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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Magic Loop Tutorial



(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.

Add this tutorial to your Ravelry Queue.

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.
Magic Loop 1 Magic Loop 2
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.
Magic Loop 3 Magic Loop 4
Ch 1. This is your anchor. (Note: I don’t usually count this as a stitch.)
Magic Loop 5 Magic Loop 6

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.
Magic Loop 7 Magic Loop 8
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.)
Magic Loop 9 Magic Loop 10
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.
Magic Loop 11 Magic Loop 12

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

Don't forget to rock with me over at Facebook, Pinterest and on Ravelry.

Originally published at http://www.craftown.com/Magic-Loop.html

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