The magic ring symbol in crochet charts
The adjustable loop at the center of a round motif — where practically every doily, mandala and amigurumi begins.
- US name
- Magic ring
- UK name
- Magic ring — same stitch
- In the editor
- Magic ring
What it looks like in a chart
A ring with a short tail curling away from it: the loop, and the yarn end you pull to close it. In this editor it sits at the exact center of a round chart, marking round zero — the thing round 1 is worked into.
Be aware that Craft Yarn Council’s standard symbol set does not include a magic-ring symbol. Published charts handle the center in whichever way the designer prefers: some draw a ring like this one, many draw a small circle of chain ovals (the older "chain 4 and join with a slip stitch" start), and some simply write the instruction beside the chart. Whatever the chart shows, the pattern key is the authority.
How it is used
- Starting any motif worked in the round where an open hole in the middle would be wrong — amigurumi especially.
- Starting a doily or mandala, where being able to cinch the center closed after the fact keeps the first round even.
Worth knowing
It goes by several names — magic ring, magic circle, adjustable ring, adjustable loop. They are the same technique, and the name does not change between US and UK patterns.
The alternative start, "ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring", leaves a small deliberate hole. Doily patterns often want that hole; amigurumi patterns almost never do.
Common questions
Is there a standard crochet chart symbol for a magic ring?
No. Craft Yarn Council’s standardized set does not define one, so designers vary: some draw a ring with a tail, some draw a small circle of chain symbols, some write it out beside the chart. Check the pattern key.
What is a magic ring in crochet?
An adjustable starting loop. You work the first round into the loop and then pull the yarn tail to cinch the center closed, which leaves no hole — unlike starting with a ring of chains.