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If you want to crochet amigurumi, granny squares, or hats from the top-down, you will encounter the dreaded “Magic Ring” (also known as the Magic Circle). It is notorious for confusing beginners, but once you understand the mechanics, it will change your crochet life forever.
The magic ring allows you to start crocheting in the round without leaving a small hole in the center of your work. You crochet your first round of stitches into an adjustable loop, and then pull it tightly closed.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
1. The Setup
Hold the tail of your yarn in your left hand against your palm. Take the working yarn (the part connected to the skein) and wrap it around your index and middle fingers, crossing it over itself to form an “X” on the back of your fingers.
2. The Pull Through
Insert your crochet hook under the first strand of the “X” (the one closer to your knuckles) and grab the second strand with the hook. Pull that second strand under the first strand and twist your hook up. You now have a loop on your hook.
3. Securing the Ring
Carefully pinch the circle where the strands cross so it doesn’t fall apart, and slide your fingers out. Chain 1 to secure the ring.
4. Working Your Stitches
Now you have a large loop with two strands of yarn on one side (the loop itself, and the tail). Insert your hook into the center of the large loop, making sure you are crocheting over both strands. Make your required number of single crochets (usually 6 for amigurumi).
5. The Magic Moment
Once you have your 6 stitches, grab the short tail end of the yarn and pull it tight. The large loop will magically close up, leaving no hole in the center! Slip stitch to the first single crochet to finish the round.
Pro Tip: If your magic ring keeps coming undone, you probably didn’t crochet over both the loop and the tail in step 4. Keep practicing, and it will become second nature!