In need of a good DYI project or want to brush up on you crochet knowledge, well my dears, you have come to the right place.
Round & round we go!
I'm not talking about an exhaustive argument with yourself, I'm talking about making a circle. So, if you're tired of making squares and rectangles and would like to soften up your projects the magic ring is truly a magic way to begin. Unlike squares that are crocheted in rows (flipping back and forth between front and back), the circle or any cylinder type project is done in rounds...well because you go around and around lol!
How to start your round
ONE
Ring of Chains Method: A lot of people just starting to learn crochet will use this method because it's the simplest to use. To start you chain 4 stitches and then use a slip st to connect the two ends and make a ring. Then depending on what stitch you're use (SC, HDC, DC) you'll stitch the number you need for your pattern, into the center of the ring.
Pros: use to use
Cons: leaves a hole in the middle
Advantage: if your design requires an opening in the middle
TWO
Magic Circle Method: For this method you start with a loop and then make a slip knot around the loop. Once you have your slip knot you cans start adding your stitches around the loop. As you go around the loop you will notice that there is tail hanging down from the loop you created. Once you have the number of stitches you need you pull this tail tight until the hole in the middle closes up. After tightly closing your circle you join the round by slip stitching in the your first stitch.
Pros: no open holes in the center and makes your work look more finished
Cons: slightly harder to learn than the "Ring of Chains" Method
Advantage: can use on any circular project (socks, hats, placemats...) that requires a ring to start
THREE
Chain Method: Start by chaining however many chains you need for your stitch, plus one. For example if you're using single crochet stitches you would chain 1 + 1 = 2, or if your using double crochet stitches you would chain 2 + 1 = 3. Then you would continue by making your first stitch in the chain farthest from the hook and so on until you have the number of stitches needed for your project. However, the slip knot you use to make your chain can cause a gap in our circle. But never fear you can remedy this by picking out the slip knot and pulling the remaining tail tight like you would if you were using the "Magic Circle".
Pros: A versatile ring to use. You can leave the hole in the center if needed, or tighten the center.
Cons: you have to add an extra step to tighten the circle unlike using the "Magic Circle".
Advantage: can use on any circular project (socks, hats, placemats...) that requires a ring to start
Picking favorites
So out of the 3 methods above I really favor the "Magic Circle". I love the finished look of it and in my opinion it's actually the sturdiest circle to use and more often than "knot"...wink, wink...will not come undone. And the biggest reason....there is NO HOLE in the center of your project! I can't tell you how much that bugs me! Side note, unless you need the hole.
In the spirit of giving!
Since November IS the month of GIVING & GRATITUDE I am attaching a 2 for 1. You can use the same pattern to create festive placemats and matching coasters. Not a bad deal!!
FALL-FETTI PLACEMAT & COASTERS
