How to Crochet the Magic Circle

The magic circle, also known as the magic ring, is a great way to start your crochet pattern when you want a nicely closed center. This starting method is commonly used in amigurumi crochet patterns, but it is also suitable for any circular crochet project like hats, round dishcloths and hotpads, doilies and round blanket or afghan squares.

The magic circle is very easy to make. You just need to know how to wrap the yarn around your fingers in order to get it started right. You might have your own way to wrap it around, but below is what I do when I need to make one. I rarely use the magic ring in my patterns, but you will see it from time to time.

Instructions

Step 1: When I first learned how to make the magic circle I could never remember how to weave it around my fingers in order to start it properly. So I came up with this method: I wrap the yarn around my fingers the same as I would if I were to crochet. This helps me to secure the ball end of the yarn.

Step 2a: Then I bring the tail end down and wrap it around my center fingers. The tail end is secured between my thumb and pinky.

Step 2 b: Wrap it around the center fingers and secure between thumb and pinky.

Step 3a: Insert the hook underneath the loop and pull the ball end through. You now have one loop on hook.

Step 3b:

Step 4: Make your starting chains. For this tutorial I made one chain because I’ll be working with single crochets. For double crochets you would make at least two, and so on.

Step 5: Make your first single crochet into the circle making sure to work it over the tail end of the yarn.

Step 6: Continue to single crochet into the ring and over the tail end.

Step 7: Once all stitches have been made, pull the tail end tight in order to close off the circle.

See how easy that is?