Crochet a Magic Circle

As we already know, many crochet projects are started with a slip knot. I typically start mine by wrapping the yarn around the fingers of my left-hand. The magic circle is started in the same way. Assuming that you are right-handed, use your right hand to wrap the yarn across the front of your first two fingers on your left-hand, and pull the yarn all the way around, overlapping the previous yarn so you have an X. Please refer to the video below. 

Insert your crochet hook over the top of the X formation, and under the left side of the X.

Now, this is where I sometimes do things differently than most people. Shocker, I know. . . 

Instead of removing the entire circle from your fingers and trying to hold it and crochet into it at the same time, I leave my yarn on my fingers, and use my working yarn to begin my stitches. Crazy easy, right? That circle is always awkward for me to hold and navigate, and I’ve found that this works much better for me.

So, with my hook positioned under my yarn, I yarn over and pull my working yarn under the bottom.

I then chain stitch one, and proceed with my single crochets as intended.

I typically continue this for a few more stitches so that I ensure to maintain my grip when I do finally slide the yarn free of the fingers on my left hand. Continue to crochet however many stitches the pattern you are using calls for on the magic ring. 

Once you are completed with the required stitches, keeping your yarn in the last loop, pull the tail of the yarn tight to pull the ring closed. 

Slip stitch into the first chain that you made. This is Row 1.

Continue on by reading your pattern for the next rows.

Video Tutorial of the Magic Circle in Action

In the video below, I use the magic circle (or magic ring) method to begin the pattern for my solid granny squares. I know that many of you are visual (and I very much am also), so I wanted to show you all how I do it (in the video, I remove the circle from my fingers prior to starting the stitches though). Enjoy!

Thanks for sticking with me until the end! I know I’m often long-winded, but I believe in having the foundations of crochet down pat, as these are things that you will do over and over again. For additional information, please see the Frequently asked Questions about the Magic Circle below.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve heard it called a magic loop. Is that the same thing, or something different?

The magic loop is more of a knitting term, however some people do also use it as an alternative to the magic circle, or magic ring in crochet. As long as you check your pattern and ensure it calls for a crochet hook, if it uses the term “magic loop” it is talking about this method.

Do I only use this method if the pattern calls for it, or can I substitute it for the chain and stitch method?

You can definitely substitute it! Just perform this and the same number of stitches that you would do in the circle on the original pattern. As long as it makes sense, and doesn’t alter your design concept, you can use this method any time you start a crochet project in the round.

As I crochet, my circle loosens up. How can I prevent this?

First of all, ensure that you are pulling your yarn taught. Depending on the type of yarn you are using, of course some will be a bit more stretchy than others. If you leave a long-tail, weaving in the end early on during the project can also help to hold it into place.