How to Make A Magic Ring (MR)

A magic ring (MR) is important in crochet because it is the start of circular projects. In amigurumi, a magic ring can be used to start certain parts of the plushie, like the head or arms/legs.

 

There are two ways to make a magic ring:

  1. The Traditional Method (True Magic Ring) - this method works better for thinner yarn, gauge 4 or thinner.
  2. The Two-Chain Method ("Hack" Magic Ring) - this method works better for chunky yarn, like the kind of yarn we at Loved & Lovables typically use for our plushies. This is the method we like to use when we start our projects!

How to make a magic ring using the traditional method (a true magic ring):

  1. Hold the yarn tail between your left thumb and middle finger.

  2. Wrap the working yarn around your left middle and index finger so that it creates an X with the tail. Bring the working yarn all the way around and hold it between your left ring finger and pinky. At this point, there should be an X of yarn when your left palm is facing you and there should be two parallel lines of yarn when your left palm is facing away from you.

  3. With your left palm facing away from you, bring your hook underneath the first parallel line and hook the second parallel line.

  4. Bring your hook out from underneath the first parallel line and twist it around to create a loop on your hook.

  5. Grab the working yarn with your hook and pull it through the loop on the hook.

  6. Remove your fingers from the ring and insert your stitches for your first round into this magic ring.

  7. Pull the tail tight to close the ring.

 

How to make a magic ring using the two-chain method (a hacked magic ring):

  1. Create a slip knot. (If you don't know how to make a slip knot, click here!)
  2. Chain 2. (If you don't know how to make a chain, click here!)
  3. Insert the stitches for your first round into the first chain (the second chain from the hook). 

In case you are more of a visual learner, reference this YouTube video--it shows both methods: 

Skip to 0:22 for the Traditional Method.

Skip to 2:11 for the Two-Chain Method.


We hope this was helpful! If you had any trouble learning how to do this stitch or have questions or feedback, we would love to hear from you! Contact us here.

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