Introduction to Crochet: Magic Loop

There are several ways to begin crocheting a circle.  For instance, you could make two or more chains and then make your first round stitches in the very first chain, slip stitching them together at the end to close the circle.  Or, you could make several chains and slip stitch them into a ring and begin stitching your  first round over the original ring.  The one that I prefer, however, is the Magic Loop.  It's easy-peasy, and it avoids dealing with crocheting over a slip knot as well as running out of space around the circle and/or not being able to close the center of the circle at the end.  

Here's how to make a Magic Loop:

Step 1: Arrange the yarn with the loose end on the left, ball on the right.

Step 2: Bring the working yarn (ball end) over the loose end to form a circle.

Step 3: Bring the working yarn under the circle to make a pretzel.

Step 4: Insert your hook underneath the working yarn.  The hook will go over the circle, under the working yarn, over the circle.

Step 5: Pull the working yarn up to trap the hook in a loop.

Step 6: Make chain stitches.  I'll be using double crochet here (UK treble), so I'm beginning with three chains.

Step 7: Continue to stitch into the circle.  Don't go past the loose end!  If you're getting close, give the loose end a little tug to create a bit more stitching room around the circle.

Step 8: When you have all your stitches (I've got 12 here), pull on the loose end and watch the circle shrink.  That's the "magic" part of the Magic Loop.

Step 9: Pull the loose end taught so that the circle center is closed.

Step 10: Slip stitch into the last chain of your original chains to close the circle and begin your next row.  Voila!

Hopefully, these photos are clear, but I'm a bit afraid that they over-complicate a fairly easy process.  So, here's a quick video showing how I make a magic loop (the video may not show on Safari, however):

Happy stitching!

Lots of love,

~Mersydotes