What Is a Magic Ring in Crochet?

A magic ring is a loop that you crochet into to begin projects worked in the round. Unlike traditional methods like chaining and slip stitching into a loop, the magic ring allows you to tighten the starting hole completely—leaving no gap at the center of your work.

Why Use a Magic Ring?

• No hole in the center: Perfect for stuffed toys and round motifs
• Professional finish: Creates a polished, seamless look
• Adjustable: You control the size of the opening

Materials You’ll Need

• Any yarn of your choice (worsted weight yarn is great for beginners)
• Matching crochet hook (check the yarn label for recommended size)
• Scissors
• Yarn needle (optional, for weaving in ends)

💡 Tip: Beginner-friendly yarn like Red Heart Super Saver or Caron Simply Soft works great for practicing magic rings. Pair it with a Flylin Soft Touch Hook for comfortable crocheting.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Magic Ring in Crochet

Step 1: Create a Loop

Wrap the yarn around two fingers to form a loop, with the working yarn (yarn attached to the skein) on top.

• 1 - 4: Wrap the yarn around your fingers to form a X.
• 5 - 6: Turn your hand over and feed you crochet hook under the first loop and over the second, hooking the second loop.
• 7 - 9: Pull the yarn through the first loop, pivot your hook up, then yarn over and wrap over the second loop again.
• 10-12: Pull the yarn through the second loop.

Step 2: Chain One (or More)

Make one or more chains depending on the stitch you’ll be using. 

For single crochet, chain one. For double crochet, chain two or three.

Step 3: Crochet into the Ring

Work the required number of stitches directly into the loop over both strands (the working yarn and tail). 

For example, 6 single crochets is common in amigurumi.

Step 4: Tighten the Ring

Hold the stitches and gently pull the yarn tail. 

This will close the center tightly.

Step 5: Continue Working in the Round

You can now join with a slip stitch or continue working in spiral rounds, depending on your pattern.

For more information on crocheting in the round, checkout How to Crochet in the Round: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners.

Common Magic Ring Mistakes & Tips

• Stitches falling off the loop? Hold your loop securely while crocheting into it.
• Loop not closing tightly? Make sure you're pulling the yarn tail, not the working yarn.
• Hard to see what you're doing? Practice with light-colored, smooth yarns.

Patterns That Use a Magic Ring

• Amigurumi animals
• Crochet coasters
• Granny squares
• Hats worked from the crown down
• Mandalas and appliques

💡 See our beginner-friendly amigurumi and circular pattern templates here .

Final Thoughts

The magic ring might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. It’s one of the most useful foundational crochet techniques you can learn—and it gives your projects a clean, gap-free start.

Ready to try it? Grab your yarn and hook, and give it a go!