This tutorial shows you how to make a single crochet magic ring (MR) — a common way to start crochet projects worked in the round.
It’s designed for beginners who already know how to make a chain stitch and single crochet, and are ready to learn the next basic skill. If you’re still not sure where to begin, you can start from Start Here.
The magic ring is a simple but very important starting method. You’ll see it used again and again in round-based projects, so getting comfortable with it early really helps.
If it feels awkward or confusing at first, that’s completely normal. Most beginners struggle with the magic ring in the beginning — it gets easier with practice.
Tools You’ll Need
Yarn
In the video, I’m using a lightweight yarn.
You don’t need to use the exact same yarn — any yarn you’re comfortable working with is fine for practice. If choosing yarn still feels confusing, you can check out my guide to the best yarn for crochet beginners.
Crochet hook
I’m using a 3.0 mm crochet hook in this tutorial.
If you don’t have this size, that’s okay. Just use a hook that works well with your yarn. If you’re unsure about hook sizes, this beginner guide on crochet hooks for beginners may help.
Stitch marker (optional but highly recommended)
A stitch marker helps you keep track of the first stitch in each round, which is especially helpful for beginners.
You don’t need any special tools for this tutorial.
As long as your yarn and hook work well together, you can follow along and practice without any problem. If you prefer having everything in one set, I also share my thoughts on whether crochet kits are good for beginners.
Let’s Learn Together with the Video
I recommend watching the video once from start to finish before you begin.
Then, crochet along at your own pace.
Feel free to pause, rewind, or replay any part of the video as many times as you need.
The written steps and photos below are meant to go along with the video, so you can use them to check your stitches and follow each step more easily. This page is not meant to replace the video, but to support it.
Step-by-Step: Single Crochet Magic Ring
Below are the step-by-step photos showing how to make a single crochet magic ring.
Each step is explained with one short sentence, so you can follow along easily while watching the video.
Use the images to check your hand position, stitch placement, and stitch count as you go. Take your time — this section is meant to be followed slowly, one step at a time.
The first stitch is a turning chain and does not count as a stitch.
This is the first single crochet stitch.
You can place a stitch marker here.
Continue working 5 single crochet stitches.
You should now have a total of 6 single crochet stitches.
Pull the yarn tail to tighten and close the ring.
Insert your hook into the first stitch.
Lay the yarn tail over the hook to hide the tail as you crochet.
Make one slip stitch, then pull tight to close the ring.
This chain does not count as a stitch.
Make two single crochets in the same stitch.
At the end of each round, join to the first stitch with a slip stitch.
Common Beginner Questions (Magic Ring & Working in the Round)
My third round doesn’t look like a proper circle
The stitch count is likely wrong.
If the number of stitches is off, the circle will stop looking round.
Why is there a hole in the center?
This usually happens because the magic ring wasn’t pulled tight at the beginning.
The shape looks strange — where did I miss a stitch?
If the shape looks uneven or awkward, a stitch was likely missed somewhere in the round.
If you’re starting to look at written patterns later on, learning how to read crochet chart symbols can be a helpful next step.
Do I need a turning chain in later rounds?
Yes. Each round still uses a turning chain, and every round should be joined with a slip stitch.
What to Learn Next
Once you’re comfortable with the magic ring, the next step is to practice increasing stitches while working in the round. A common next stitch to learn is double crochet, which works especially well with round projects.
You can use this starting method to make a simple flat circle, which is a great way to build confidence and improve stitch counting.
The magic ring is also the foundation for many future projects, including amigurumi, round coasters, and other small crochet pieces. Getting comfortable with it now will make those projects much easier later on.
If you’d like to try a small, finished project next, the mini crochet scarf for beginners is a great place to start.
