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Sweety Dreamz
US: MRUK: MRBeginner

Magic Ring: Step-by-Step Tutorial

The magic ring, also called the magic circle or adjustable ring, starts a project worked in the round. Instead of joining a ring of chains, you work the first stitches into a loop of yarn and then pull the tail so the centre closes completely. It is the start of almost every amigurumi.

Turning chain
None (worked in the round)
Height
Not a stitch: it is a starting ring

Step by step

  1. 1

    1. Cross the yarn

    Wrap the yarn around two fingers so the tail end crosses over the working yarn, making an X on the back of your fingers.

  2. 21 loop on hook

    2. Pull up a loop

    Insert the hook under the first strand, catch the working yarn and pull up a loop. Keep the ring on your fingers.

  3. 31 loop on hook

    3. Chain 1 to secure

    Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook. This chain does not count as a stitch.

  4. 41 loop on hook

    4. Work into the ring

    Insert the hook into the centre of the ring, under both the ring and the tail, and work your first single crochet. Repeat until you have the number of stitches the pattern asks for (usually 6).

  5. 51 loop on hook

    5. Close the ring

    Slip the ring off your fingers and pull the tail firmly. The stitches gather into a tight circle with no hole in the middle.

Illustrations show the hook and the loops on it at the end of each step. Instructions use US terms (MR); in UK patterns this stitch is written as MR.

Video tutorial

The video for this stitch is being filmed

Follow the illustrated steps above in the meantime. Add the YouTube ID in the stitch data to publish it here.

Tips

  • Leave a tail of at least 10 cm so you can pull the ring closed and weave it in securely.
  • After the second round, weave the tail through the first round in the opposite direction so the ring can never loosen.
  • If the ring will not close, you have probably worked around the tail only. Make sure each stitch catches both strands.

Common mistakes

The ring opens up again after washing.
Weave the tail back through the first round, then split the yarn on the way back so it locks in place.
The tail will not slide to close the ring.
You pulled the wrong strand, or stitches trapped the working yarn. Start again and pull the tail end only.

Questions

Is a magic ring the same as a magic circle?

Yes. Magic ring, magic circle, magic loop and adjustable ring all describe the same technique.

Can I use a chain ring instead?

Yes. Chain 2 and work your stitches into the first chain, or chain 4 and join into a ring. The centre will have a small hole.

How many stitches go into the ring?

Most amigurumi start with 6 single crochet. Granny squares and doilies use more, as the pattern says.

Practise the Magic Ring

Patterns where this stitch plays a starring role.

Keep Learning

All stitches

Next up: Chain Stitch