Crochet - Start with a Magic Circle

Many crochet projects that have a circular shape or a 3D structure (like a ball or cup shape) will begin with a technique called a Magic Circle, or MC for short. It can take some practice to master, but it is a great basic foundational technique for all sorts of crochet projects. Come learn this technique with step-by-step techniques. I also highly recommend you watch the video for clarity. Let’s go!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1

With your dominant hand, the one that will hold the crochet hook, wrap your Linhasita cord around a few fingers once, as if you are preparing to tie an overhand knot or a slip knot.

Step 2

Slip the tip of your crochet hook under the part that leads towards your spool (often referred to as the ‘working end’), and use it to grab and pull the strand that leads towards the end of your cord, and pull it loosely back towards your crochet hand. See pics for the visual explanation.

Step 3

You may need to adjust your grip now to make sure the cord does not slip out of your hands. Here I have moved the working end back and away from the magic circle, all the while keeping the loop on the crochet hook.

Step 4

From here, chain one, effectively securing your magic circle in place. you have just created the first “stitch” with the 1 chain.

Step 5

Adjust your grip as needed, and start creating single crochet stitches (sc) into the magic circle. For each stitch, insert your hook into the middle of the magic circle, under both strands, wrap your cord around the hook once, and pull the cord back towards the front. Wrap your yarn once more and pull through both loops on your hook, thus completing your sc.

Step 6

After completing the indicated number of stitches (here there are 10 stitches), shift the entire project and hook to one hand, and use your free hand to pull on the cut end of the cord to tighten the circle. Please refer to the video to see this step in action.

Step 7

Once you have pulled the circle snugly closed, you’ll see that the first and last stitch have come together. You can completely close the circle by slip stitching into the first stitch (the chain). Don’t pull it tight; as that slip stitch is your last stitch.

Count the loops at the top of each stitch all the way around to verify you have the correct amount needed. I made 10 stitches and can count 10 loops.

You did it!

Step 8

You should now be able to count 10 evenly made stitches in your circle, ready for the next round.

Always be sure to count your stitches before you begin each round! Our patterns will also have an stitch count for the end of each row.