Help with the Magic Ring/half double crochet

Hi everyone,

I really need help crocheting a hat. The pattern says I should chain 2 and then, in the first round, work 12 half double crochets into the next chain from the hook. *confused*
So far, I’ve only ever started with a magic ring. Can someone explain to me how I
can do this with that and then crochet 12 half double crochets? My question is how many chain stitches I need to make in the magic ring so I can then crochet the 12 hdc. 12 chain stitches seem like too many to me, or am I wrong? It’s supposed to be a hat for a 3-year-old child.
Thank you so much in advance!!!

Christine

Hi Christine,

Make your magic ring, then chain two stitches to replace the first half double crochet. Then crochet 11 more half double crochets into the ring and finish the round with a slip stitch into the second of the chain stitches you made at the beginning.

Best regards

Danie from crochetwithlove

Hi Danie,

first of all, thanks for the quick help. But how many stitches do I make into the ring? 12 or fewer? I’m still a bit of a beginner at this.

Hi Christine,
the magic ring is really just a “loop” into which the stitches of the first round are then crocheted.
Try searching Google Images for “crocheting a magic ring.” You’ll be able to see right away what’s meant.
Best wishes, Petra

I think there’s also a tutorial about that on the blog right now! 

... I just saw that on the blog, too.
Take a look here:
https://www.crazypatterns.net/de/blog/502/magic-ring-haekelanleitung
 

You’re all so kind. I know how to crochet the ring. It’s just that in this case, there’s no mention of the ring. Here’s an excerpt from the pattern:

Child (3–5 years) size:
2 ch (start each round with 2 ch)
Round 1: 12 half-double crochets in the next chain from the crochet hook. (12)
Round 2: *1 half-double crochet in the next stitch, 2 half-double crochets in the next stitch* around. (18)
Round 3: *1 half-double crochet in the next 2 stitches, 2 half-double crochets in the next stitch* around. (24)
Round 4: *1 half-double crochet in the next 3 stitches, 2 half-double crochets in the next stitch* around. (30)
Round 5: *1 half-double crochet in the next 4 stitches, 2 half-double crochets in the next stitch* around. (36)...

But I’d really like to use a magic ring. For that, I need to know the number of stitches, right?
*completely confused*

Check this out—it’s explained really well in the video:
https://youtu.be/f-vr5DfPJKw

Just forget about the chain for now; you only need it if you’re not making a magic ring.

Ha, now I get it. So I’ll start the magic ring with 12 half double crochets right away and
then continue following the pattern for each round as described. I still have one question, though.
Do I skip the 2 chain stitches mentioned in the pattern entirely, or do I still need to crochet them at the beginning of each round?

Thank you so, so much for the video and the help!!!

Christine

Great!!! You basically replace the first half double crochet of each round with 2 chain stitches. Then continue crocheting as described.

Round two, for example: 2 chain stitches to replace the half double crochet, 2 half double crochets, then continue as indicated between the *...*.

Perfect!!! Now I can finally get started!!! Oh, I’m so happy about the help.

Thanks again, everyone. 

You’re very welcome, Christine!

...and if it doesn’t confuse you too much, you can take a look here to see how to make the join at the end of the round invisible:

https://youtu.be/5SUXLELkz8Y

I’d be grateful for any tips, and the video helps me a lot as well, since I also have a
color change at the edge. So... wonderful!

I’m glad I could help you! :)
Maybe you could post a picture once the hat is finished.

Hi,
it’s really simple

Hi,
it’s really simple

What did I do wrong? I admit that crocheting
in rounds is difficult for me, because at the end of the round I never really know
where to insert the hook to close the round with a slip stitch.
Unfortunately, various videos didn't help me either.
But the front turned out nicely.