The opening of an amigurumi piece is where most beginners get stuck. Magic ring closes tight and looks clean; chain loop is easier but leaves a small hole. Here's how each works and when to pick.
Both methods start a round in amigurumi by creating a closeable opening. The magic ring (mr) wraps yarn around your fingers, you crochet stitches into the loop, then pull the tail to close it completely — leaving no visible hole. It's the standard for amigurumi tops, heads, and any piece where the opening must be invisible. The chain loop method chains 2–3 stitches and slip-stitches into the first chain to form a small ring. It's easier to learn but leaves a tiny visible hole that stuffing can show through. Pick magic ring for amigurumi heads and bodies; chain loop for beginner practice or decorative pieces where a small hole doesn't matter. Magic ring takes 5 minutes to learn and saves visible mistakes for the rest of your crochet life.
| Property | Magic Ring (mr) | Chain Loop |
|---|---|---|
| Closure | Tight — no hole | Small visible hole |
| Difficulty | Moderate (needs practice) | Easy |
| Beginner-friendly | After ~5 attempts | From day one |
| Best for | Amigurumi heads, bodies, tops | Granny squares, decorative motifs |
| Common abbreviation | mr / MR / magic loop | ch X, sl st in 1st ch |
| Visible after closing | No | Slight |
| Time to set up | 10 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Stuffing-safe | Yes | Stuffing may peek through |
| Re-tightening | Pull tail anytime | Cannot tighten further |
(1) Wrap the yarn around two fingers of your non-dominant hand, with the tail crossing over the top. (2) Insert the hook under both strands, yarn over with the working yarn, and pull a loop through. (3) Yarn over again and pull through to lock the loop. (4) Now crochet your starting round (e.g. 6 sc) into the ring — work into BOTH the loop and the tail simultaneously. (5) When done, pull the tail firmly. The center closes completely. Practice 4–5 times — it clicks fast.
(1) Chain 2 stitches. (2) Work all your starting-round stitches (e.g. 6 sc) into the SECOND chain from the hook — the further one. The result is a tiny ring with the stitches around it. The center has a small visible hole because the chain itself can't be pulled tight. Some patterns chain 3 instead and slip-stitch into the first chain to form a more visible loop, then crochet into the loop. The chain-loop method is what beginner patterns reach for when explaining "work 6 sc in a ring" without specifying magic ring.
For pieces that won't be stuffed (granny squares, mandala motifs, doilies), the small hole left by the chain loop is invisible in the final piece because the surrounding fabric closes around it. For pieces with a visible center on the right side (like a granny square's color #1), the chain loop may even be desirable as a decorative element.
What does mr mean in crochet?
Magic ring (sometimes written as MR, magic loop, or adjustable ring). It's a closeable starting loop used at the beginning of amigurumi rounds.
Is magic ring hard to learn?
It feels awkward the first 3–5 attempts but clicks quickly. After 10 amigurumi projects you'll be making them in seconds. The investment is worthwhile — every amigurumi for the rest of your crochet life starts with one.
Can I substitute chain loop for magic ring?
Yes — for non-stuffed pieces (granny squares, doilies, motifs). For stuffed amigurumi, the small hole left by the chain loop will show stuffing through, so magic ring is strongly preferred.
Why won't my magic ring close?
Two common causes: (1) you're not catching both the loop AND the tail when crocheting your stitches into it; (2) the working yarn loop is tightening before you've worked all stitches. Re-watch a video tutorial slowly — it's a hand-position issue.
How many stitches go in a magic ring?
Standard amigurumi starts with 6 single crochets in the magic ring, then increases each subsequent round. Some larger-scale pieces start with 8 or 12 sc.
Should I use magic ring for granny squares?
Optional. The traditional granny square uses ch 4 + slip stitch to form a loop. Magic ring works fine and produces a tighter center. Pick whichever you find faster.