This how-to will take you through the steps to create a magic loop in crochet. Magic loops are used at the beginning of a project where you are working in the round, and it creates a neat closed hole in the centre of the first round. To begin, hold the tail of your yarn in the palm of your left hand.

Form a ring by wrapping the yarn around your index and middle fingers. The working yarn is now on the right.

Hold the point where the loop overlaps.

Insert your crochet hook into the magic loop from front to back.

Loop the yarn around the groove of your hook and pull it through.

Make one chain stitch.

Insert your hook into the ring, loop the yarn and pull through. There are now two loops on your crochet hook.

Loop the yarn and pull it through both loops - you have now made one single crochet stitch.

Repeat steps 7 and 8 until you have made the number of stitches indicated by your pattern.

Pull on the tail end of your yarn to close up the hole in the centre of the work - magic!