This is the first in a series of video tutorials I plan to make on some of the basic techniques that are used in the amigurumi patterns you will find here at Squirrel Picnic. I hope you enjoy these tutorials. If there is a specific technique that you would like for me to cover, leave a comment below or email me at squirrelpicnic(at)gmail(dot)com.
But for now, let’s learn how to make a magic loop! The magic loop is a great alternative method for beginning any crochet project worked in the round. It’s especially useful for amigurumi projects. There are several methods for making the magic loop, but over the years this particular one has become my favorite.
All you need is a ball of yarn and a crochet hook, so grab yours and let’s begin!
Squirrel Picnic 
September 7, 2016 at 3:53 pm
OMG! Love the staging! This is so unique!
September 8, 2016 at 6:39 pm
Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
September 7, 2016 at 10:52 pm
Nice tutorial! I grabbed my yarn this morning and tried your technique for the Magic Loop. I always started with 2 ch for my amigurumi projects, because I thought that the Magic Ring is kind of complicated. Now I know: It is not! Thanks for showing, I love it. I also have a wish. If you crochet in the round, you usually use the method of spiral rounds. But it is better looking for striped parts, if you use the joined rounds. Now here is my question: If you crochet an amigurumi in joined rounds, how do you join it? Do you join it to the first sc, make a ch and start in the first sc, where you have already joined it or do you join to the ch? Would be nice to hear from you, thank you, Karin
September 8, 2016 at 7:02 pm
Hi Karin! I’m so glad you like my tutorial. I too was afraid of the magic loop at first, but I was determined to find a way that wasn’t too complicated. I hope that this method I found will help lots of people with their amigurumi. I agree, joined rounds do create better stripes. The way that I have found to be the most even and tidy is to start a round by crocheting into the next stitch (the stitch after the stitch I joined to at the end of the last round). At the end of the round, I work the last stitch into what is actually the slip stitch join of the previous round. Then I join with a slst to the 1st st of the round (completely ignoring the ch that was used to start the round). Except for a few circumstances, I have found that it looks better to use the initial chain as a means of achieving the height you want and then ignore it. Once you join to the 1st st of the round, the chain will hide itself behind the adjoining stitches. Is this what you do too? I have had a few people ask about this before. Perhaps I need to make another video!
September 9, 2016 at 11:26 am
Thank you so much for your clear answer, I will try to crochet the joined rounds in the way you described it. I think there are some people who would also be interested in this theme and yes, a video would be great!!!
September 12, 2016 at 5:47 am
Thanks, Karin! I’ll put it on my list of tutorials. I can’t wait to make more!
September 8, 2016 at 10:03 pm
That was a great video. I have never embraced this technique. as I didn’t understand how it could stay shut. I feared my amis could end up with embarrassing leakage. I get it now. I am making “holy cows” at the moment so I intend to try this out. Thank you. 😀
September 12, 2016 at 5:47 am
Thanks for watching my video, Sharon! This particular magic loop does stay shut really well. I always weave the end in though just to be sure. Enjoy! Holy Cows! You make me smile. 🙂