Crochet Magic Circle Or Chain-2 Start: Which Is Better for Amigurumi?
Ever wonder what the difference is between a chain two and a magic circle start when you’re starting in the round? Maybe you’ve even seen some arguments about it online. Well, today we’re going to talk about the differences between the crochet magic circle (AKA magic ring) and the chain two start for amigurumi.
This post will give you the steps to create the magic ring and a magic circle alternative using a ch 2. Then, we’ll compare the two techniques so you can decide once and for all which one is right for you.
You Will Learn:
- How to crochet a magic circle to start amigurumi.
- How to crochet in the round without a magic circle (chain 2 method).
- The similarities and differences between the two methods.
Crochet Magic Circle (Magic Ring) – Written Instructions
- Take your working yarn, and with the tail on the inside of your hand, wrap it over your two fingers.
- Continue wrapping around your fingers so that the working end is now behind the other end (away from your working hand).
- Insert your hook under the yarn nearest your fingertips, then over the working yarn.
- Grab the working yarn and pull up a loop under other strand of yarn (the loop will twist).
- Go under the working yarn again and pull it through the loop on the hook, which creates a slip knot.
- Wiggle your fingers out.
- Work your first round of sc into the magic ring. You can work over the tail or work around the other side, leaving the tail loose. It works both ways.
- Once you have completed your first round, pull the tail to tighten your magic circle.
How to Start AMIGurumi Without a Magic Ring (Chain 2 Method)
- With the tail on the inside of your hand, wrap the working yarn around one finger, twice.
- Create a “walking knot:” Using your free hand, grab the piece farthest from your fingertip and “walk” it over the other piece (towards your fingertip but keep both loops on your finger).
- Then, grab the other piece that’s now farthest from your fingertip and “walk” it over the other loop and off the end of your finger.
- Lightly pull the yarn tails to tighten the loop around your finger.
- Pull your finger out of the loop and you have a slip knot!
- Insert your hook into the slip knot and pull the yarn tail to gently tighten the loop around the hook.
- Ch 2.
- Work your first round into the second ch from hook, pulling on that chain to loosen the stitch as needed. When the round is complete, re-tighten the knot.
Which starting method is better?
There’s not much difference. I bet you if you’re looking right at them, you probably can’t tell them apart. Either way, you’re going to have an end that you pull tight and you can choose to knot off to keep from unraveling. And either way, you’re going to have a nice big slip knot that you can work into.
So regardless of what your pattern calls for, if you are more comfortable using a magic ring or you are more comfortable using a ch 2 and work into the second chain, use whichever one you want. They both work the same. They both accomplish the same goal. They both start out your circles nice and flat and pretty.
Don’t let anybody tell you that one method is better or worse than the other. It is all about preference when it comes to the magic circle or the ch 2 starting method.
Crochet Magic Ring Versus Ch 2 – Video Tutorial
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Troubleshooting
Q. Why is my crochet magic circle curling/not flat?
A. Both of these methods should give you a flat start to your circle. If your magic circle is curling, you likely have too many stitches. Double check your pattern and your stitch count. If your tension is too tight, that could also explain the curling. If your stitch count is correct and it’s still not laying flat, try using a larger hook size.
Q. Why is my magic circle not closing?
A. This is likely because you are making a true knot rather than a slip knot. When you finish your magic circle, you should be able to pull on the tail and the ring get smaller. If this is not happening, it could be as simple as crossing the yarn when you wrap it around your fingers.
Q. Why is my slip knot not closing with the ch 2 method?
A. You may be using a different type of knot. Maybe change up your slip knot method when using a ch-2 start. The slip knot may have too many loops in it and that’s why it can’t pull all the way tight. Watch the video tutorial above to see how I make my “walking knot,” which will pull closed nicely.
Q. Why did my magic circle come undone?
To prevent your crochet magic circle from coming undone and destroying your amigurumi, make sure your ends are woven in securely. I cannot stress this enough! Leave a long tail (at least 8 inches or so). Using a yarn needle, weave the ends through four stitches, back and forth over three rows. This goes for any starting method, or any crochet project you want to remain intact.
Also, and I know this sounds like cheating… add a knot with the starting tail on the INSIDE of the work. A knot there won’t show, and you pull it down tightly against your starting point to ensure that tail doesn’t pull through the stitches where it was woven. I find this especially important when kid-proofing amigurumi.
Have questions? Leave a comment below!
Patterns tHat Use the Magic Circle or Ch-2 Start
More Amigurumi Tutorials
How to Start Skinny Amigurumi Parts in the Round
Magical Bind Off For Hiding Ends
Don’t Make These Amigurumi Mistakes!
Use This Method In Your Own Designs
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Kati is the designer behind Hooked by Kati. With thousands of patterns sold around the world, Kati prides herself in creating innovative, easy-to-follow amigurumi patterns. She has designed for several publications, including Crochet!, Crochet World, Simply Crochet, and I Like Crochet. Kati finds her inspiration in science fiction, video games, and numerous visits to the zoo — all passions she shares with her husband and two boys.
Thank you! I’ve been using ch2 method for 20+ years and am so over people telling me it’s wrong or Magic circle is better. That being said I do mention in my patterns to use your preferred method. I’m all for you do you.
I like to start with a magic ring, because I think it looks better/neater.
Same
I first learned from you the walking slip knot because I could not get a “grasp” on the magic circle in my brain! Never gave up on it though, and watched video after video until I found one that made sense, all the while using the chain two. Now I actually use both, depending on what I am making. Anything with a start less than 6, I use the chain 2 method as it’s easier for me to manipulate the tight, beginning stitches.
I prefer the magic circle but some yarns do not pull easy like blanket or chenille so when those don’t work I use the chain 2