Free Crochet Pattern: Face Scrubbers and How to Crochet The Magic Circle (I)
Crocheting in the round usually involves a slip knot and chaining then working into a chain. This leaves a hole in the middle of your work because there is no way to adjust the size of the chain you worked into. A magic circle eliminates the hole in your work because you can adjust the circle. The first time I came across the term magic circle, I was like, what is this magic they speak of?!
The magic circle is a technique for crocheting in the round that allows you to have an adjustable ring. By using a magic circle you can avoid having a hole in the middle of your work. Not having a hole in the middle of your work is essential when it comes to amigurumi and hats made from the top down. It is also great for making flowers. When I first started crocheting, I found a pattern for making the cutest newborn baby beanies and I would add flowers to them so, the magic circle was very effective in making them look nicely done. Learning to use the magic circle is where my obsession with making beanies started.
Creating a magic circle is a very quick and simple technique that you can learn easily. Just like creating a slip knot, there are several different ways to create a magic circle. You just have to find the way that works for you. I tried several different ways to make them. I am going to show you the way that works for me. It is very simple and straightforward.
There are several names for the magic circle. I’ve always used the term magic circle or magic ring but, here are other names for it – magic loop, adjustable ring, adjustable loop, adjustable magic loop, adjustable magic ring, magic adjustable ring – pretty much it is magical. You will see what I mean once you learn and implement it into your crochet projects. You will feel like a crochet magician!
One of my favorite quick and easy crochet projects to make is a round cotton face scrubber. They are also a very affordable crochet project. You can buy a ball of cotton yarn at your local Walmart for less than $2 and this will make a bunch of face scrubbers.
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I have designed three different round face scrubber patterns to share with you. One of them is a very basic pattern using single crochet and half double crochet. The other two use a stitch that may be a little intimidating if you haven’t tried it before. It’s called the ‘puff stitch’. The puff stitch (ps) gives great texture to a crochet project. It literally puffs up making an oval shape. A puff stitch is made with several loops that are worked together in the same stitch.
I like using the puff stitch for the face scrubbers because it makes them a little thicker plus I think they look so fancy with a puff stitch. As a beginner crocheter when I saw a puff stitch in a pattern, my very first thought was “Nope!”. It looked so complicated and above my skill level, so I just avoided it. I finally decided to tackle the puff stitch when I came across the cutest beanie hat pattern that I just had to make. After I learned the puff stitch, I was kicking myself for avoiding it for so long. It really is a fun stitch to work.
Where are you at in your crochet journey? Is there a crochet stitch that you do not feel confident enough to try? Is there a technique you’ve been wanting to learn? Please feel free to share in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!
I planned to have all 4 video tutorials done before this blog post, but I only managed to get 2 finished. Life gets in the way sometimes! Below are the written patterns and the two video tutorials for the magic circle and the basic face scrubber. I will get the two videos for the face scrubbers that use the puff stitch finished up and posted real soon! So, check them out and let me know what you think.
Basic Cotton Face Scrubber
Magic Circle (work in continuous rounds)
Round 1 : 8 SC in magic circle
Round 2 : 2 HDC in each ST (16)
Round 3 : 2 SC in 1st ST, *1 SC in next ST, 2 SC in next ST Repeat from * to finish round (24)
Round 4 : 2 HDC in 1st ST, *HDC in next 2 STS, 2 HDC in next ST Repeat from * to finish round (32)
Round 5 : SC in each ST around; Fasten off. Weave in ends.
If you want your face scrubber bigger, you can continue to repeat Round 5 until you reach your desired size.
Puff Stitch Cotton Face Scrubber (single crochet)
Magic Circle
Round 1 : CH 2; place 6 PS in MC; SLST to 1st PS (puff stitches will create 12 sts); SLST to 1st PS, CH 1 (12)
Round 2 : SC in the same ST as CH 1; SC in each ST around; SLST to 1st SC, CH 2 (12)
Round 3 : PS in the same ST as CH 2; PS in each ST around; SLST to 1st PS, CH 1 (24)
Round 4 : SC in the same ST as CH 1; SC in each ST around; SLST to 1st SC; CH 2 (24)
Round 5 : PS in the same ST as CH 2; PS in each ST around. Fasten off. Weave in ends (48)
Puff Stitch Cotton Face Scrubber (half double crochet)
Magic Circle
Round 1 : CH 1; 8 HDC in magic circle, SLST to 1st HDC, CH 2
Round 2 : PS in the same ST as CH 2, PS in each ST around; SLST to 1st ST (puff stitches will create 16 stitches); CH 1 (16)
Round 3 : 2 HDC in same ST as CH 1, *1 HDC in next ST, 2 HDC in next ST Repeat from * to finish round, SLST to 1st HDC, CH 2 (24)
Round 4 : PS in same ST as CH 2 ; PS in each ST around; SLST to 1st PS (48) Fasten off. Weave in ends.
How to Crochet : Magic Circle (Magic Ring)
How to Crochet : Round Cotton Face Scrubber
6 Comments
Kate Murray
Love this post, and I’m pinning it so I can reference later! I’m a beginner but love the therapeutic part of crochet and of course making beautiful things. Thank you for the video links too!
admin
Thank you Kate! I agree about crocheting being therapeutic. It’s how I unwind after a busy day.
Keesha
These are so cute! It’s cool to watch your videos to see the process from beginning to end. Great blog post, Nicky!
Nicky
Thanks, Keesha!! I really appreciate it!
Jess
I have tried to crochet before but I could never get the hang of it…I may have to give it another try!
admin
I sure hope you do!! If you get stuck or need any help, just leave me a comment and I will be more than happy to help! 🙂