Magic Circle

It may sound mystical, but the crochet magic ring is really so easy. The magic ring is an alternative way to begin crocheting in the round.

Oftentimes when crocheting in the round, you are instructed to chain 2-4 stitches, create a loop, and then work you first round in that loop. This loop, however, cannot be closed once the first round has been work and can leave a hole in the center of your round. By using the magic ring, you can work as many or as few stitches in your beginning round.

Here's how to begin with a magic loop

		Step 1: Lay the yarn tail from left to right across the top of your index finger, then loop the yarn once around four fingers, laying the working yarn (the yarn that is closest to your skein of yarn) behind the yarn tail. The working yarn will fall to the right and the tail will fall to the left.

Step 2: Loosen the loop from your	fingers carefully, keeping the working yarn behind the yarn tail. (You can also pinch the loop with your fingers where the two yarns cross if you find that easier.) Use the crochet hook to pull up a loop from the working yarn.	Step 3: Chain one stitch.

	Step 4: Work your single crochet in the ring around the ring and tail yarn. Single crochet the desired number of stitches.

	Step 5: Pull tail yarn to cinch ring closed. Step 6: Slip stitch into the first stitch to join round.

Note: When using this technique, if you are unable to make the ring close completely, beware that not all yarn will compress that densely. Also, if you are using a large number of stitches in the first round, that might leave the small hole.

When using this technique, the yarn tail must be woven in securely, otherwise the magic ring could become loose and unravel. One way to do that, is to simple crochet it into the next rounds of stitches until it disappears.

This is an excellent technique to add to your crochet toolbox, especially if you're interested in crocheting amigurumi, bags, hats and so much more.