Magic Circle Crochet

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In this crochet tutorial, I show you step-by-step how to make a magic circle.

A magic circle is a crochet technique for starting crochet projects where you will be crocheting in rounds, rather than rows. They are magical because they allow you to crochet projects like hats and beanies without having a hole in the center.

I love this popular crochet technique. It is also commonly referred to as a magic ring, magic loop, adjustable ring, or adjustable loop. They are all a circle, ring or loop that can be tightened to close the center.

I think that making a magic circle is super easy. In fact, once you learn and practice it, your muscle memory will take over and you’ll find yourself starting crochet patterns without even thinking about it. I promise, you’ll be ready to make your first crochet hat pattern in no time!

Magic Circle Tutorial Notes

• Practice with a and an H/5 mm crochet hook.
• Use a light colored worsted weight yarn. Darker colors make it more difficult to see your stitches.
• The “working yarn” is the end of the yarn that is attached to the skein.
• The “yarn tail” is the other end of the yarn that is not attached to anything.
• This magic circle tutorial is intended for right handed crocheters.

Magic Circle Tutorial

Step 1

First, leave a four inch yarn tail. Drape the yarn over your left hand and away from you. This is the bottom yarn.

Step 2

Next, bring the yarn back towards you. Wrap it around your middle and index fingers and cross it over the bottom yarn, forming an “x”.  This is the top yarn.

Step 3

Then, hold the top yarn in place with your pinky finger.

Step 4

Now, insert your crochet hook under the bottom yarn and over the top yarn.

Step 5

Use your crochet hook to grab the top yarn and pull it under the bottom yarn. You will have a loop on your hook.

Step 6

Lastly, yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.

You have made a magic circle! You can now crochet your first round of stitches.

Close the magic circle by pulling on the yarn tail until there is no longer a visible hole in the center.

Single Crochet into a Magic Circle

1. Chain 1
2. Insert hook into the center of the ring from front to back.
3. Yarn over pull a loop back through the center of the ring from back to front. You will have 2 loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through both loops.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 to work more single crochet stitches into the ring.

Double Crochet into a Magic Circle

1. Chain 3
2. Yarn over & insert hook into the center of the ring from front to back. 
3. Yarn over and pull a loop back through the center of the ring from back to front. You will have 3 loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You will have 2 loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops on your hook.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 to work more double crochet stitches into the ring.

Half Double Crochet into a Magic Circle

1. Chain 2
2. Yarn over & insert hook into the center of the ring from front to back.
3. Yarn over pull a loop back through the center of the ring from back to front. You will have 3 loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 to work more half double crochet stitches into the ring.

What is a magic circle in crochet?

A magic circle is a crochet technique used for creating a tight center for projects worked in the round. First, make a loop. Next, crochet the first round of stitches into the loop. Last, pull the yarn tail to close the center of the loop. This will result in a closed center with no visible hole. Just like magic!

Why use a magic circle?

Magic circles are great for crochet patterns that are worked in the round. After you make a magic circle, you can leave it fairly loose to give yourself plenty of room to crochet your first round of stitches. Then, simply pull on the yarn to the tighten the circle until the center is closed. It really is like magic!

Can you use a regular chain to start instead of a magic circle in crochet?

Yes, you can use a regular chain to start instead of a magic circle in crochet. Chain 3 and join with a slip stitch in the round to the chain that is furthest from the hook. This will form a loop. You can now crochet your first round of stitches into the center of the loop.

How do you close a magic circle in crochet?

After you finish crocheting your first round of stitches into the center of your magic circle, gently pull on the yarn tail until there there is no longer a visible hole in the center. Securely weave in the yarn tail with a yarn needle.