Magic Loop Tutorial
Sweetheart Slippers
Color Block Slouch Hat
Bunny RingStep 1: Getting Started
If you have crocheted for a while, you may have already run across patterns requiring you to begin the pattern by working a “Magic Ring” or “Magic Loop.” This technique seems to be 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 older style 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.
Though I do not know its origins and many crochet bloggers and designers have published tutorials for creating the Magic Ring or Loop, I suspect it may have started with the Japanese art of Amigurumi (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.
In any case, I myself use the Magic Loop to start almost all of the hats I crochet and most of the slipper patterns I have created thus far. I find I prefer the snug little starting round for my projects. I hope you find this tutorial helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at content.manager@moabgroup.com if you run in to any trouble spots following this tutorial.
Difficulty: Easy
Materials:
Practice yarn: any kind (worsted worked best for me to learn with)
US Hook size I/5.50mm
Gauge: Not needed for this tutorial
Key:
CH = chain
SC = single crochet
SL ST = slip stitch
Step 2: Steps 1 - 3
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.)
Step 3: Steps 4 - 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.
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!
