How do I Make a Magic Circle?
The Magic Circle (or Magic Ring) is the bane of every beginner amigurumi maker. “How do I make a Magic Circle?” is one of the most frequently asked questions in online crochet groups.
The simple and annoying answer is – you make a Magic Circle with lots of practice!
The Magic Circle (abbreviated as MC or MR in crochet patterns) is a fancy way of wrapping your yarn so that you create a circle that you crochet into. You then pull on the end of the yarn tail to tighten the circle and create a seamless beginning to your amigurumi pieces.
We have broken the Magic Circle into 6 (hopefully) easy-to-follow steps with pictures:
Step 1. Holding the Yarn
Hold the yarn with your non-dominant hand, pinched between your thumb and ring finger.
Step 2. Create an X
Wrap the yarn around the back of your 3 fingers and then over itself to create a little cross or X.
Step 3. Grab the Left Side of the X and Chain 1
Put your hook under the right strand of the X.
Grab the left strand of the X with your hook, and pull it under the right.
Make a chain stitch with your working yarn.
Step 4. Single Crochet Over the 2 Strands of Yarn
You should now have a loop of yarn with 2 strands on the top and 1 on the bottom.
You need to work your first round of stitches over the two strands.
For this example, work 6 US single crochet stitches (UK double crochet) over the two strands of yarn.
Tip: Don’t pull your circle fully tight until after you’ve finished the second or third round. This makes it easier to see and work into the first round of stitches.
Step 5. Pull the Tail and Close the Magic Circle
Once you’ve done a couple rounds, pull the tail of the yarn and tighten your Magic Circle.
The back of the circle is shown in the image.
Step 6.
Sew in the tail using a wide-eye tapestry needle (this will stop your magic circle from coming undone).
Thread the needle with the yarn tail and weave it under the first round of stitches to the left, then back under the stitches to the right, and finally to the left again.
Tip: Don’t sew in your tail if you’re just practising or you think you might want to undo the piece (just make sure you weave the tail in while it’s still accessible).
THAT’S IT! You did it, you incredible, amazing, talented human being!
… And if you didn’t get it – don’t worry! It can take multiple attempts.
Keep practicing. If you’re a visual learner, watch a few YouTube videos from makers like Bella Coco. Try different videos, blog posts, or illustrations until you find one that suits your learning style. All of our brains are unique, so you just have to find what works for you.
Practice makes progress… and you’ll need plenty of practice when learning any new skill (and this most definitely applies to crochet).
Cheeky Cheat: If you have tried and tried the magic circle and it’s just not working for you (or you just hate it), then there’s another technique that you can try. Chain 2, and work the first round of stitches into the first chain. Weaving in your tail can help tighten up this method: thread the tail on the needle and run it underneath the first round of stitches; pull tight before weaving back in the opposite direction.
