How to Start a Granny Square: Chain Ring, Magic Ring or Double Magic Ring?

Choosing how to start a Granny Square is often one of the first decisions a crocheter makes.

It might seem like a small detail, but the method you use can make a surprising difference to the finished appearance of your crochet. Some methods leave a visible hole in the centre, while others create a neat, tightly closed starting point.

When I first learned to crochet, I always started my Granny Squares with a simple chain ring. It worked perfectly well, but I was never completely happy with the visible hole left in the centre. Over time I experimented with both the magic ring and the double magic ring in search of a neater finish.

If you’re new to Granny Squares, you may also enjoy my Single Colour Granny Square Pattern with a video tutorial.

In this post, I’ll compare three popular techniques:

• Chain Ring Method
• Magic Ring Method
• Double Magic Ring Method

I’ll explain the pros and cons of each and share which method I now use for almost all of my Granny Squares.

Method 1: The Chain Ring

The chain ring is often the first method beginners learn.

To create it, chain 4 and join with a slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Your first round is then worked into the centre of this ring.

Advantages

• Easy to learn
• Quick to work
• Doesn’t require any special techniques
• Ideal for beginners
• It is secure

Disadvantages

• Leaves a visible hole in the centre
• The hole size cannot be adjusted once the ring is made
• Can look a little bulky in smaller motifs

For many projects, the chain ring works perfectly well. In fact, I used this method for years when I first learned to crochet.

Method 2: The Magic Ring

The magic ring (sometimes called a magic circle) has become extremely popular because it allows you to pull the centre tightly closed.

Instead of crocheting into a fixed chain ring, you work the first round into an adjustable loop. Once the stitches are complete, you pull the tail to close the hole.

Advantages

• Creates a neat centre
• Adjustable hole size
• Professional finish
• Particularly useful for motifs, amigurumi and Granny Squares

Disadvantages

• Can feel fiddly when first learning
• Some crocheters find the technique awkward
• There have been reports of magic rings loosening or coming undone over time if not secured well

When I first discovered the magic ring, I loved how neatly it closed the centre hole. It was a huge improvement on the traditional chain ring method.

However, I was never completely confident that the centre would stay tightly closed forever.

Method 3: The Double Magic Ring

The double magic ring is very similar to the standard magic ring, but uses two loops instead of one.

This creates a stronger, more secure foundation while still allowing the centre to be pulled tightly closed.

Advantages

• Creates an almost invisible centre hole
• More secure than a standard magic ring
• Less likely to loosen over time
• Ideal for Granny Squares and motifs
• Produces a very neat finish

Disadvantages

• Slightly more complicated to learn initially
• Can feel unfamiliar at first

Once I learned the double magic ring, it quickly became my preferred method.

I now use it for almost all of my Granny Squares and motifs. It creates a beautifully neat centre and gives me confidence that the ring will remain secure even after years of use.

I have never had a double magic ring come undone.

Chain Ring vs Magic Ring vs Double Magic Ring (Comparison)

Looking at the three methods side by side, you can clearly see the difference in the size of the centre opening.

The chain ring leaves the largest opening, the magic ring creates a much neater centre, and the double magic ring produces the smallest and most secure result.

In practice, all three methods work perfectly well, but the difference becomes more noticeable when making motifs with open centres or lighter-coloured yarns.

Which Method Should You Choose?

If you’re a complete beginner, I would suggest starting with the chain ring. It is simple, reliable and easy to master.

Once you feel comfortable with basic crochet techniques, the magic ring is worth learning because it produces a cleaner finish.

If you’re looking for the neatest and most secure option, I highly recommend learning the double magic ring.

For me, it offers the best combination of appearance and durability.

Watch the Video Tutorial

I’ve created a video demonstrating all three methods so you can see how to make them and how they compare.

Final Thoughts

One of the things I love about crochet is that there are often multiple ways to achieve the same result.

The “best” method is ultimately the one that works for you.

For most crocheters, the double magic ring offers the best balance of neatness and security, but each method has its place depending on your project and experience level.

If you’ve never tried it before, I’d encourage you to give it a go. It might just become your favourite method too.