How to Crochet a Magic Ring

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Craft a magic circle with this step-by-step guide for any crochet level

Co-authored by Lindsey Campbell

Last Updated: March 29, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Standard Magic Ring
|
• Double Magic Ring
|
• Two Chain Stitch Option
|
• Four Chain Stitch Option
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Things You'll Need

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A magic ring is an adjustable starting round used for crochet amigurumi patterns, granny squares and other patterns that work in crochet rounds. You can either make a standard magic ring or a double magic ring, which will give your project added durability. If you have difficulties with the magic ring, however, there are also a few alternatives you can use, instead.

How to Make a Magic Ring

• Make a standard magic ring by forming a loop with your yarn. Insert your hook under the loop from right to left and hook the tip onto a portion of the yarn from the ball end.
• Pull the yarn through the ring to create another loop. Then, create as many chain stitches as your pattern calls for, or depending on your desired ring size.
• After your first row of stitches, pull both yarn ends taut to close together the stitches and complete the magic ring.
• Make a slip stitch in the first stitch of your ring and continue to the next round.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Standard Magic Ring

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1. 
   1
   Form a loop with your yarn. 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, lies on the right while the "tail" of the yarn lies on the left.
2. 
   2
   Insert the hook through the loop. Slide the crochet hook under both pieces of yarn from right to left.

   • Use the hook tip to grab onto a portion of yarn from the working end (ball end) of the yarn.
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3. 
   3
   Pull the yarn through the ring. Pull the portion of yarn you grabbed through the ring to create another loop on your hook.

   • Note that this does not count as your first stitch.
4. 
   4
   Chain stitch. Create as many chain stitches as the pattern calls for.

   • The size of your chain depends on how large you want to make your ring. If you're making something like a granny square, make your chain around 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) long.
5. 
   5
   Put your first row of stitches into the ring.
6. 
   6
   Pull yarn ends. Hold the working end of the yarn taut while gently pulling down on the tail end. As you do this, the stitches should close together at the center, completing your magic ring.
7. 
   7
   Slip stitch into the first stitch. To close this round and start the remainder of your pattern, make a slip stitch into the first stitch of your ring, and proceed to the next round.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Double Magic Ring

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1. 
   1
   Wrap the yarn around the fingers of your left hand twice. Instead of creating a single loop, as you would with a standard magic ring, you will need to create two loops. The tail should be in the back on the right side, while the working yarn should be in the front towards your palm.

   • Note that this is very similar to the standard magic ring, but many prefer the double ring for projects that will see a little more action since a double magic ring provides greater durability.
   • You should wrap the loop around the first two fingers on your non-dominant hand.
2. 
   2
   Pull up a loop. Slide your crochet hook under the two loops of your double ring closest to your fingertips. Grab onto the working end of the yarn and pull it back through to the right, creating a loop on the hook.

   • Even though you will be creating a double ring, you only need to create a single loop on the crochet hook. The "double" portion mainly results from the double loop you made at the beginning of the process. Much of the remaining steps are similar to those you would use for a standard magic ring.
3. 
   3
   Make a starting chain. Grab onto the working end of the yarn and draw it through the loop currently on your hook, creating a single chain stitch.

   • You will usually 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.
4. 
   4
   Pull the ring from your index finger.
5. 
   5
   Crochet as many stitches as needed. Make as many stitches as required for the first round, according to your pattern's instructions.
6. 
   6
   Pull the tail to tighten the loop.

   • You may not be able to get both rings to close. That's okay; only one needs to close.
7. 
   7
   End the round and connect it to the next round, by putting a Slip stitch into the first stitch of the round.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Alternate Option

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1. 
   1
   Make a slip knot.

   • While your initial slip stitch is adjustable, the final ring will not be, so it is important that you make as tight and as closed a loop as possible by making tight, even stitches.
   • Use this as an alternative if you have difficulty creating the magic ring.
2. 
   2
   Chain two. Crochet two chain stitches.
3. 
   3
   Put your first round into the stitch second from the hook. Work your crochet hook through the second stitch away from the hook, which is also the first stitch you created, and create your first round, entirely in that stitch.
4. 
   4
   Slip stitch into the first stitch. To close this round and start the remainder of your pattern, make a slip stitch into the first stitch of your ring, and proceed to the next round.

   • Note that this ring is not adjustable like the magic ring is, but it will still give you the crocheted round you need for your pattern, and you may find it easier to create.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Additional Alternate Option

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1. 
   1
   Make a slip knot. Pull taut to create a loop on your hook.

   • Note that this method is another alternative if you have difficulty making an actual magic ring. While this initial slip stitch is adjustable, the final ring will not be.
   • This method might be better suited for patterns that use a double stitch, while the other alternate method mentioned in this article tends to be better for single stitch patterns.
2. 
   2
   Chain four. Crochet a series of four chain stitches to create a starting chain.
3. 
   3
   Slip stitch in the first chain made. In the first chain stitch you made, or the fourth stitch presently from the hook, slip stitch.

   • You should be left with one loop on your crochet hook.
   • Note that this will create a ring, but since this ring is fairly wide open, you will need to add more stitches to help close it more.
4. 
   4
   Chain. Create as many chain stitches as your pattern calls for in the first round using the same method you used to create the other four earlier.
5. 
   5
   Put your first stitch into the center of the ring. All the stitches of your first round (except for the chain stitches you just placed) should go into the ring.
6. 
   6
   Slip stitch in the third chain stitch.

   • Pull tightly on the tail
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How do I get rid of the tail when using the magic ring?

  

  Community Answer

  You can weave it in. Alternatively, place the tail on top of the magic ring in the second round, or round 1 stitches. Crochet over it, and you can cut it after a couple of inches. You won't be able to see it after.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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  Not Helpful 12 Helpful 16
• Question

  What does a crab stitch look like?

  

  Rebekah Armstrong

  Community Answer

  Crab stitch is also known as reverse single crochet. It is worked as a single crochet, only backward, and creates a lovely twisted stitch.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 15 Helpful 14
• Question

  How do I do crab stitching?

  

  Community Answer

  The crab stitch is a single crochet stitch worked from left to right instead of right to left. Working the stitches in the opposite direction is what gives the crab stitch its texture.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 21 Helpful 6

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Things You'll Need

• Crochet hook
• Yarn