Adjustable Ring Crochet Tutorial

Crochet Techniques
Written By Jennifer Olivarez

There are many ways to create a magic ring in crochet, but this adjustable ring method is the only one I’ve found that truly stays closed. It creates a neat center with no hole, feels more secure than a standard magic ring, and is surprisingly easy to work once you know the steps. In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how I make my adjustable rings for everything from hats and granny squares to floral appliqués and toys.

Step 1: Wrap tail end around forefinger clockwise 3 times. Insert hook under first 2 strands.

A strand of yellow yarn wrapped several times around two fingers. A crochet hook under the first two strand is poised to grab the third strand. Text under arrow pointing right reads "working end." Text under arrow pointing left reads "tail end."

Step 2: Grab 3rd strand with hook and pull it under first 2 strands.

A strand of yellow yarn wrapped around two fingers. A crochet hook grabs the third strand and pulls it under the other two.

Step 3: Chain 1 to secure: yarn over with the working yarn…

Yarn over with working end of yellow yarn.

…and pull through loop on hook.

A chain made with yellow yarn. This chain holds the two loops together.

Step 4: Holding the chain you just made, slip adjustable ring off your fingers.

Closeup of fingers holding the chain so fingers of other hand can be removed easily.

The chain will hold the two loops of the ring together.

Closeup of an adjustable ring made with yellow yarn.

Step 5: Work the stitches of the first round into the ring, working over both strands. The photo below shows a single crochet worked into the ring, but you could easily work any type of stitch or combination of stitches into the ring.

A single crochet stitch worked into the adjustable ring.

Step 6: To close the ring, grasp the stitches at the beginning of the round, and gently pull the tail end. As you do, pay attention to which loop gets smaller.

Stitches of first round have been worked into the adjustable ring. Left hand is pulling tail end to begin closing loop.

Step 7: Grab that smaller loop and pull it.

Pulling the smaller loop until the other loop closes.

The other loop will tighten, closing the hole.

One loop pulled out while other loop is closed completely.

Step 8: Pull the tail end to close the remaining loop.

Pulling tail end to close remaining loop.

Step 9: Continue to pull the tail end until the hole in the center closes completely.

Adjustable ring completely closed.

Congratulations! You’ve just used an adjustable ring to complete the first round of your crochet project. Joining instructions for the end of the round will vary from pattern to pattern, so refer to your specific pattern for the next step.

Now that you know how to create a secure adjustable ring, you’ll be able to use this technique in all kinds of crochet projects worked in the round. It’s a simple skill, but one that can make a big difference in the finished look and durability of your work. With a little practice, I’m confident this method will quickly become one of your favorite ways to start a crochet project too.

Video Tutorial

Prefer to follow along visually? Watch the step-by-step tutorial.

Jennifer Olivarez
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