn shopping:

• • Start with a yarn that’s not highly textured. Yarns with a lot of texture make it difficult to see your stitches and your working yarn. Instead, look for smooth yarn with an even thickness throughout.
  • When picking your yarn, avoid dark colors. Dark colors also make it too challenging to see your stitches. Look for a neutral or lightly colored yarn that’s easy to look at. 
  • Stay away from yarns that are overly thick or thin. Both extremely thick and extremely thin yarns have their challenges, and that’s the last thing a crocheter needs while learning a new skill. Stick to yarn categories 4 (worsted) or 5 (bulky) weight yarn.
  • Pick a yarn that has at least 2 plies. Avoid single ply yarn. Single ply yarn is prone to splitting, which can create a real headache.
  • Choose a solid color yarn. Yarns with multiple colors will leave you cross-eyed and unable to see your stitches clearly. 
  • Don’t spend too much on yarn in the beginning of your crochet journey, or even while you’re learning a new magic ring crochet technique. Take the pressure off of yourself by purchasing affordable yarns for your practice sessions.

If you’re overwhelmed by the suggestions for yarn, keep the table below handy while you’re yarn shopping.

Yarn Features to Look For	Yarn Features to Avoid
Light, solid colors	Dark and/or variegated colors
Yarn categories 4 (worsted) or 5 (bulky)	Yarn categories below 4 or above 5
Yarn with 2+ plies	Single ply yarn
Affordable / inexpensive	Expensive

Additional tips: 

• • Find a crochet hook that feels comfortable to you and is the appropriate size for your yarn.
  • Practice your crochet hook grip. There are a few basic crochet grips that you can experiment with. You can continue using your favorite if you want, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different grips for different magic ring techniques.
  • If you’re left-handed, look for instructions written for you. You can even search for a how to make a magic ring crochet video for a step-by-step magic circle tutorial for lefties.
  • Not all instructions specify how to close a magic circle in crochet. Closing the magic circle is the easiest and most satisfying step. After you’ve finished your first round of stitches, pull the yarn tail tight and watch the center close like magic!

Are you ready to finally answer your question: “How do I make a magic circle in crochet?” Read through two different methods below and find your favorite.

How to Crochet a Magic Circle for Beginners: Method #1

This first magic ring method begins by forming a loop around your fingers and then using your crochet hook to pull up a loop from the working yarn. In this example, a single crochet stitch is used to form the magic circle.

Image source: Craftsy

1. 1. Create a loop of yarn by placing the tail of the yarn around your fingers, moving from left to right. The working yarn (coming from the skein) should fall behind and to the right. The tail (cut end) of your yarn should fall to the left. When you flip your hand, you should see two parallel strands of yarn.

Image source: Craftsy

      2. Gently remove the loop from your fingers, keeping the yarn tail and working yarn in their same positions. Place your crochet hook in the loop and pull up a loop from the working yarn.

      3. Chain one stitch.

      4. Single crochet around the ring and the yarn tail. There’s no set number of stitches to do here, but six stitches (after the first chain) is a great starting place.

      5. After you’ve finished your first round of single crochets, pull the yarn tail and watch the magic circle work its magic.

      6. Join the magic ring by placing a slip stitch into the first stitch. This joins the magic round.

Congratulations, you’ve just created your first magic circle in crochet! It might take you several practice sessions before you can create a neat, tight magic circle. Be patient and experiment with different grips, methods, and yarns until you’re confident.

Some additional tips and tricks for learning how do you crochet a magic ring with this method:

• • If your magic ring still has a hole in the center, check the weight of your yarn. Certain yarn weights don’t compress as well as others.
  • If the magic circle doesn’t close tightly and you’re confident that it’s not because of your yarn weight, try reducing the number of stitches in the first round. If you made more than six or seven stitches in your first round, try again with fewer stitches.
  • Don’t forget to weave in your yarn tail securely! If you don’t properly weave in your end, the magic circle will likely unravel. This could ruin a completed project, so pay close attention to your ends!

How to Crochet a Magic Circle: Method #2

This second magic circle method also starts with a loop, but the loop starts in the palm of your hand instead of wrapped around your fingers. This method involves a few more steps, but it’s not necessarily any more difficult than method #1.

1. 1. Form a loop in your palm by placing the working yarn over the yarn end. The loop should point down, with the tail end on the left and the working yarn on the right.
   2. Pinch where the yarn crosses over itself with your thumb and forefinger. Place the hook through the loop. Hook the working yarn and draw up a loop.

Image source: Kristi Tullus

      3. Yarn over and pull through the circle of yarn on your hook.

Image source: Kristi Tullus

      4. Pull the stitch tight. Note that this is not considered the first single crochet stitch.

      5. Create your first single crochet stitch by placing the hook through the loop, yarning over, and pulling up a loop. Then yarn over and draw through both loops on the hook to complete the stitch.

Image source: Kristi Tullus

      6. Continue making single crochet stitches, going through the loop and over the yarn tail. Stop when you’ve created six crochet stitches.

      7. Pull on the yarn tail while holding your completed stitches in the opposite hand. Pull until the center is tightly closed.

      8. Continue stitching your second round as you normally crochet in the round.

Examples of Crochet Projects That Start With a Magic Circle

Once you’ve learned how to make a magic circle in crochet, it’s time to start exciting new projects! Below are just a small sample of the crochet projects that are now available to you.

1. 1. Amigurumi “Mr. Frog Crochet Pattern”

Image source: Jenny and Teddy

This adorable amigurumi frog friend is sure to be loved by children and adults alike. Besides the magic ring/circle, you only need to know a few basic crochet stitches and skills. The free pattern is available online.

Gift these to the children in your life with a custom woven label with their name on it. Or better yet, sell these in your online crochet shop with an impressive, branded hang tag. Either way, Mr. Frog is a guaranteed hit.

      2. Puppy Dog Hat

Image source: Repeat Crafter Me

It doesn’t get any cuter than this puppy dog hat. This free crochet pattern is a top-down hat pattern that starts with a magic loop. 

Remember that not everyone knows how to properly care for yarn, so plan ahead. If you decide to sell these in your crochet shop, consider including a custom care label so that your customers can enjoy their hats for years.

      3. Chair Socks

Image source: Plus 3 Crochet

Magic circles aren’t just for creating adorable toys and accessories; they can also be used to create functional pieces for the home. These chair socks start with a magic circle and only require you to know the chain stitch and single crochet stitch. 

Make them for yourself with this free online pattern, or give them away as gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What yarn and hook size are best for using the Magic Circle?

In general, a medium-weight yarn (worsted weight) and a hook size appropriate for that yarn are good starting points. However, you can adjust the yarn weight and hook size to achieve different effects in your projects. Experimenting with different combinations will help you find the perfect match for your intended creation.

Can I use the Magic Circle for projects that are not worked in the round?

The Magic Circle is specifically designed for projects worked in the round. If you’re working in rows (back and forth), the Magic Circle is not the appropriate starting method. In such cases, you’ll need to use a traditional foundation chain or other suitable techniques.

Still have a hole in the center, what to do?

If you find a hole in the center of your initial round of stitches, the issue might lie with your yarn. Certain fibers do not compress as effectively as others. Alternatively, it could be due to attempting to create an excessive number of stitches in that first round. Typically, when using the magic ring technique, it is recommended to begin with approximately 6 stitches in the starting round.