- CraftCrochet
- US abbreviationMR
- UK abbreviationMR
- Most loops on hook1
What is magic ring?
A way to start a circle with no hole in the middle. You crochet the first round over a loose loop of yarn, then pull the tail to close it tight. Hats worked from the top, coasters, granny squares and toys often start this way.
In a pattern you will see it written as MR in both US and UK patterns.
How to do it, step by step
- Wrap the yarn twice around two fingers, tail in front.
- Insert the hook under both strands, grab the working yarn and pull up a loop.
- Chain 1 to lock it (this does not count as a stitch).
- Work your first round of stitches over both strands.
- Pull the tail to close the hole tight.
The mistake to watch for
Pulling the wrong strand opens the ring. Gently tug one strand: if the ring shrinks, that is the one. Weave the tail in firmly.
If you are left-handed
Hold the hook in your left hand and the yarn in your right. Work rows from left to right, and read any chart diagram as a mirror image.
Practise it on a free pattern
These patterns from Crochet Counter use magic ring:
Related stitches
Questions
What is the most common mistake with magic ring?
Pulling the wrong strand opens the ring. Gently tug one strand: if the ring shrinks, that is the one. Weave the tail in firmly.
How many loops are on the hook?
At the busiest moment of magic ring there is 1 loop on the hook.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app has this stitch and 31 more in its stitch dictionary, in US or UK terms, with a row counter for every project. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
