If you’ve ever started a crochet project in the round and struggled with a gaping hole in the center from chaining X amount and slip stitching to form a ring, the magic ring is about to become your new best friend. Also known as the magic loop or adjustable ring, this easy little technique creates a tightly closed center that’s perfect for hats, amigurumi, coasters, and any project that begins with a circle. I have personally found many magic ring tutorials to be confusing and unnecessarily complicated – so today I’ll walk you through how to create the magic ring in 6 little steps. Once you master it, you’ll wonder how you ever crocheted in the round without it!

Step 1:
Drape the yarn over your open hand and pinch it against your index and middle finger with your thumb

Step 2:
Wrap the yarn around to create an X across the front of your first two fingers

Step 3:
With the crochet hook upside down, go under the top loop and grab the bottom loop and pull it up

Step 4:
Yarn over

Step 5:
Pull through the loop

Magic Ring Video Tutorial

In this quick video I’m showing a step by step guide to making the magic ring following the same steps outlined below. It’s a simple wrap around your fingers and pull through.

You’ve now created a magic loop with a working slip stitch. When you yarned over and pulled up your loop, this created your slip stitch, not a chain one.

Speaking of magic ring, my crochet boho coasters pattern starts with a magic ring and a great option for beginners looking to make something both fun and functional!