How to make a magic ring: the perfect start for amigurumi

Let’s start our amigurumi journey right from the basics! No matter which pattern you decide to try, chances are that most of them begin with a magic ring. And for a good reason: the magic ring can be tightened so snugly that your stuffing won’t peek through, giving you a flawless start. It also creates a perfect base for your following increases, making your rounds look even and beautiful.

Now, I won’t lie, the magic ring often gives many beginner crocheters a real headache at first. But don’t worry! In this blog post, I’m going to show you exactly how I get started with it. Once you get the hang of this technique, it’s a game changer for all your amigurumi projects.

Step-by-step guide to making a magic ring:

1. Make a loop: Take your yarn and wrap it around your fingers to create a loose loop, with the working yarn crossing over the tail end.

2. Insert the hook: Slide your crochet hook under the yarn crossing the loop, from front to back.

3. Yarn over and pull through: Hook the working yarn and pull it through the loop. You now have a loop on your hook.

4. Chain one (or as pattern says): This secures the ring and gives you the height for your first round of stitches.

5. Crochet your stitches: Make the number of single crochet stitches required by your pattern directly into the ring. Make sure to crochet over both the loop and the tail yarn.

6. Pull the tail to close: Grab the tail end of your yarn and gently pull it to close the ring tightly around your stitches. This closes the center hole perfectly.

7. Continue crocheting in rounds: Join or continue in a spiral as your pattern directs.

See? It’s not so complicated, right?

If the photos don’t make it look as easy as it really is, I’ve prepared a video tutorial for this mini lesson, just click HERE to watch it! I promise, once you get this down, your amigurumi will have a beautifully tight start every time.

Happy crocheting!

Zsuzsa