Why Won't My Magic Ring Close? How to Make It Pull Tight
A magic ring won't close when you pull the wrong strand, work the stitches over only one strand of the loop, or use fuzzy yarn that grips. The right way to make and close it, plus the double magic ring that never loosens.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 10 minutes
You'll need
- Smooth yarn
- Hook
In this post
A magic ring won't close if you pull the working yarn instead of the tail, or if your first round of stitches went over only one of the two strands that make the ring. The stitches must enclose both the loop and the tail; then pulling the tail slides the loop shut like a drawstring. Fuzzy or grippy yarn can also stop it sliding — use a smooth yarn while you learn.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
The magic ring, step by step
- Wrap the yarn around two fingers so it crosses on top, with the tail hanging down and the working yarn behind.
- Insert the hook under the first strand, catch the strand behind it, and pull up a loop.
- Ch 1 to lock it (this chain doesn't count).
- Work your stitches (usually 6 sc) into the ring — under both the ring strand and the tail.
- Hold the stitches and pull the tail. The ring closes. Slip stitch to the first stitch or carry on in a spiral.
Why it gets stuck
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Pulling makes the stitches bunch, not close | You're pulling the working yarn — pull the tail |
| Only half the ring closes | Some stitches went over one strand; re-make the ring |
| The tail won't slide | Fuzzy or splitty yarn; pull slowly and wiggle the stitches |
| The ring opens again later | Weave the tail around the ring, or use a double magic ring |
The double magic ring (never loosens)
Wrap the yarn around your fingers twice, so the ring has two loops. Work the stitches over both loops and the tail. Pull the tail a little to see which loop moves, pull that loop to close the other, then pull the tail to close the last one. It's the best start for amigurumi that will be squeezed.
Can't get on with it? Ch 2 and work your stitches into the 2nd chain from the hook — it leaves a small hole, but works. More in the magic ring tutorial and amigurumi for beginners. Practise on the crochet ball.
Common questions
Which end do I pull to close a magic ring?
The tail — the short end. Pulling the working yarn only tightens the last stitch.
Why does my magic ring come undone?
The tail wasn't secured. Weave it through the stitches in both directions, or use the double magic ring.
What can I use instead of a magic ring?
Chain 2 and work the first round into the second chain from the hook, or chain 4 and join into a small ring.
Single or double magic ring? 🔄
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