How to Crochet a Magic Circle

Learn how to crochet the magic ring with this easy-to-follow crochet circle tutorial.

By: Emi Harrington for AllFreeCrochet.com

What's the difference between the magic circle, the magic ring crochet technique, and the magic loop? They're all ways to start a crochet project in the round and... they're all different names for the same technique!

The crochet magic circle, also known as the magic ring and the magic loop, allows you to pull the hole closed for a more defined look. Follow this crochet tutorial to learn this stitch. Magic circle crochet patterns can be used for a variety of patterns including crochet hats, scarves, bags, and more.

When crocheting in the round, there are several ways to start: you may chain 4, slip stitch to join and form a ring, you can chain 3 and make double crochet stitches in the 3rd stitch from the hook, or you can begin with the magic crochet circle.

The first two methods will leave a hole in the center of your work, but the 'magic ring' crochet technique will allow you to pull the hole closed, letting you work into an adjustable ring until you've increased your stitches enough to close up the hole.

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Below, learn how to crochet a magic circle with a video tutorial and written instructions (with pictures). Then check out the set of free magic circle crochet patterns to try. This complete guide will make you a master of these techniques in no time.

What is a Magic Circle?

A magic circle is a way to start a crochet project that doesn't involve chains, tension, or holes. It's one of the most popular ways to start different types of crochet projects but particularly important and helpful for amigurumi and round crochet patterns.

Magic Circle Crochet Video Tutorial:

For the visual learners, learn how to crochet the magic loop by following along with this YouTube video right below. As helpful as the photo tutorial is, seeing the movements in real-time always helps crocheters understand what to do.

How to Crochet the Magic Circle:

FIRST: Want to save this pattern tutorial for later or print it out in an easy-to-follow format? Get our free printable PDF.

Click Here to Download
the How to Crochet a Magic Circle PDF
How to Print the PDF:
Printing this is as easy as 1-2-3! If you're not familiar with printing PDFs, here's the step-by-step, along with a few tips.

Click the red button right above this section that reads, "Click Here to Download the How to Crochet a Magic Circle PDF". Or, just click this link here to download.
Find and open the PDF.
Pro tip: You may see the download appear at the bottom of your browser window, and you can open it from there. Or check wherever your downloads are set to save to (the Downloads folder is often a default location).
Click the "Print File" button, choose the printer, choose how many copies you want, make any additional adjustments needed for personal preference, and click the "Print" button.
Grab your hook, yarn, any other supplies needed, and you'll be ready to crochet this beauty!

Magic Circle Tutorial:
If the above magic circle crochet video tutorial wasn't enough to help you crochet the magic loop, this step-by-step photo tutorial should help you figure it out!

To make the magic loop and learn how to crochet circles, first begin in the same manner as usual in crochet: Make a loop.

Image shows step 1 for crocheting a magic ring, which shows a hand holding yarn in a loop.

Pick up the yarn.

Image shows step 2 for crocheting a magic ring, which shows a hand holding yarn in a loop with a hook in the other hand pulling the yarn through.

Pull through the first loop.

Pick up the yarn again to make a chain stitch.

Image shows step 4 for crocheting a magic ring, which shows a hand holding yarn. There's a hook in the other hand pulling the yarn through to make a chain stitch.

Pull through the loop. (Chain stitch completed.)

Image shows step 5 for crocheting a magic ring, which shows a hand holding yarn in a loop. There's a hook in the other hand pulling the yarn through to make a chain stitch.

Pick up the yarn again to begin a single crochet stitch.

Image shows step 6 for crocheting a magic ring, which shows a hand holding yarn. There's a hook in the other hand pulling the yarn through to make a single crochet stitch.

Pull through the loop.

Image shows step 7 for crocheting a magic ring, which shows a hand holding yarn. There's a hook in the other hand pulling the yarn through to make a single crochet stitch.

Pick up the yarn again, and finish the single crochet stitch.

Image shows step 8 for crocheting a magic ring, which shows a hand holding yarn. There's a hook in the other hand pulling the yarn through to make a single crochet stitch.

Continue to make single crochet stitches in the main loop.

Image shows step 9 for crocheting a magic ring, which shows a hand holding yarn. There's a hook in the other hand pulling the single crochet into the main loop.

At the end of the round of single crochet stitches, pull on the yarn end to gather the hole closed, and continue with your pattern.

Image shows step 10 for crocheting a magic ring, which shows a hand holding yarn. There's a hook in the other hand pulling the single crochet into the main loop.

Photo shows the magic circle finished, with the hole gathered closed.

Image shows step 11 for crocheting a magic ring, which shows a hand holding yarn. There's a hook in the other hand with the finished crochet magic circle.

Magic Ring Crochet Patterns

What did you think about our magic loop tutorial? If you think you have a handle on the crochet technique, check out some of our top patterns that use the crochet magic circle technique below!

Vineyard Grapes Granny Square - With a beautiful color combination, this garden-tastic granny square will delight you.
Recycled T-Shirt Crochet Rug - Shown below! Not only is this crochet rug gorgeous, but it's functional too. Add this for the perfect addition to any home.

Pansy Crochet Flower - These crochet pansies are as beautiful as the real things. Make a whole garden of yarn with these.
Magical Market Bag - There is a bit of magic in the making of this bag. It's an easy and efficient pattern that creates a lovely and useful bag.
Crochet Orange - It looks so delicious, you'll want to eat it! Now that you know how to crochet the magic circle, this orange amigurumi pattern will be super simple.
Peacock Crochet Earrings - Shown below! These crochet earrings are some of the most beautiful designs we have seen. Make these using magic circle crochet.

Fingerless Minion Mitts - Minions are super popular which is why this fun crochet project is a fun one that many will enjoy.
Hexagon Crocheted Scarf - This crochet scarf pattern uses the magic ring to keep the shapes tight within the design.
Daring Diamond Kids Hat - We can't get over the pretty texture of this children's hat. The diamonds create a beautiful look that everyone loves.
Sea Glass Crochet Bag - Shown below! Perfect for a beach-loving crocheter or a gift for a beach-bound friend, this cute bag is a must-make.

Up Next

More Magic Ring Crochet Patterns >>>

What's your favorite method of starting crochet?
Let us know in the comments!

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jammkma 2726701

Feb 15, 2021

Tried this craft? What did you think?

KLC

Feb 28, 2018

Incredibly helpful tutorial and I like the addition of the video to get that extra info.

mulberrygalprinces s

Dec 09, 2017

You have no idea how many times I have tried to make a magic circle! How many hours of frustrTion and anger I have felt. I have been crocheting for 50 years and have learned many difficult stitches. But this simple idea had me stumped. I just saw this and was saying, oh yeah, simple? Sure. Then I did it! I really did! Thank you , thank you!

JaneEK

Dec 07, 2017

I prefer using a Magic Circle in place of the Chain method as it just gives the project a neater look. But I have hesitated to teach this to my senior students because its hard enough for me to manipulate the yarn and hook. This video tutorial is just wonderful! Its just as easy as the author claims, and Ill be changing how I work a Magic Circle immediately and passing this new method on to my students.

Cheryl Y

Sep 11, 2017

This is great! I love using the Magic Circle for crocheting in the round. It makes a nice tight closer, but not the best if you want to add a pom pom. This tutorial and the pictures are spot on and one of the best I have seen todate. Thank you so much for sharing this free tutorial.

ChaCha Rizzo

Apr 03, 2017

There is also a great video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2Y0HoHDP9M

msjuly46tats 12333 39

Feb 25, 2017

LOL THE STEP BY STEP SHOW ME HOW TO MAKE CROCHETING PATTERNS THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO LEARN HOW 2 CROCHET YOUR FAVORITE PATTERNS thanks so much for sharing your CROCHET STEP BY STEP PATTERNS

schiebet

Feb 10, 2017

This magic circle tutorial is really good, and I like it so much better than chaining, slip stitching, and then working in that tiny little hole. It's much easier, and I like the pattern links at the bottom too.

craftedbyfox

Jan 12, 2017

The picture tutorial and video are really good, this has been a great help to enable me to master the magic ring / circle. I think that once you get the hang of it it is much easier to do than making a chain ring. The finished product also looks much neater when you use the magic ring as it avoids having a small hole in the centre as you can pull the stitches right afterwards and secure.

jsu 1635432

Dec 09, 2016

It worked! This thing is the best!

lisawaller 1154580

Jun 28, 2016

#Best Idea Ever Great Video Tutorial. Thank you for showing me how to make the magic loop.

Zeemer

Jun 22, 2016

Finally, I found a pattern for making the magic loop. I will try this and see which method is easier and faster to make. Thanks for having the pattern and photos on the front page.

trotter2047 280755 3

Jun 02, 2016

#BestIdeaEver I don't use this often and forget exactly how this is done.. thanks for this, as I always come back to it

heapsfun 9314604

May 17, 2016

Wow! I used the video tutorial to try a magic circle and it worked the first time! Thanks so much for taking the time to teach people.

marleneberkowitzq 2554867

May 09, 2016

Excellent tutorial explaining a needed tool in crocheting. Very understandable even without watching the video.Thank you.

mulberrygalprinces s

May 06, 2016

I ignored the so called magic circle term for a year and just continued to form my regular circle. It sounded complicated. Then when I saw this video tutorial, I decided to give it a try. It took a few trial and errors but I finally got it. Now I am sorry I didn't try it sooner. The video really did the trick. Thanks

jsu 1635432

Dec 09, 2016

Same with me!

gkrw6 8417314

Jul 29, 2014

I keep trying to make the first sc after the first chain st and it falls apart! :( The directions are not very clear. IS there a VIDEO that SHOWS the directions being done step by step please?

gkrw6 8417314

Jul 29, 2014

I found the video for this tutorial on You Tube and was able to make the magic circle with no trouble! :)

jojosubrbo

Feb 08, 2014

How do you join a circle when you crochet six sc on a dpn? How is that possible?

hamrick70

Jan 09, 2014

I still don't know how many stitches to put in the magic circle. One pattern I have said to begin with a magic circle. Is it 4 stitches, then pull,or do you fill up the ring? Could someone explain it to me? I'm just learning and this is a bit confusing.

Teri1962

Feb 09, 2014

Your pattern to say how many stitches to put in the "magic circle." You should start with a ch 2 or 3 then so many sc or dc. Like my pattern says "ch 2, 8 dc in ring. Sl St to 1st dc." I hope this helps!

ewallace14 2949261

Sep 10, 2013

hoe tomake a free loop of a chain

footse

Jul 12, 2013

I have been crocheting since I was 6 years old I am now 66 and I have never encountered the term "magic circle" before. Thanks for the helpful information. This site is terrific.

imaginable630 2953 254

May 02, 2013

Brilliant! I looked at youtube and other sites and this was the most clear for me - I got it! Thank you so much.

Jumpygirl7 1857927

Apr 24, 2013

Awsome

Beth4life

Mar 09, 2013

This is hard to follow. A live tutorial would probably help. I've been shown the magic circle made a different way. I always need instruction for this as I don't may ke majic circles that much.

JPKittee51

Feb 16, 2013

I've used this technique, and although I haven't done it as often as I should have to commit it to memory, it is the best way to make the first round of anything and not leave a hole in the center. I found that if you hold that strand of yarn that you pulled the center closed with to the back of your circle, that you can also pull it through as a slip stitch on the back of your circle and it won't unravel. Later you can hide it in the crocheting by pulling it through a few stitches and then cutting it off! Works that way for me.

kaysie

Oct 06, 2012

Now that you have the circle made and connected to the first stitch, what do you do with the adjustable yarn to secure the size of the hole? I am working with a pattern that has a small center and heavy crocheting on the outside of that center which pulls the circle back open too large. I'm not sure crocheting over the strand will hold it.

billnkat 3708130

Aug 23, 2012

Whoa! I'd never heard of a magic circle, so I had no idea what to expect. When this turned out just how you said it would, I was so suprised and excited! This is by far the coolest crocheting magic trick I know!

crocheting4me

Dec 26, 2011

neat

kingsdaughter82 83 65176

Dec 21, 2011

even after this i still am having trouble with circles because it somehow always turns into something that looks like it should be a hat for a doll... any suggestions?

editorKS

Dec 22, 2011

Hi, kingsdaughter82 8365176. Here is a link to a magic circle video tutorial on our YouTube channel: http://youtu.be/7zXtq3tAM_A Maybe seeing a visual will help! Good luck! --Editors of AllFreeCrochet

JPKittee51

May 16, 2011

I always have trouble when i make a circle to start because I can never get the circle to close. thanks for making it easy to see how to do it. I doubt I'll have problems with it again after this tutorial.

Whitley

Oct 19, 2010

I had never known about the "magic circle" until i ran across a pattern that called for an adjustable ring instead of the regular chain-4 ring. I might use the magic circle for all my round pieces!

Mity26

Aug 27, 2010

I learned this method from a Japanese crochet magazine/book in the 60s and am glad to see that others are using it. I have taught many others the benefit of no-hole centers. One note though: If the base row is to be a double crochet begin with a double loop. BTW-I still have the magazine, because all the patterns were diagrammed, I didn't have to be able to read Japanese!