***Updated November 2022***
Ever wondered how to make a magic ring? It was a term I saw here and there (and also reads as magic circle) when I first started diving into the online patterns and blogs of the crochet world. And I wasn’t quite sure what a pattern meant when it read to begin this way. I knew it had something to do with working in the round, but I wasn’t quite sure what the heck a magic ring was. So I turned to some crochet books I had, and puzzled over this idea. I’m sorry to say the book didn’t help in this instance. I then decided to hit up Google–and I found out exactly how this technique works! (So said I back in 2017.)
Basically, a magic ring is a type of loop or circle you create and then crochet into. Once you are done your round, you can pull the loop tight, closing up the center hole.
Many crocheters prefer using this method because you can pull that centre circle really tight. For a while, I did use this method quite a bit, and then I found another method I liked just as much that was easier that allowed for a small centre circle so I started using that more frequently. For a while anyway.
It’s a really neat trick, and the ability to decrease the size of your center hole is likely how it got it’s name. This is useful for many types of projects–hats, mandalas, other lace pieces, amigurumi, appliques and goodness knows what else. It’s nice for granny squares too I think.
So how does one create a magic ring? It’s really not that hard, and this useful video from Crochet Guru will really help. It’s how I learned! I hope today’s edition of Crochet for Beginners was just as magical as the magic ring is! I’ll be sharing one more technique and then the series will come to a close. Ideas for a new series for the blog? I’m open to suggestions 🙂
A word of caution however! (says me in 2022) If you don’t secure the magic ring correctly (or tightly enough) it can all go awry. And fall apart on you. As has happened to me, and of course, this always happens just as you fasten off your project.
To be quite honest, I’ve come not to trust this technique personally. I simply find it faster to use other methods when crocheting in the round that just as effective I think. I like to crochet all of the stitches of the first row into the first stitch of my hook after I’ve slip stitched to create a ring. I find that far more reliable and creates a nice small circle in the centre, which is the point of the magic ring.
As you can see, a magic circle can lose its power and cease to be magical. It turns from a dream trick into a yarn nightmare. Magic doesn’t always hold up to the light of day after all. Of course, a magic trick performed incorrectly will lack lustre. But you can fix this so be sure to be check out Shelley Husband’s article linked in the caption to help you if your magic ring falls apart in this way.
I suggest you practice this technique. When I used it consistently, I had no problem with my work falling apart. But then I switched methods and when I did go back to the magic ring, I started finding it fussy and twisty and then messed it up enough that my work fell apart. I know many designers use this technique so I’m not suggesting it’s a hit or miss when you chose to use it, all I am saying is that it needs to be done correctly and that you can think you’ve done it right when in fact, something has gone wrong in your technique. therefore, I would suggest practicing the technique before using it in a project you want to crochet without the headache of the magic ring falling apart.
Have you had a magic ring fall apart? Share your experiences in the comments!
