The magic ring is a great way to start crochet projects worked in the round. This clever technique creates an adjustable ring that can be pulled tight, eliminating the little hole at the center of your work.

traditional chain ring with open hole — chain loop method vs. magic ring method

closed magic ring — chain loop method vs. magic ring method

Reader’s Comment

FINALLY. I’m a knitter who has been trying to learn how to crochet for weeks. Every tutorial I’ve read has only frustrated me and made me wonder what I’m doing wrong.

Today, I found yours and discovered why I wasn’t getting it — NO ONE ELSE has explained the chain and turn or anything after that. Which is, like, HALF the instructions!

How to Crochet Guide

If you’re new to crochet, then be sure to check out this complete guide on how to crochet for beginners.

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Video Tutorial

What You’ll Need

Yarn. Smooth, light-colored, medium-weight yarn makes it easy to see your stitches.
Crochet hook. Choose a hook size based on the thickness of the yarn. For example, a size H-8 (5.0mm) hook is a good choice for worsted-weight yarn.

Terms and Abbreviations

sc: single crochet
MR: magic ring
working yarn: the strand of yarn coming from the yarn ball.
yarn tail: the end of the yarn

Instructions

The magic ring is worked in two parts. First, we’ll make the adjustable loop. Then, we’ll work whatever stitches the pattern calls for into that adjustable loop. (Note: This tutorial uses standard US terms and demonstrates a right-handed method.)

yellow yarn in an open hand — Lay yarn tail in hand.

Step 1: Create the Loop

Place the yarn tail in your open left hand.

Wrap the working yarn around your index and middle finger twice. Cross the yarn in front to form an “X,” with the working yarn hanging behind your fingers.

Pinch the yarn with your thumb to hold it in place, and rotate your hand toward you until your palm faces down toward the table. Looking at the back of your hand, you should see two parallel strands of yarn. The left stand is the working yarn, and the right strand is the yarn tail.

crochet hook and yellow yarn — Insert hook under the first strand

Step 2: Insert Hook and Yarn Over

Hold the crochet hook in your right hand. Insert your crochet hook from right to left, underneath the right strand of yarn.

Grab the left strand of yarn (working yarn) with your hook. Pull it under the right strand and rotate your hook up to form a loop. (Note: This loop does not count as a chain stitch.)

crochet hook grabbing a strand of yellow yarn — Yarn over with working yarn

Step 3: Chain Stitches

The number of chain stitches you make in this step depends on the type of stitch used in the first round of the pattern.

If your pattern starts with a round of single crochet, you’ll make 1 chain.
If your pattern starts with a round of half double crochet, make 2 chain stitches.
If the pattern starts with a round of double crochet stitches, make 3 chain stitches.

Since we’re working with single crochets in this example, we’ll chain 1. Wrap the working yarn over the hook from back to front, and draw the yarn through the loop on the hook. This completes one chain stitch.

At this point, the magic ring is secure enough that you can remove it from your index and middle fingers.

crochet hook under two strands of yarn — Work under both strands

six single crochets in a magic ring — Work under both strands

Step 4: Work Stitches into the Ring

In this step, we’ll work the first round of stitches into the center of the magic ring. For this example, we’ll make 6 sc.

Insert the hook into the center of the ring, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops. Repeat 5 more times for a total of 6 stitches.

Important: When you insert your hook into the center of the magic ring, make sure you’re working under both strands: the loop itself and the yarn tail.

Tip: If it feels like your stitches are twisting, or it feels hard to manage, try making the ring smaller. Pull on the yarn tail just a bit, and make the magic ring a little smaller. This should make it easier to work into the ring.

pulling on the tail end of yarn — Pull yarn tail to tighten

tightened magic ring — Pull yarn tail to tighten

Step 5: Tighten the Ring

Hold the stitches with your right hand, and pull the yarn tail to close the ring. Keep pulling until the hole is as small as possible.

Tip: Hold the stitches somewhat loosely so that you can pull the yarn tail to close the ring. If the ring won’t close, you might be holding on too tight!

As you close the ring, the turning chain and the last stitch of the round will meet.

slip stitch with crochet hook and yellow yarn — Slip stitch to join the round

Optional: Join the Round

At this point, some patterns will instruct you to “join the round with a slip stitch .”To do so, work a slip stitch into the first stitch of the round. Then, continue with the pattern.

Other patterns are worked in continuous (aka spiral) rounds. In this case, do not join the round with a slip stitch, but simply start the next round in the first stitch of Round 1.

Step 6: Weave in the Yarn Tail

Use a tapestry needle to weave in the yarn tail securely to prevent the magic ring from coming undone.

Variation: Double Magic Ring

This variation is very similar to the standard magic ring, but has an extra loop of yarn to give the magic ring greater durability.

three loops of yellow yarn on open hand — three loops of yarn

crochet hook under two loops of yarn — three loops of yarn

Place the yarn tail in your open left hand.
Wrap the working yarn around your index and middle finger three times. Cross the third loop of yarn in front to form an “X,” with the working yarn hanging behind your fingers.
Turn your hand, palm facing down. Insert your crochet hook from right to left, underneath the right two strands of yarn.
Grab the left strand of yarn (working yarn) with your hook. Pull it under the right strands and rotate your hook up to form a loop.
From here, make as many chain stitches as called for in the pattern, and start making the first round of stitches into the center of the magic ring.

Projects that Use the Magic Ring

Now that you know how to make a magic ring, I bet you’re eager to go practice it. Here are some easy beginner patterns that start with a magic ring.

Troubleshooting

Can I use the magic ring instead of other methods?

Yes. For most crochet projects that are worked “in the round,” you can simply substitute the Magic Ring technique for other starting methods.

I still have a hole in the center.

If your first round of stitches still has a hole in the center, it could be your yarn to blame. Some fibers don’t compress as well as others.

Or, it could be that you are trying to make too many stitches in that first round. Usually, the magic ring is worked with a starting round of 6-12 stitches.

My work is unraveling.

Remember to leave a long enough yarn tail to weave in at the end of your project – at least 6 inches. Weave in the yarn tail as securely as you can. Otherwise, the magic ring might come undone.

My yarn breaks when I tighten the ring.

It’s harder to make a magic ring with fuzzier yarns, like chenille, velvet, and blanket yarns. The yarn can get stuck when you try to tighten the ring, or even snap.

In this case, you can try making your first round of stitches very loose to make it easier to close the ring. If you’re still having trouble, make the magic ring with a similar shade of cotton yarn, and switch to the fuzzy yarn to make the first round of stitches.

How to Crochet a Magic Ring

Yield: 1

Active Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 1 minute

Difficulty: Easy

The magic ring is a way to begin projects that are crocheted in the round. To do the Magic Ring method, crochet the first round of stitches into an adjustable loop. Then, pull the loop tight to close the hole in the middle of your first round.

Materials

yarn

Tools

crochet hook

Instructions

Lay the tail end of the yarn against your open hand. Loop the working end of the yarn loosely around the first two fingers.
Working from right to left, slide the crochet hook under the right-hand piece of yarn and over the left-hand piece. Grab the left-hand yarn and pull up a loop.
Using your hook, grab the left-hand piece of yarn again, and pull it through the loop on the hook. Chain 1 (if doing SC)
Make your first round of stitches into the ring. Insert the hook into the magic ring, and draw up a loop to begin your first SC. (You will be crocheting over the loop and the yarn tail.) Complete the SC as usual. Continue making stitches until you have the required number for your pattern.

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Sarah Stearns

Sarah Stearns has helped millions of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. Read more.

With over a decade of experience in knitting and crochet, she has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, and Lifehacker.

40 Comments

Claudia says:

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I quit crocheting and quilting after my husband became ill and now want to start again. Your site has what I need. In my 80’s.

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Walt says:

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Hi Sarah, as other have said, thanks for a clear concise tutorial! I need a little extra help, my pattern says to “sc in join and… What is meant by into the join? I’ve just completed the slst and have my ring. For this pattern I will be only sc into the front or back loops. Does this mean to sc into the front leg of the slst since that’s what I infer is the “join”, or does the author simply mean to sc into the first stitch (which Id consider normal). I’m an advanced knitter trying something new. The pattern is a free one from ravelry titled “Ahh Spa Slippers” by Kris Basta. Thanks in advanced and I look forward to checking out your other content!

Walt

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1. Sarah Stearns says:
  
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  Good question. Looking at the stitch count, I would assume you’d make the first 2 sc in the first sc. Is there a way to contact the pattern designer for clarification?
  
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Juveria Asad says:

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Hey, I was just wondering to use your images what would the copyright licensing be?

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1. Sarah Stearns says:
  
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  Hello, You can email me at [email protected]
  
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Rachel says:

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Hi, Sarah. These instructions are great! I’m putting together a document of some items I’ve designed, a couple using a magic circle. Do you mind if I link to your page?

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1. Sarah Stearns says:
  
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  Sure, go ahead!
  
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2. Rachel says:
  
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  @Sarah Stearns, Thank you!
  My use for this was (I think) different from the typical. In lacy patterns, you usually want to see a hole in the center. But I was making ornaments for a small tree, and the magic circle helped in reducing the size, even though you don’t pull it fully closed. If you’re interested to see what that looks like, there’s an example here:
  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tiny-snowflake-1
  
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Sue says:

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Thank you for demonstrating the magic circle, I’m left-handed, which can complicate things a little sometimes

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drj says:

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Thank you so much for your clear instructions accompanied by the photos of each step. I have been crocheting since 1971 and have been doing my own thing all these years. Lately I have wanted to get into new territory and came upon this in several patterns. No pictures and minimal instructions. So I just went back to my usual chain 3 and close, then do the first row. This magic ring is so much better!

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Abby says:

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Thank you!!! You made this so clear

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Jean says:

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Need to know after I make my first two rounds and start my third, does the stitch on my needle count as my first stitch or not. I’m just learning.

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1. Sarah Stearns says:
  
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  Hi Jean, I think you are referring to the turning chain, but correct me if I’m wrong. Most of the time, the turning chain for single crochet does not count as a stitch. Most of the time, the turning chains for double crochet do not count as a stitch. For half-double crochet, it can go either way, so you should read the notes at the beginning of the specific pattern to see what the pattern designer wants you to do.
  
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Louise says:

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Oh my goodness! Thank you! I have been struggling with my magic circle being upside-down for ages! Your instructions are so clear and helpful! You will be bookmarked and shared! Honesty, thank you 🙂

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1. Sarah Stearns says:
  
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  You are so welcome! Thanks for the comment.
  
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Wren says:

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Literally the BEST tutorial I’ve found ! very easy to follow along, very clear instructions, thank you

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Rosemary says:

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This is the only tutorial that’s ever helped me do the magic ring. I can’t thank you enough.

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1. Sarah Stearns says:
  
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  Hi Rosemary! Yay, I’m so glad. You’re welcome!
  
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Audrey says:

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I’m working on 5th round of a magic circle and the instructions say there would be only 30 chains after it is complete. prior round had 24 chain. 5th round instructions say “*3 sc blo, 2sc blo into next stitch*, repeat til round complete.” The problem is that 30 chains doesn’t complete the full round! I’ve counted the chains on each round and I know I’ve done it correctly. Is there something wrong with the instructions ??

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1. Sarah Stearns says:
  
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  Hi Audrey, It sounds like you are crocheting a flat circle, right? This post might help: How to Crochet a Flat Circle Then, if you tell me what pattern you are using I will be able to help you with the instructions.
  
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2. Vickie says:
  
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  @Audrey, so, you have 24 stitches. You are going to increase by one stitch every fourth stitch. (24 divided by four is six) you will increase by six stitches in that round bringing you to 30 stitches by the end of the round.
  
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Rhonda says:

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Thank you

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Michelle Stock says:

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Came across my first pattern that started with a magic ring. I’m a beginning crocheter and had to google. Your link was the first one I clicked on I’d be darned if I didn’t get the Magic Ring right on the first try!! If this is the hardest part of my project, my family will have beautiful new Christmas stockings this year handmade by me! Thank you and mad props to you on the extremely helpful tutorial!

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1. Sarah Stearns says:
  
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  Yay, I’m so happy the tutorial was helpful! Have fun with the stockings!
  
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Usha says:

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You are a brilliant teacher. I bought a pattern using granny squares, and the way the author wrote her instructions ended with a rounded square. I’m a beginner, so I re rad the pattern several times blaming myself for this anomaly. Finally on frustration I googled ‘granny square’ and came up w your blog. Thank you, thank you, thank you – for being there

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Tracy Pynaker-Martinson says:

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Thank you so much for this! I have had such a hard time with magic rings and your tutorial made it easy!!!

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1. Sarah Stearns says:
  
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  I’m so glad! Thanks for your comment.
  
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Joanna says:

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Hey, I was wondering if you might have some advice for me. I’m currently working on an amigurumi project, doing round cheeks starting with a magic circle. I’ve made at least six attempts but however I try I either end up with a hole in the centre or a bulging piece that is very hard and sticks out, something very unsuitable for a toy…The circle is small, starts with 6 sc in a ring, then two rounds with increase and a finishing round…any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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1. Sarah says:
  
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  Hmm, that’s interesting – especially since you are starting with just 6 sc. Are you using a particularly bulky yarn?
  
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2. Joanna says:
  
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  @Sarah, well I’d say yes. Following instructions in a pattern I picked up a wool/acrylic mix (25/75) recommended for 4.5 hook, the gauge is also very similar. However the pattern says to make the work tight and use 3.25 hook, I start to think that the small hook might be the reason of my problem…
  
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Freya Monroe says:

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I’m so lost! Help! I keep doing exactly what it says but I keep getting stuck. I make the loop and start my first stitch. But it’s a mess! I can’t figure out how to loop it right to make it look like the photos.

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BevL says:

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This is the 1st set of instructions that worked for me, and I tried at least 3 others before this one. I think I finally got it right. Thanks!

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1. Sarah says:
  
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  You’re welcome! Glad it worked for you.
  
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Sherry Reed says:

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Thank you so much for the how to for the magic ring! I’ve lost count on how many YouTube videos and other instructions I’ve seen and could not get it. One time with your directions and I finally conquered the magic circle! Thank you!!

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1. Sarah says:
  
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  Thank you so much for this comment!! Hooray for you!
  
  Reply
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