
The question I receive the most in regards to my Mary Jane Slippers pattern is about the magic loop beginning. I typically respond with some links to photo/video tutorials on how to make it. I don’t usually get into the why. That’s what this post is.
Before I begin, the photo-tutorial I link to is this one at Crochet Me. The video I link to is this one on youtube that shows the magic adjustable ring for single, half double, and double crochet. The double crochet starts around 2:35, but the whole video is pretty informative.
The questions I want to discuss are: What is the difference? Why/how do you choose which to begin your round project?

Above is 8 DC worked in the round. The project on the left was started with a regular chain circle (ch 5) and the one on the right was started with the magic loop. The differences are subtle, but they do effect the look of your final product.
The regular chain circle generally leaves a small hole in the center. You can crochet your first round over your tail yarn to cinch it closed shut. With the magic loop, you start crocheting over the tail no matter what and so you always cinch the hole shut and it stays shut

I use the chain circle when I’m making blankets or hats. Specifically, when I’m crocheting a granny square blanket or any other crochet lace pattern. The reason I choose to do so is because I usually start those projects with a first round of 12 or even 20 double crochet stitches. That’s a lot of stitches! They’re going to need room and so a chain 5, 6, or 8, is needed.

I use the magic adjustable loop when I’m making slippers or amigurumi or any other project that needs to be closed or starts with a smaller number of stitches in the first round. The slippers pattern calls for only 8 DC and most amigurumi patterns start with only 6 SC.
In conclusion– they both have their place. I suggest learning and becoming completely familiar with both methods! Doing so will help you understand which one to use for the specific projects you want to complete.
Any questions or other input is greatly appreciated! Leave a comment or email me- lisa@goodknits.com
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great info! check out this method too…
http://www.freshstitches.com/wordpress/crochet-video-tutorial-help/sloppy-slip-knot-amigurumi-start/
i use the ‘sloppy slip knot’ for my amigurumi. sometimes my magic circles get a little messy. it’s a nice alternative for amigurumi and the like.
Thank you! I hadn’t heard of the sloppy slip knot before. I’ll give it a try!
i’m just learning this week! good to know! <3
Awesome! Good luck!
Question: I love the color of the mint yarn you’re using. What brand/colorway is it?
It’s Vanna’s Choice Baby in mint. It’s really pretty!
The stated objective of “how” it is made is absent from this article and renders it useless. Who cares “why” if “how” isnt’t known??? BOOO!!
There are links to HOW are in the beginning. This post is about how to choose which to use.
This video is the best instructions I’e seen and I’ve tried quite a few. I finally was able to actually make the magic circle. Thank you.
I love the tutorial to this I have tried before and was not able to get it right this has helped so much looking forward to making the Mary Jane Slippers =)
I have been crocheting for MANY YEARS, BUT THIS “Magic Circle” is the “BEST”.
Thank You, You just taught an old dog a NEW Trick!
If I want to begin by using a chain and joining it together to make a circle instead of using the magic circle, how will I know the equivalent number of chain stitches to make?
I would like to try that.
I also want to know the equivalent chains needed instead of using the magic circle. Is there a chart or equation somewhere to calculate the # of chains to join together in a circle, to fit for example: 12 SC, or 8 DBL, etc. Thank you for any info you can provide on this subject!
How would I substitute magic ring in a pattern that calls for Chain 3 , 8 dc in first chain?
GOSH I HOPE YOU GET A REPLY…….my question is the same……I can’t figure out, at the beginning of each round……..do we eliminate the chain stitches to begin the next row/round………
You would not chain three at the beginning of each round–you just work on continuous round. This makes a stitch marker very important, so you can keep track of what round you’re in.
So, instead of chaining three at thr start of each round, you would insert a comparavle stitch. If I’m working dc in that round, replace the chain three at the beginning of the round with a dc. :)
*Apologies for the typos! :)
Can you please explain how you convert a chain join to a magic circle? I prefer the magic circle and the item I am making is conducive to this, however; it begins with a chain/join.
Thank you!