You Don’t Have to Use a Magic Ring
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Here’s how it works.
What if I told you that you don’t have to use a magic ring to start your projects in the round?
Well, you don’t!
Try one of these Magic Ring Alternatives instead!
Many people are intimidated by beginning a project with a magic ring (magic circle). Some crocheters even avoid projects that they are interested in making, because the instructions call for them to start with a magic ring.
I understand exactly how you feel.
It took me many (many!) attempts before I was able to master a magic ring and sometimes you want to just jump right into that project, without having to learn a new skill to get started.
Instead of avoiding that project you want to crochet, try one of these magic ring alternatives.
Then later when you have the time, try to master the magic ring. It really is a great way to start your projects in the round.
Have fun crocheting!
Magic Ring Alternatives
You don’t have to use the magic ring, magic circle or double magic ring for your crochet project today.
Try one of these methods instead!
Each of the four Magic Ring Alternatives below, includes a short video tutorial (at the end of each of the sections).
Work Into the Slip Knot Ring
Magic Ring Alternative #1
Step 1: Leave a 4-6 inch tail of yarn and create a large slip knot ring.
Step 2: Slip stitch into the ring.
Step 3: Chain this many to begin.
| CROCHET STITCH | NUMBER OF CHAINS |
| single crochet (sc) | 1 |
| half double crochet (hdc) | 2 |
| double crochet (dc) | 3 |
| treble crochet (tr) | 4 |
Step 4: Follow the pattern for the number of stitches to make for Round 1.
Step 5: Reinforce the ring on the WS (wrong side) of the project and weave in your end securely. This will close the hole left at the top of the project and make your gauge stay consistent.
Step 6: Follow the rest of the pattern as written.
Watch my Quick Slip Knot Ring demo on YouTube here.
Work Into the Chain Ring
Magic Ring Alternative #2
Step 1: Leave a 4-6 inch tail of yarn and create a chain ring.
Choose the type of stitch from the chart below and chain the number of chains specified.
| CROCHET STITCH | NUMBER OF CHAINS IN CHAIN RING |
| single crochet (sc) | 2 |
| half double crochet (hdc) | 2 |
| double crochet (dc) | 3 |
| treble crochet (tr) | 3 |
Step 2: Slip stitch to the first chain to create a ring.
Step 3: Chain 1 and slip stitch into the ring.
Step 4: Chain the recommended turning chain for the stitch you are making. For example for a double crochet (dc) the recommended turning chain is 3.
| CROCHET STITCH | RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF TURNING CHAINS |
| single crochet (sc) | 1 |
| half double crochet (hdc) | 2 |
| double crochet (dc) | 3 |
| treble crochet (tr) | 4 |
Step 5: Follow the pattern for the number of stitches to make for Round 1.
Step 6: Reinforce the ring on the WS (wrong side) of the project and weave in your end securely. This will close the hole left at the top of the project and make your gauge stay consistent.
Step 7: Follow the rest of the pattern as written.
Watch my quick Chain Ring demo on YouTube here.
Work Into the Chain Stitch
Magic Ring Alternative #3
Step 1: Leave a 4-6 inch tail of yarn and chain the number listed below, for the crochet stitch you are using in Round 1.
| CROCHET STITCH | CHAIN THIS MANY TO START |
| single crochet (sc) | 2 |
| half double crochet (hdc) | 3 |
| double crochet (dc) | 3 |
| treble crochet (tr) | 4 |
Step 2: Follow the pattern for Round 1, working the stitches into the chain furthest from your hook.
Step 3: Reinforce the ring on the WS (wrong side) of the project and weave in your end securely. This will close the hole left at the top of the project and make your gauge stay consistent.
Step 4: Follow the rest of the pattern as written.
Watch my quick Chain Stitch Method demo on YouTube here.
Magic Row Method
Magic Ring Alternative #4
Step 1: Leave a 6-8 inch tail of yarn and chain the number of stitches in Round 1 of your project.
Step 2: Chain the turning chain for the type of stitch you are using. See the chart below for examples. Then work the first round of stitches to the end of the row.
| CROCHET STITCH | RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF TURNING CHAINS |
| single crochet (sc) | 1 |
| half double crochet (hdc) | 2 |
| double crochet (dc) | 3 |
| treble crochet (tr) | 4 |
Step 3: Place a stitch marker on the working loop of yarn.
Step 4: Place your yarn tail on a tapestry needle and turn your project over so the WS (wrong side) is facing you.
Step 5: Weave your yarn end back and forth under the remaining loop of each ch in the foundation chain. Pull to cinch the row into a round.
Step 6: Weave your yarn end in securely on the WS of the project.
Step 7: Follow the rest of the pattern as written.
Watch my Magic Row Method on YouTube here.
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Very welcome 🙂
Wow, I did not know about these beginnings. Thank you so much for your help. From Gloria Fox in Perth Western Australia, Australia.