Answer
What Is a Magic Ring in Crochet? The Magic Circle Explained
A magic ring, also called a magic circle or adjustable ring, is a loop of yarn you crochet the first round into and then pull tight, so a piece worked in the round starts with no hole in the middle. Most amigurumi patterns start with it, written as '6 sc in MR'.
At a glance
| Where | What's there | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Craftuary Academy: magic ringours | Lesson 3 of Crochet 101: a free looping 3D animation of making the ring, working 6 single crochet into it and pulling it closed. | Seeing the ring from every side |
| Craftuary: how to read a crochet patternours | A worked example that starts with 6 sc in MR and grows to 24 stitches, round by round. | What comes after the ring |
| Craftuary Little Ghostours | A free beginner amigurumi that starts with a magic ring, every round written out with its stitch count. | A first toy to try it on |
| Craftuary pattern checkerours | Paste a pattern that starts in a magic ring and it counts every round from there. | Checking the rounds that follow |
| Craft Yarn Council | The master list of standard crochet abbreviations. | Standard abbreviations |
How to start
- Wrap the yarn into a loop. Cross the working yarn over the tail, making a loop, and hold the cross.
- Pull up a loop and chain 1. Insert the hook into the loop, pull up the working yarn and chain 1. The chain doesn't count as a stitch.
- Work the first round into the ring. Usually 6 single crochet, all over both strands of the loop.
- Pull the tail tight. The ring closes; then weave the tail in through several stitches so it stays shut.
Questions
What can I use instead of a magic ring?
Chain 2, then work the first round's stitches into the second chain from the hook. It leaves a slightly bigger centre, but it is easier to learn.
Why does my magic ring come undone?
The tail wasn't secured. After pulling it tight, weave it through several stitches in different directions before trimming it.
How do I count the stitches in a magic ring?
Count the stitches you worked into it, not the ring: '6 sc in MR' is 6 stitches.
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