5-Step Crocheted Magic Circle Made Easy
Have you ever wanted to learn a new technique but had no idea where to start? I taught myself how to crochet a few years ago, and one of the things I love most about books, is their ability to teach one anything they want to know. And which books do I use? Children's books, of course!!! If a book written for a child can teach them how to do something, it can definitely teach me, too. That's how I taught myself to knit ... well, actually, I did that first, but who's counting, right?
But, enough of that. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a crocheted magic circle. The end of that small center hole in your perfectly crocheted masterpiece, as we know it, and something you'll use again and again. Seriously, it's truly easy peasy, and ...
If you think it, it shall be.
These instructions are written for right-handed crocheters. If you're a lefty, like my middle child, just switch hands, and look at the instructions in a mirror ... or check out the section that follows.
abbreviations
ch chain
ch chain
fig. figure
hdc half double crochet
yo yarnover
hdc half double crochet
yo yarnover
Shall we begin?
Crocheted Magic Circle – Right-handed
step 1
Take the yarn in your left hand and wrap a loop around the middle and pointer fingers of the left hand, making an “x” (fig. 1). The tail will be to the left and the working yarn to the right. Maintain tension with the left pinkie finger (fig. 2).
step 2
step 2
Take the crochet hook and slip it underneath the “x”, grab the yarn farthest away, draw a loop through the ring, and slip stitch into the loop to complete it (figs. 2 & 3).
NOTE
NOTE
In traditional instructions, you'll find that this slip stitch does not count as the first stitch; however, in my world, this stitch does count as the first stitch.
step 3
Place the desired number of stitches into the circle, across both strands of yarn (the circle and the yarn tail) (figs. 4, 5 & 6 demonstrate 1 hdc: ch 1, yo, tilt hook into circle, under both tail and circle, pull up a loop, 3 loops on hook, yo, and pull yarn through all 3 loops).
Place the desired number of stitches into the circle, across both strands of yarn (the circle and the yarn tail) (figs. 4, 5 & 6 demonstrate 1 hdc: ch 1, yo, tilt hook into circle, under both tail and circle, pull up a loop, 3 loops on hook, yo, and pull yarn through all 3 loops).
step 4
After completing the required number of stitches, pull the yarn tail (at the bottom) to cinch the circle closed (figs. 7 & 8).
step 5
step 5
Slip stitch into the first stitch to join the round (fig. 9).
So, now let's turn left, shall we?
Crocheted Magic Circle – Left-handed
step 1
Take the yarn in your right hand and wrap a loop around the middle and pointer fingers of the right hand, making an “x” (fig. 1). The tail will be to the right and the working yarn to the left. Maintain tension with the right pinkie finger (fig. 2).
step 2
Take the crochet hook and slip it underneath the “x”, grab the yarn farthest away, draw a loop through the ring, and slip stitch into the loop to complete it (figs. 2 & 3).
NOTE
In traditional instructions, you'll find that this slip stitch does not count as the first stitch; however, in my world, this stitch does count as the first stitch.
step 3
Place the desired number of stitches into the circle, across both strands of yarn (the circle and the yarn tail) (figs. 4, 5 & 6 demonstrate 1 hdc: ch 1, yo, tilt hook into circle, under both tail and circle, pull up a loop, 3 loops on hook, yo, and pull yarn through all 3 loops).
step 4
After completing the required number of stitches, pull the yarn tail (at the bottom) to cinch the circle closed (figs. 7 & 8).
After completing the required number of stitches, pull the yarn tail (at the bottom) to cinch the circle closed (figs. 7 & 8).
step 5
Slip stitch into the first stitch to join the round (fig. 9).
And that's all she wrote. It's quick, easy and once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to do it without thinking.
I believe that visuals are the best way to understand and aid the written process. And, it doesn't hurt to have it ready to print. Just click the link to grab the .pdf below:
Errata: As of Friday, 19 July 2019, the .pdf has been corrected and the images that were reversed, figures 5 and 6, are now in their correct positions: AWBM's 5-Step Crocheted Magic Circle Made Easy
Errata: As of Friday, 19 July 2019, the .pdf has been corrected and the images that were reversed, figures 5 and 6, are now in their correct positions: AWBM's 5-Step Crocheted Magic Circle Made Easy