3 Ways to Make a Magic Ring (MR) with Velvet or Chenille Yarn

Crochet terminology: US terms (single crochet = sc).

Method 1: A Small Ring and Loose Stitches

The secret to keeping the yarn from breaking is not to tighten the single crochet stitches against the ring as you work them.

1. Make a small ring: keep the starting circle very small. A smaller opening creates less friction and reduces the likelihood of the yarn breaking when you close it.
2. Work loose stitches: work 6 or 8 single crochet stitches into the ring, as the pattern requires, keeping the loops very loose.
3. Hold the base of the stitches: before pulling the yarn to close the ring, firmly pinch the base of the stitches between your thumb and index finger. This prevents direct friction on the velvet yarn.
4. Pull slowly, in stages: do not pull the yarn all at once. Pull a millimetre, adjust the stitches with your fingers, then pull another millimetre until the opening closes.

Method 2: The Chain-2 Alternative

If the yarn keeps breaking, use this technique, which looks identical and prevents the yarn from breaking:

1. Make a normal slip knot in the yarn.
2. Make 2 chains (ch 2).
3. Insert the hook into the first chain you made, the one furthest from the hook.
4. Work all the single crochet stitches of the first round, for example the 8 sc for the head, into that same first chain.
5. At the end, gently pull the starting yarn tail to tighten the centre.

Method 3: The Auxiliary Yarn Method

This technique involves starting the magic ring with a short length of cotton or cotton/acrylic blend yarn in a matching colour, for example YarnArt Jeans, so that it closes smoothly.

Insert the hook into the ring, pull the velvet or chenille yarn through to make the starting loop, and work the single crochet stitches with the velvet yarn around the smooth ring. Finally, pull the tail of the auxiliary yarn to close the circle securely.