The typical way of starting to work in the round is less than ideal for amigurumi. The standard way is to make a slip knot, chain 2, and then single crochet six times into the first stitch.
Why isn’t this the best? It leaves an icky hole that lets stuffing poke through, as shown in the photo above. Not so good.
A number of ways have been devised to solve this problem, one of which is the magic ring. However, doing this requires a fancy new technique, and altering your crochet patterns, because you are no longer chaining 2, and then single crocheting into the first stitch. That’s why I teach my students what is called ‘the sloppy slip knot’. It solves all these problems, and is an easy way to get no hole! Let’s get started!
To begin, don’t make a slip knot. Instead, simply twist the yarn once around your crochet hook, as pictured on the left.
Now, continue on as usual. Chain two stitches, and single crochet six times into the first stitch.
Here’s the magic part. Just pull the tail, and your hole closes up! Because you aren’t starting with a knot, the start yarn is easily pulled shut, as pictured on below. And don’t worry, the hole won’t slip open over time.
It’s easy! And best of all, the ‘sloppy slip knot’ leaves you with a quick way to avoid that pesky hole that comes with working in the round. If you still need a bit of help… check out our sloppy slip knot video to see the technique in action!
Guess what? Crocheting stuffed animals is easy! If you can single crochet, then you can make an adorable animal… don’t let pattern-reading scare you!
Download my free e-book:The Beginner’s Guide to Amigurumi! I’ll walk you step-by-step through how to crochet an adorable penguin… you’ll be ‘hooked’ in no time!
thanks for this i manage to do the magic circle thing but ut’s usually more luck than judgement this was so easy
This ROCKS! I tried it immediately after stumbling across it today. Just as effective as an adjustable ring, but a million times easier.
Hooray!!!
Incredibly helpful! I was not having much success with the magic ring.
Thank you sooo much for this. I could not get the magic circle for anything.But this was so much easier. No more big holes . Yay!!!
Wow, this is great. I have read about the Magic Ring and decided it was too hard for me ha. This looks easy and makes so much sense. Just don’t make a knot – perfect. Thank you for sharing this great idea. Best Wishes, Lynda :-)
THIS is AMAZING. I could never get the magic ring to work and tried to make my stitches super tight to minimize the hole, but this only made it harder to work with! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
@Brook- Thank you for your comment! I love hearing that the technique helps others :)
Oh, great. Now that I’ve FINALLY figured out how to make a quasi-magic ring thing, I find your much easier way to close that pesky hole :-D Thanks for sharing this wonderful technique!
I just want to order penguin pattern how do i do it
Hi Vicki-
I’m not sure which penguin you’re looking to order… you can browse my available patterns by viewing my amigurumi page.
You can also feel free to email me: stacey@freshstitches.com if you’re having trouble finding what you need.
stacey
How can I get your heart pattern? When I clicked for pattern, only the instructions for the magic circle came up.
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Thanks.
@Wilayne The heart pattern is available here: http://www.freshstitches.com/hearts/
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