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Crochet Magic Ring Practice: Count Your First Rounds
A magic ring is an adjustable loop used to begin many crochet circles and amigurumi shapes. Practice the start on its own before making a complete character. Use smooth yarn and a suitable hook you already find comfortable; the exercise below uses US single crochet.
Illustrations updated
What should you check first?
Make an adjustable loop, work six US single crochet stitches around the loop and the yarn tail, then pull the tail to close the center. Mark the first stitch. Increase into every stitch for 12, then repeat one single crochet and one increase six times for 18.
Prepare a small counting exercise
Have yarn, its recommended hook and a removable stitch marker ready. Leave a usable yarn tail rather than cutting it close to the loop. The tail will later need securing; pulling the center closed does not replace weaving in the end.
This is an open practice circle, not a complete toy pattern. It teaches the start and increase sequence. Your eventual project may use different counts, joined rounds or another starting method; follow its instructions rather than substituting these rounds automatically.
Form the adjustable loop
Lay the tail across your hand and cross the working yarn over it to form a loop. Hold the crossing point so the loop stays open. Insert the hook through the loop, catch the working yarn and pull up a loop. Chain one to secure the start; for this exercise that chain does not count as a stitch.
Keep both the adjustable loop and the tail underneath the stitches you are about to make. Avoid crocheting around only the tail. If the arrangement becomes confusing, put the hook down, remake the loop and identify the working yarn before continuing.
Work six stitches and close the center
Insert the hook through the center, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and draw through both loops on the hook: that is one US single crochet. Repeat until there are six sc around the ring. Do not count the starting chain as a seventh stitch.
Find the first sc and put the marker through its top loops. Hold the stitches while gently pulling the tail to close the center. If it will not move, check that the stitches surround the adjustable loop and that the yarn has not knotted at the crossing.
Count 12 stitches, then 18
For round two, work two sc into each of the six stitches. Move the marker to the first new stitch and count 12 before continuing. These are continuous rounds: do not add a slip stitch or turning chain in this exercise.
For round three, work one sc into the next stitch and two sc into the following stitch. Repeat that pair six times for 18 stitches. Each pair uses two old stitches and makes three new ones. If you have 17 or 19, inspect the increases rather than adding or skipping randomly.
Check tension and keep the useful sample
If the first round is too tight to enter, loosen the loops on the hook and pull the center closed after identifying the stitches. If the circle cups or ruffles strongly, verify the count first; tension and yarn can also affect a small sample. Repeat with the same supplies to compare.
Once you can identify the first stitch and count each round, use a complete pattern to learn straight rounds and decreases. Check a selected kit’s materials and instructions separately; this exercise does not promise that any particular tools or lesson come in its package.
Find your next crochet design
Choose a project to make or a finished piece to buy. Check the selected option before ordering.
- US Crochet Abbreviations: Read Your First Pattern
- Learn with a US single crochet practice square
- Ask about a product’s contents or instructions
Before ordering, read the current shipping and returns information.
Further learning
For stitch names, see the Craft Yarn Council crochet abbreviations. For difficulty, see its project skill levels. Follow the pattern for your project. Check the product page for what you will receive.
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