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Are you trying to crochet a cute stuffed animal and are getting stuck on what the heck your pattern means by “create a magic ring?” Crocheting in the round is a crucial skill for so many projects. The magic ring Isn’t the easiest thing to master. To this day every time I do it, I have to do it this specific way, the only way that has made any sense. However I promise that like any skill it does get easier over time with MUCH practice.
If your completely new to crochet or just want to refresh take a look at my how to crochet for beginners!
So, What is a magic ring?
The magic ring is simply a method used to start crocheting in the round. The magic ring allows you to crochet circular projects with no hole in the middle.
The magic ring is pulled tight once you add the desired number of crochet Sitches.
I’m convinced the magic ring is called what it is because it looks like magic. Although it looks like the easiest thing in the world, somehow it takes many people (INCLUDING ME) a very long time to master it.
The magic ring has a lot of names and all of them mean the same. exact. thing. It can also be called the magic loop, or the magic circle, or the adjustable circle/ring. Please don’t get confused if you see these different terms! However if you see the word Foundation ring, it does mean something different and I’ll go over that at the end!
The magic ring is going to be very important for any circular, in the round project. For example crochet stuffed animals (amigurumi), or even hats, socks, granny squares you name it.
How to make a magic ring
I mentioned in the previous paragraph that learning the magic ring wasn’t an easy crochet task for me. Still to this day I prefer making foundation rings whenever possible. This is the easiest method I have found to make them make sense!
Step 1: let the yarn hang over your hand.
Step 2: Wrap the yarn from the bottom of your hand back around again. Make sure this strand of yarn is placed behind the one that was already there before. You should have two strands of yarn on the top of your hand.
take note that the second 2 photos are the same. I am holding the 2 ends of the yarn so that it is secure.
Step 3: Take your crochet hook. Pull up a loop by bringing the second strand of yarn under the first. Do this gently we don’t want the end pulling through.
Step 4: At this point you’ve done it. Just chain 1. Make sure you are doing this with the yarn that is connected to the skein and not the tail end piece. This chain 1 does not count as a stitch when you start crocheting in the round.
Step 5: Add as many single crochets you want into the ring. You are treating the string in the ring like your foundation chain.
To single crochet you would put your hook through the loop and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
You can use this method for double crochets, half doubles, and even trebles if the need arises.
Step 6: To close the ring all you have to do is pull the loose end of the string and it should tighten!
The Foundation ring
A magic ring is worth learning. Do it, put in the work. However, it’s not always necessary and there is an easy way to achieve a similar result.
I do say similar result because although it forms a ring, and it does pull tight. It does not pull *as* tight as a magic ring will. How tight you are able to pull this closed will vary depending on how many crochet Sitches you are adding to the middle, and also the type of yarn.
I like to chain 4 for my foundation rings. I think this makes it really tight and almost invisible and like magic ring in most cases. However, I’ve seen multiple people crochet more chains into your foundation rings than that. Listen to your pattern and preference.
How to make the foundation ring
The foundation ring is super easy
Step 1: chain 4 (or however much you want)
Step 2: slip stitch into the first chain you made
Step 3: single crochet, or double or triple into the ring of chains you made!
Thats really it to the foundation ring. After you’ve added all the crochets you need you can pull the tail to tighten!
Which method do I use?
How do you know if you need to use a magic ring or if you can get away with using this method? My rule of thumb is typically if I’m making something with stuffing that has to be fully closed: it’s a magic ring. If I’m making something like a granny square or a cardigan that it doesn’t really bother me if I ended up with a tiny hole then I’d do this foundation ring. Test it out yourself! .
The difference between the magic ring and foundation ring
The foundation ring is slightly bigger than the magic ring. Magic ring leaves it nearly seemless.
I think they look extremely similar. Here is a picture of the foundation ring closed.
Overall both the magic ring, and foundation ring are crucial skills to crocheting and once you know how to do these you will be able to crochet in the round with ease! Good luck and happy crocheting!
