This Crochet Magic Circle Tutorial will show you a different way to make a Magic Circle. The Magic Circle or Magic Ring technique is a very useful skill to know. It can be used to in place of crocheting into a chain and will result in a closed ring at the bottom of your work.
The Magic Circle is often used to begin Amigurumi and other crochet stuffed animals. I use this technique in my Quick and Easy Bowl Cozies, Easter Egg Cozies, Sturdy Bottom Basket, and the On-The-Go Bottle Carrier.
One day I was talking with some friends in the Our Crochet Journey Facebook Group and they were telling me that just never understood how to make a Magic circle. This confused me because the technique was so easy.
I hunted down some Youtube Videos to see what the matter was, and I discovered I have a different method when making the Magic Circle. So I am going to show you how I do it. This Magic Circle Tutorial is different than the common technique but hopefully, you will find it easier.
Let me know in the comments below if you like this Magic Circle technique.
If you love to Crochet you will love my Printable Crochet Planner!
While you are here check out all the Free Crochet Patterns!
Sweet Heart Sweater / Winter Shawl / Hooded Dragon Scarf
The Traditional Magic Circle
The traditional way or common way to make a magic circle is to wrap the yarn in a spiral then use your hook to grab a certain thread, pull it up and make a slip stitch, then chain and work into the magic circle. Once you work your first row you pull your tail end and it pulls the center of the circle tight.
You do not make a slip knot in this method.
The Alternative Magic Circle (New Method)
I am not sure where I learned to make a magic circle, but the photos below show how I have always made a magic circle and I find this way very easy. The main difference between this method and the common method is that I start with a slip knot and with the yarn on my hook.
For this Magic Circle Tutorial you will need to know the difference between the yarn tail and your working yarn. When you make a slip knot you will have yarn on each side of the slip knot.
The shorter side is the yarn tail. The longer side that is most likely connected to a ball or skein of yarn is called your working yarn.
Video Tutorial
Magic Circle Tutorial (Single Crochet)
Start the Magic Circle by making a slip knot and putting it on your hook.
Take your yarn tail and make a circle like the photo below.
Treat that circle like a stitch and insert your hook into it. You want to make sure your hook goes under two strands of yarn.
Yarn over your hook and pull a loop back through your circle.
Yarn over once more and pull it through the two loops on the hook. This completes our first Single Crochet.
Work 5 more Single Crochets exactly the same way. (Or however many single crochets your pattern calls for.) Once all the Single Crochets are complete, pull on the yarn tail and it will tighten up the Magic Circle leaving you with little to no gap in the center of you Single Crochet.
From here you can either slip stitch to the first Single crochet or continue working in the round. This will depend on your pattern.
Magic Circle Tutorial for Half Double and Double Crochet
The Half Double Crochet and the Double Crochet Magic Circle are worked the same. For most Half Double Crochet patterns you will start with 9 Half Double Crochet in the first row and 12 stitches in the first row when using Double Crochet.
The only difference between this and the tutorial above is that you will Chain 2 before working into the circle.
Make a slip knot and put it on your hook. Chain 2, make a circle with the yarn tail.
Yarn over, insert your hook in the circle, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over once more and pull that loop through all other loops on the hook. Your first Half Double Crochet it made.
Work a total of 9 Half Double Crochet into the Circle. (Or as many as your pattern calls for.)
Pull the yarn tail until your circle is closed tight. Slip stitch to the first Half Double crochet or follow your pattern as directed.
For a Double Crochet circle, you will Chain 2 at the beginning just like the Half Double Crochet Magic Circle Tutorial. You will just work 12 Double Crochet into the circle instead of the 9 Half Double Crochet.
And that is it. That is my technique for making the Magic Circle. I have been doing it this way since I first learned to crochet.
Did you like this new way to make a magic circle? Was it easier or harder than the other way? I would love it if you share your thoughts in the comments below. Check out more of my tutorials while you are here.
Let’s Connect
Want to know what I am making next? Follow me on Instagram @windingroadcrochet to see sneak peeks of what I am up to and to be notified of when I release new free patterns. You can also follow me on Pinterest and Facebook. Join our facebook group Our Crochet Journey and be a part of our community. Share, photos, ask for help and be inspired all in one place!
Written pattern, tutorials, graphs and pdfs of the Magic Circle Tutorial are copyright Windingroadcrochet.com. Please do not reprint or repost this content as your own, but please feel free to share this link with others. You can find more information on sharing my work with others in the Terms and Conditions Page.
Never saw it done this way before, but I’ll give it a try next time I need to make a magic circle. Looks easy enough.
Your method was great!!!! I loved it, it was easier than any other magic circle method I tried . Thanks for sharing! God bless you.
No
THANK YOU.
The magic ring has been driving me insane, with your method I can do it. ❤️
That is wonderful!
After years of clumsy fumbling I can finally do a graceful magic circle. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
This is amazing! It reminds me of the long-tail cast-on in knitting. Thank you so much!!!
You are very welcome.
It took me a long time to finally find a YouTube video that I could follow, and finally understand just how to make the magic circle (ring). Your way is so much easier, plus I learned just what it is I am doing when I make the magic circle. I finally figured it out, but I sure wish I had your explanation back then! Proof that your method is easier, you can explain how to make the magic circle, and the reader can follow you. You can’t explain how to make the magic circle, without the aide of a video, using the other method.
I love your group too! Thanks for taking such an active role in it!
The group has been so valuable to me. I do plan to make a video this weekend, especially to make it easier for the left handers.
Much easier!,, What do you do with the left over tail, do you hide it or just snip off?
You want to make sure you weave it in. Use a yarn needle to weave it one way through some stitches then weave it the opposite way. This will keep it from coming out.
I want to thank you so much for your magic ring tutorial. I have had trouble every time I tried making it and you make it look effort less. I am going to try it in my next project.
I’m loving this…I like to pull my circles tight and this way seems to hold the shape better. Thanks!
This looks so much easier, and how I kept trying to do the magic circle (but the tutorial pictures confuzzled me, so I gave up). Thank you!
Certainly an easy way to make one. I might even remember it , it’s so easy.
I love this. It is so easy and simple. Thanks for explaining it so clearly. I always got confused with the other method. I’ll do it like this from now on.
Glad I could help!
This does look a lot easier! Thank you ?
Your welcome!
Thank you so much for sharing your method for making the magic circle. It is certainly easier than any of the methods I have used. No more fumble-fingers.
Jill
I am SOOO happy that it helped.
Thank you for this version of making a Magic Circle! I’ve been crocheting for over 45 years and I love learning new stitches ands techniques. I also teach two crochet classes a month; Magic Circles are finicky and hard to do for new crocheters. This method will be a great way to present the technique.
That is wonderful! Anyway to make crocheting easier, so more people can enjoy it!
Thank you so much! This is truly the easiest way for me to do the ring! I will be looking forward to see more of your pieces! Thank you 😊
Like this way better as starts with the slip knot which helps secure the end as well. I always start with a slip knot except in changing yarns in c2c.
This is brilliant – thank you so much!!
This is a new way for me so I’m definitely going to give it a try. I always have to watch a magic circle video to get started but this way looks much easier and I think I’ll be able to remember it!! Thanks for sharing and for all your tips and patterns. Appreciate you!
Thanks so much…I have mastered the magic circle. Your method is much easier. Thanks again❤❤❤❤❤
This is how I also make mine except I wrap the yarn around my two left hand fingers to make the loop and then I insert and pull the yarn through and proceed like you.
Wow I love your method so easy. It took me ages to get my head around the magic circle utube method. This is a breeze. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing. Happing crocheting.
I am so glad it helps.
So much easier! I make quite a lot of amigurumi, and this will help a lot, thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing your magic circle. I understand your explanation and pictures!
I love your method. Much simpler than the usual way!
THANK YOU I WILL GIVE IT A TRY BECAUSE EVERY TIME I GO TO MAKE A MAGIC CIRCLE I START WITH A SLIP KNOT I HAVE TO PULL IT OUT ANS START ALL OVER TO WRAP IT AROUND MY FINGERS AND THEN I HAVE TROUBLE GETTING IT RIGHT. YOUR WAY SEEMS A LOT EASIER, THEREFORE THANK YOU.
Thank you so much for the explanation !! It’s super easy the way you explained , I love it
Have a blessing day !!
I’ve always done it your way.
Great minds think alike. I thought this was the common way to do it, then I started watching video tutorials and found out that I was wrong. So I thought I would share this way since I find it easier.
This has changed my crocheting life! I have always had to watch a video each time I had to make a magic circle… You are a genius! ❤❤❤
I am so glad to help.
omg thank you so much i have been struggling with the magic circle so proud of myself i did it your way and it was so much easier,i cant thank you enough 🙂
I am so glad it helped.
Can a left handed person do this?
Absolutely! Here is the link to the lefthanded video. https://youtu.be/CbPfMrzxSGQ
It is much easier this way. Thank you for sharing it.
Your Magic Circle method is so much easier with same result. After viewing tons of You Tube videos, I will be using your method. Not sure why viewed videos made this more difficult than necessary ;( Thank you!!!
Thank you. I have used the magic circle many times. Your method is a nice alternative.
I am glad you like it.
Fabulous!!
I have tried everything until your way saved my life. I now know how to do this skill. Magic ! Well now I know I am not crazy. Thank you. I have vision problems, but my craft keeps me going. Bless you. I am 73 but not in body, just need to learn new things.
”
You have no idea how many Magic Circle videos I’ve watched, trying to find the easiest one for me. I’ve been semi-successful (sometimes) lol, and can’t wait to try your method! It looks easier to me! I taught myself to crochet quite a while ago using thread and tiny steel crochet hooks. No one used a Magic Circle back then as we all crocheted with thread. Good thing my eyes were so sharp back then and that I was so very determined to learn to crochet (doilies)! Thank you so much for sharing your Magic Circle method with us. It’s really unique!
I think you will like this method. I too like to find the easiest way to do something. When I find an easy way to do something you can trust that I will share it!
Love this method of the magic circles! Thank you!
I am so happy that it helped you!
Thank you for the very clear explanation. I love the way you do it!
I am glad you enjoyed it. I have always done it this way and was shocked when I found out I was doing it ‘wrong’.
Absolutely love your Magic circle video..So much easier to do than any other I have tried. Thank you so much for sharing😀
You are very welcome. I just like to do things the easiest way possible and I love to share the ideas with the crochet community.
So much simpler…thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this easy way to crochet a magic circle. I’ve tried over and over again to do it the other way and I just can’t manage to do it. I did it your way on my first try. 🤗
I always appreciate new ways of learning a technique, but still find that just wrapping the yarn around my first two fingers and then working my stitches into that loop is easier, for me at least. Keep them coming though, they are much appreciated.
If the original method works for you that is great. I just thought I would share my version for the people who get confused by how to make the slipknot by looping the yarn around their fingers.
Wow, I could never get my circles to close. Now I can! Thanks so much for this simple and clear explanation. What happens to the tail end? I’m concerned that if I cut it too short, it will come undone. Do I just keep crocheting over it until it disappears?
Crochet over it for a while, then use a needle to weave the tail end into your work.
Hi Kathie. I love your method for making the Magic Circle. I have a question. I would like to know if the pattern states “chain 4 and slip stitch to form a ring” which stitch do I use in your method? I have several patterns that call for this method. Thank you. I have joined your group and I look forward to making many of your designs.
If it says Chain 4 then slip stitch to create a ring. You will need to look at Row 1 of your pattern to see if they are using Single Crochet, Half double crochet or double crochet. What ever they are using in row one is what you will follow for the magic ring.
WOW!!!! At last there is light! Thank you so much! No fear for making a magic circle ever again!
Thank you for the tutorial. I have been making the magic circle the other way with difficulty each time. Your way does seem to be much easier. I will try it. Does it matter whether the tail is over the circle or under the circle. I see it both ways in your tutorial. Thank You.
No it does not, as long as you are crocheting around the tail it will work.
Thank you so much for sharing your method! Every time I’ve started a pattern with a magic circle I’d find myself staring at YouTube for an hour trying to figure out just what was so dang magical about this pain of a crochet circle! Your method makes sense in my head. Now when I need to make a magic circle I can just proceed without first spending a frustrating hour with YouTube! Thanks for sharing!
I am so happy it helps.
Now this makes a lot more sense. I got it the first time. Thank you so much. I know longer am stressed out when I need to make a magic circle.
Thank you. I do find this method and explanation much easier to follow. Jenny, South Africa.
I love your method but still have trouble with the loop loosening and the circle getting bigger as I work on my project!! Do you secure it somehow to keep it from becoming a large circle?
When you are done with the project, or once you are a few rows in, you can weave in your starting tail. I will weave it one way, then back the other way, then back the first way. This three way weave never seems to fail me.
Geesh! When you got it, you got it!! This way is so simple and easy to understand (finally!). Thanks so much for taking the time to show us how to make this “simple” thing. Goes to show that when you are well taught, it’s so much easier to learn! I’m glad you don’t assume that all of us know each tiny step to some patterns. Things like this, etc. are wonderful and us old-timers can use a few new tricks to learn as well! Bravo!! An angel halo to you and some wings to match!! You deserve them both!
Thnk km you for your great video. I have been trying to figure out the magic circle till I gave up. Now after watching your video, I feel that now I can do it!
Now I have it. I can actually do this! Thanks so much.
Thank you so much this looks much easier !!!
Thank you so so much! I have struggled with this for years. Now I have a beautiful circle to work with. I want to cry with happiness.
Thank you so much it does seem to be sooooo much easier and I saved it to Pinterest so a lot of people can see it and spread it all around n give u the credit u so deserve.
Thanks
Merry
Thank you!
When I first saw the magic ring I tried it, found it wasn’t too successful, so adapted it to suit myself. Guess what……..it’s the same way you do it! Great mind and all that!
Just as a matter of interest, have you ever seen how to decrease without leaving holes? If not, check out the Wee Bee doll.
Yes, I never watched a video on how to make the magic circle. I thought I was doing it the same way until recently. I just did it the way that made sense to me. Great minds do think alike.
Thank you I have looked for a simple way, thanks this isn’t it.
Beginning again with crochet and rheumatoid arthritis. The other version is not possible for me. This way makes sense and I can start my own projects instead of waiting for help. now if someone could come up with a way to make crocheting in a chain a little easier I would be extremely happy. Thank you you can get the money anyway
This is basically what I do except I make the circle with both the tail and the working yarn because that was all I could figure out from the original magic ring! 😄I will try this way next time and see if I like it better, thank you!
You are very welcome. If the other way works for you that is great. This is just the method I have used for several years.
Thank you for sharing this. There are several crocheters that come into our yarn shop that struggle with the traditional magic circle technique. I will refer them to your video & blog. One question… Does it matter if the tail crosses over or under the working yarn when you make the circle? I noticed in your photos it is shown both ways.
As long as you are working over both two strands of yarn, either way works.
I find this method much easier to understand. I always had to look up each time, this way I can remember Thank you!
Thank you for the tutorial. I have been doing my circle a little differently but your’s is much easier.
I will start using your method from now on.
I am glad it works for you.
WOW, I DID IT!!! I have never been able to do the magic circle the other way. I am so so thankful for your help, I can’t believe how easy you make it. Best gift ever. Bless you.
I am sooooo happy to hear that!
I knew there had to be an easier way! Thank you so much for this!
I 💖this method. I’ve been getting so frustrated with the other method. I am so klutzy I just haven’t done a good job. Many thanks for breaking it down to something that I can handle.
After years of clumsy fumbling I can now make a graceful magic circle. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
YOu are very very welcome!
Thank you for sharing this method. I have tried and tried the other way and failed. I tried your way and was able to do it the first time. Now I can work on projects that need a six-stitch magic circle.
Wish I could print this photo tutorial out. I’m a very visual senior with limited internet and a print copy would be awesome!
The best way to do it would be to just print the website, BUT when you print you have the option to just print certain pages. So I would just print the pages with the photo tutorial.
I think I do it like you. I had noticed that the regular way of doing it felt “off” to me, so I adjusted. Glad to know O am not a weirdo. 😂
Great minds think alike! Basically all the stuff at the beginning of the other version is just making a slipknot around the loops but it is a bit hard to understand for some people. So we just make a slip knot then make a loop.
Just found this tutorial, thanks so much! I always felt so uncoordinated with the traditional method, this is much easier!
This makes so much sense. I never could figure out the magic circle until now. Thanks!
Thank you so much!! You are absolutely brilliant!!!
I am really glad you enjoy it.
Great MC technique. Thanks for sharing.
Thank You SO much for this! I’ve never really liked doing magic circles. It was awkward and they looked kind of wonky. I’ll be using your method from now on. I appreciate the time you took to do the video.
I am so glad it helped you!
I have 2 questions for you.
1. Can you please make the beautiful planner in the personal tn size 3.75 x 6.75, please?
2. How can I get this in printable form?
Kind Regards,
Bobbie
The printable journal is available to newsletter subscribers. The pages are roughly 5.5 by 4.25 but they have margins on the edges and can be trimmed down. You will just have to print a page and see if it works for you.
Thank you so much. That was the easiest Magic Ring I have ever done.
I am so happy it helped.
So easy! Thank you 😊
You are welcome.
Brilliant! Best method ever! Eliminates that extra chain that makes the joining bulky. I will use this from now on! Thank you!
You are very welcome.
Wow….
Thank You So Very Much Lindsey….
I’m so happy I came across your Pinterest page.. Your tutorial is the easiest/best one in showing us how to make one…
Greatly Appreciated,
Alaskan Crocheter
I am so glad it helped!!
Wow just found this and tried it out, so much easier than I have been doing and looks neater too. Thank you.
You are very welcome.
I don’t know where I learnt to do a magic circle (I’ve been doing it for many years). The way I do it is similar to yours except I do not start with a slip knot. Simply make a circle with the yarn (as you did), put the hook through, pick up the yarn and do a sc to secure it ( this does not count as a stitch).
NICE!! Yes, I always believe the best way to do something is the way that works for you.
I have struggled with the magic ring for a while. I think your way will be much easier. Thank you for explaining it.
You are very welcome.
I really like your technique! Only my problem is, I’m left handed and I struggle learning crochet, it usually takes me longer to learn the stitches. Would it be possible for u to have a lefty person make a video doing the magic circle, please 🙏! If not, no worries! 😊
Thanks so much,
Kelley 😊
I would google how to watch a youtube video flipped. I will try and flip the video and put it on Instagram.
I like this method. My fingers get all tied up in the other way. Can’t wait to start using it. 🧶🧶🧶🧶
That is wonderful!
Thank you for this fresh twist on a Magic Circle. I have no problem doing it the regular way, but I teach crochet at a local library and many just can’t get the hang of it, as it’s fiddly. This is a great way to do it and it’s not fiddly! Thank you!
I am glad I could help.