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How to Crochet the Magic Circle Easy Tutorial

Step-by-step guide on how to master the magic circle; sometimes called the magic ring or magic loop. This magic loop creates and adjustable loop that can be loosened or tightened to make a small hole. Save the URL to this page and reference it often when you need to get your next crochet project started.

Crochet is a captivating and versatile craft that allows you to create beautiful and intricate designs using just a hook and yarn.

Among the numerous techniques in crochet, the magic circle, also known as the magic ring, is a fundamental skill that every crochet enthusiast should master. The magic circle is used to begin crocheting in the round, creating a seamless and tight center for projects like amigurumi, hats, and doilies.

Magic Circle, Magic Ring, Magic Loop

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through creating the magic circle, empowering you to unleash your creativity and embark on a crochet journey filled with enchanting creations.

Master the Magic Circle

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How do you crochet a magic circle for absolute beginners?

I seem to continually forget how to do the magic circle. While I have watched videos on how to complete the beginning circle, I have to find videos again each time. Then I end up watching countless videos until I get a good one that I can understand. Therefore, I made this visual for me.

All I really need is a visual that will help me remember the steps involved in making this. It just shouldn’t be this difficult to master; right?

After a bit, I realized that this could also be a help to someone else.

Therefore, I decided to write up a step-by-step guide on how to master the magic circle. Since I think there are more people just like me, I hope that you save the URL to this page and reference it often when you need to get your next crochet project started.

Step-by-step instructions and pictures to help demystify the magic circle, which is often called a magic ring too.

Thick Versus Thin Yarn – Consideration

This tutorial is done with a thick and chunky yarn to help show the process. However, you can also use a thin yarn to make the circle. If you use a really thin yarn, you may want to wrap the yarn around your finger a few times, as this will keep the yarn from breaking when you pull on the yarn to close the circle later on.

Uses for the Magic Ring Crochet Technique

Any circular crochet pattern that is circular would be a good choice for using this method to start the pattern like baskets, granny squares, and crochet amigurumi. Anytime you want to center of your work to be an adjustable slip ring that can be closed as needed after you have crocheted your required stitched in the center.

Sometimes a large unsightly hole in the center of your work just draws the eye to that and not he rest of the crochet stitches. That is the beauty of the magic ring.

However, I also enjoy making shawls and other items that are worked in the half round or semi-circle that use this method to start the pattern.

Additionally, some crochet patterns choose to use a beginning chain 4 closed with a slip stitch to start the crochet process for a circle. I have used both methods and they work just fine.

There are a few patterns that I have for free on the website that start with the magic circle. Please take a moment and look around. Here are links to a few though.

Colorful Sunshine Coasters

Easy Crochet Coasters for Beginners

Rocky Mountain Basket

Chunky Crochet Placemat

You Will Find a How To Video after the photo tutorial further below.

Free Crochet Tutorials

Here you’ll some some great free crochet tutorials for beginners. Even if you have been crocheting for a bit, the list of intermediate crochet stitches continues to grow. These are blog posts on an entire crochet stitch tutorial we’ve used to make lots of crochet projects.

master the magic circle step-by-step

Directions on How to Master the Crochet Magic Circle Technique

Skill Level

Beginner

Materials

To begin, gather the following materials:

Yarn: Choose any yarn weight and color of your preference. However, if this is your first time, a medium-weight yarn is often recommended for beginners.

Crochet Hook: Use a crochet hook that corresponds to the recommended hook size for your yarn.

Scissors: For cutting the yarn when finishing the magic circle.

Step 1:

With your working yarn, make the starting loop formation by making a loop (circle) with the yarn.

Note: I am showing you how to magic circle loop on a flat surface today. If feel the best way is to loop the yarn around my three fingers on my left hand. It is a great help in holding the strand of yarn while I get the first stitch completed.

Step 1 magic Loop
Step 1 magic Loop

Step 2:

Put the crochet hook through the loop (circle) and pick up the yarn pulling through the loop from the back to the front.

Step 2 magic loop
Step 2 magic loop

Continued Magic Loop-Step 2
Continued Magic Loop-Step 2

Step 3:

Insert the hook through the circle, yarn over and draw through. There should be two loops on the hook, as in the diagram below. Draw the loop that was just picked up through the first loop on the hook. You have created a chain one. However, this does not count as a chain one for your project.

Step 3 magic circle
Step 3 magic circle

continue drawing loop through circle
continue drawing loop through circle

This completes the magic ring.

That’s it! It is really that simple to make the adjustable ring. Now you are ready to add whatever crochet stitches your pattern uses, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, and so on.

In the continued example below, I have used the single crochet stitch to demonstrate how to work your stitches inside the ring and crochet over the yarn end too.

Continue with the Crochet Pattern Directions

Now you are set to continue to single crochet inside the circle.

It might sound funny; this will probably be the hardest part of the magic circle. Let’s add the first single crochet stitch, it is a great way to practice working in the center of the ring.

Step 1:

Insert hook through the circle, yarn over, and pull through the loop on the hook. You will have two loops on the hook.

The first picture shows the hook being inserted into the circle. The second picture shows putting the yarn over the hook. The last picture shows the completed first single crochet.

Recap: Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook for the first single crochet.

single crochet in magic circle drawing up loop
single crochet in magic circle drawing up loop

Pulling yarn over through magic circle
Pulling yarn over through magic circle

single crochet in magic circle
single crochet in magic circle

Step 1:

Now, you can continue to add your first round of stitches as directed by your pattern instructions to the magic circle.

The pictures that follow show multiple single crochet stitches in the magic circle.

two single crochet in beginning c circle
two single crochet in circle

single crochet stitches in circle

Step 3:

Complete the required number of single crochet stitches in the magic ring according to the pattern. Close the circle with a slip stitch. To complete the slip stitch, insert the hook into the first single crochet, yarn over and pull through that first single crochet and the loop on the hook.

slip stitch closing circle

Step 4:

Almost done!

At the end of the round of single crochet stitches, pull the short yarn piece to gather the circle closed. In the photo, you can see the small opening in the center after the yarn tail is pulled to close up the hole.

Magic Circle Completed
Magic Circle Completed

The magic circle is complete. Continue with pattern.

Note: The single crochet stitched is used in this tutorial. Once the magic circle is started, you can complete the required number of stitches with a half double crochet, double crochet, and so on…whatever the crochet pattern calls for.

Video Tutorial: How to Make the Magic Circle with 4 Ply and Chunky Yarn

Video Tutorial: How to Complete the Magic Circle Using Chunky Yarn

Master the Magic Circle
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How to Crochet the Magic Circle Easy Tutorial

Step-by-step guide on how to master the magic circle; sometimes called the magic ring or magic loop. This magic loop creates and adjustable loop that can be loosened or tightened to make a small hole. Save the URL to this page and reference it often when you need to get your next crochet project started.
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time5 minutes

Equipment

  • Crochet Hook: Use a crochet hook that corresponds to the recommended hook size for your yarn.
  • Scissors: For cutting the yarn when finishing the magic circle.

Materials

  • 1 yard Yarn: Choose any yarn weight and color of your preference. However, if this is your first time, a medium-weight yarn is often recommended for beginners.
Estimated Cost 1

Instructions

Step 1:

  • With your working yarn, make the starting loop formation by making a loop (circle) with the yarn.
    Step 1 magic Loop
  • Note: I am showing you how to magic circle loop on a flat surface today. If feel the best way is to loop the yarn around my three fingers on my left hand. It is a great help in holding the strand of yarn while I get the first stitch completed.

Step 2:

  • Put the crochet hook through the loop (circle) and pick up the yarn pulling through the loop from the back to the front.
    Step 2 magic loop

Step 3:

  • Insert the hook through the circle, yarn over and draw through. There should be two loops on the hook, as in the diagram below. Draw the loop that was just picked up through the first loop on the hook. You have created a chain one. However, this does not count as a chain one for your project.
    Continued Magic Loop-Step 2
  • This completes the magic ring.
    Step 3 magic circle
  • That’s it! It is really that simple to make the adjustable ring. Now you are ready to add whatever crochet stitches your pattern uses, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, and so on.

If you loved this post, share on your fave social media. This shows me that these types of posts are helpful – thank you!

I hope that you liked this pattern. If you are looking for more ideas for free crocheted projects, here are a few others you may enjoy.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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Peggy

Sunday 9th of October 2022

Finally a Magic Circle that works !!! It truly is magic !!! I have tried SO many and could never get the hole to close all the way. Thank you 🙏

patternprincess1

Monday 10th of October 2022

I am so glad this worked for you. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. Vicky

Ombre Crescent Moon Shawl - Pattern Princess

Tuesday 21st of September 2021

[…] can use the magic ring or this […]

Footprints in the Sand Beach Shawl - Pattern Princess

Tuesday 21st of September 2021

[…] You can use the magic ring. […]

Kitty

Thursday 2nd of January 2020

Thanks!! this magical circle is just what I needed to be able to make it! Thanks a million!

patternprincess1

Saturday 4th of January 2020

That is just wonderful news! Thank you so much for letting me know. Enjoy Crocheting.

Laura

Wednesday 4th of April 2018

Thank you! I was looking for some visual I could save for an offline reference. I have to look up a video Every. Single. Time. I don’t know why my mind refuses to remember how to do this! Magic ring dyslexia, I think.

This is perfect! I only wish your tutorial was available for a pdf download. Thank you!

patternprincess1

Sunday 8th of April 2018

I appreciate your feedback. I too like to have a paper copy that I can reference as needed. Based on your feedback, I have made this available as a PDF download through Etsy. I added two links in the blog post to the PDF. Enjoy making something beautiful.

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