Tutorial: the Double Magic Circle.

Today I am going to share one of my favourite techniques – the Double Magic Circle.

I love this technique, I find it easy to do and it looks great, so I’m going to show you how to do it too.

What is the Double Magic Circle?

If you’ve been crocheting for a while you’ve probably heard of the magic circle and may have some idea of what it entails, but if you don’t here is a simple description.

The magic circle/magic ring/adjustable loop is a way to begin a crochet project worked in the round that replaces a ch ?(2, 3, etc) and join into a ring. 

This technique allows you to work your stitches into a larger circle and then tighten it until the hole disappears (like in the centre of a granny square) or leave a hole with the diameter you want (like in the centre of the Heart in Bloom).

Granny square.

How is the Double Magic Circle different?

Well just like the name suggests it is a double circle. You wrap the yarn around your fingers twice so that you are working into a circle made of two loops of yarn instead of just one.

I prefer the double magic circle for a number of reasons.

  • I find it easier to manage – easier to make and far easier to work into.
  • It’s sturdier – which makes it easier to work into and a stronger beginning to a project.
  • It leaves a long tail – perfect for securely weaving in.
  • It’s already woven in more – which for me is important as I’m always paranoid my ends will come loose!

Speaking of weaving the end in, one of the things that many people worry about when using a magic circle is that it will come undone. So I’m also going to show you my method of weaving in the end when using a magic circle, using all the little tricks I’ve seen over the years, so that it is as secure as it can be without having to tie any knots.

This tutorial will be broken down into 2 parts.

A step by step photo tutorial and written instructions to help you make and use a Double Magic Circle.
A photo tutorial and chart illustrating how to weave the end in securely.

Tutorial – the Double Magic Circle.

  1. Make the Double Magic Circle (DMC).
  2. Complete the first round working into the DMC. You can begin your round with a ch 2 or 3, or a Chainless Turning stitch – whichever you prefer.
  3. Tighten the DMC, making the hole any size you like or make the hole disappear completely.

Tutorial – Weaving in the end.

  1. To weave in your end you will work on the back side of your crochet.
    Using a yarn needle begin the first repeat of the weaving pattern.
  2. Repeat the weaving pattern 2 more times.
  3. Finish weaving in by going around under the stitches in the centre of the round one more time and cut your yarn.
  4. Chart. Follow the arrows starting at the open circle. This is where the long tail from tightening the DMC is.
    Weave yarn under the stitches in the centre to the left at least 2 stitches.
    [ Weave yarn up the middle of the stitch.
    Take yarn across to the next stitch to the right then weave yarn down the middle of that stitch.
    Weave yarn under the stitches in the centre to the left 3 or 4 stitches. ]
    Repeat instructions in brackets [ ] 2 more times.
    This brings you back to where you started.
    Weave yarn under the stitches in the centre in a full circle. Cut yarn.

The reasons that this style of weaving in works.

  • You change direction multiple times looping over itself which means that the yarn would have to be pulled in the right direction in the right order multiple times to come undone.
  • You are likely to split the yarn with your needle a fews times which helps intertwine and lock the strands together adding to the security of your weaving.

So that’s it! The Double Magic Circle and how I weave the end in making it as secure as I can.

Do you use a magic circle? Do you love it as much as I do?!?

I hope you find this tutorial useful. Let me know what you think below.

SaveSave

5 thoughts on “Tutorial: the Double Magic Circle.”

  1. I am trying to do crochet again after about 10 yrs. Good physical therapy for hands. This seems easy to follow. Making coasters. I hope.🪡🧶

Comments are closed.