How to make a magic loop

A magic loop, also called a magic ring, magic circle, adjustable ring, or adjustable loop, is the preferred way to start crocheting in the round. It's considered magical because the result has no hole in the middle.

However, the magic loop can be tricky to master so if you're having a lot of trouble with it, you can start a round piece with a chain instead.

Making the magic loop step-by-step (with photos)

Step 1

1. Turn your left palm to face you. Hold the yarn tail in your right hand and place the yarn in front of your left palm.

Step 2

2. Wrap the working yarn once around your pinky, so that the yarn tail ends up behind your hand.

Step 3

3. Bring the yarn tail up the back of your hand until you can drape it over your pointer finger.

Step 4

4. Loop it once around your pointer finger, so it crosses in front of your finger.

Step 5

5. Hold onto the intersection with your left thumb and slide the loop off your finger using your right hand.

Step 6

6. Insert the hook through the middle of the loop, from the front to the back.

Step 7

7. Rotate the hook so the tip is facing away from you, and grab onto the working yarn.

Step 8

8. Pull the working yarn back through the loop, while rotating the hook so that the tip faces you again, to draw up a loop. If you need more tension in the working yarn, move your middle finger away from you.

Step 9

9. The hook should be in front of the working yarn.

Step 10

10. Yarn over. Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook. There should be one loop left on the hook.

Tip

Make it easier to find the first stitch of the magic loop later, by putting a stitch marker under the top loops of this first stitch the moment you make it.

Tip illustration

Still have questions?

Make sure you're holding the intersection firmly with your thumb while working. After completing your first round, pull the yarn tail to tighten the loop before continuing.
After completing all the stitches in your first round, gently pull the yarn tail to close the center hole. The loop will tighten and the hole will disappear.
Yes! If you're having trouble with the magic loop, you can start with a chain and join it into a ring. The only difference is that there may be a small hole in the center.

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