(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.)
If you have crocheted for a while, you may have run across patterns that start the pattern with a “Magic Ring” or “Magic Loop.” This technique is especially popular with current crochet designers and many modern hat, sock and slipper patterns employ the “Magic Loop.”
Essentially, the Magic Loop replaces (or may substitute) the technique of creating a beginning ring by crocheting 2, 3 or 4 chains and then single or double crochet several times in the first ch space to create a base ring for patterns that require it.
I don't know its origins and
many crochet bloggers and designers have awesome published tutorials for creating the Magic Ring or Loop, I suspect it may have started with Amigurumi (the Japanese art of crocheted figures, toys, etc.). Or at least that would make the most sense, since many of the Amigurumi patterns I have followed use the Magic Loop to start various pieces of a figure or animal.
I use the Magic Loop to start almost all of the hats I crochet and most of the slipper patterns I have designed so far. I prefer the snug little starting round for my projects. I hope you find this tutorial helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or leave a comment if you run in to any trouble spots following this tutorial.
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Skill Level: Easy
Materials: Practice yarn, any kind (worsted worked best for me to learn with)
Hook size: H/5.00mm or I/5.50mm
Gauge: Not needed for this tutorial
Abbreviations:
Ch = chain
Sc = single crochetSl st = slip stitch
Instructions:
Make a loop, about 4 – 6” from the end of your yarn. Pinch the loop between thumb and forefinger where the strands of yarn meet.
Insert your hook into the loop, front to back, to catch the yarn. Bring the yarn through, drawing up a small loop on your hook.
Ch 1. This is your anchor. (Note: I don’t usually count this as a stitch.)
Insert your hook into the loop again. Be sure you are still holding
the loop and tail firmly between thumb and finger. Work your first sc
around both loop and yarn tail.
Continue to sc around loop and tail until you have the desired
number of sc for your foundation round. (I made 8 sc for this
tutorial.)
Gently tug the yarn tail to close the center of your loop, creating a
nice snug ring of sc’s. Sl st to the first sc in the loop to close it.
Ch 1.
Start your second round by working 2 sc into the first sc from first round, continuing around. (16 sc)
I find I use this method of beginning patterns almost every time,
even if the pattern calls for the older method of forming a base ring
from making chains, connecting and/or sc into them. It’s easy to
substitute in the Magic Loop, once you get the hang of it. Planet June
also has an excellent tutorial for crocheting a "
Magic Ring" as well as a video tutorial and instructions for left-handed crocheters.
Enjoy using your new crochet skill!
Rock the hook,
Tia
