Crochet - why don't people like magic rings?

[PeachP]

Hello, first crochet post!

Out of curiosity really - why do some people / pattern setters not like magic rings?

I've been making amigurimi for little while and find some pattern setters say they start with a foundation ring rather than magic rings because they don't like them. Just wondering why, and if I'm missing a trick - I find them useful as sometimes if I get the tension wrong a foundation ring can be difficult to either get my hook in for all the first stitches, or leave a big hole.

(For context I'm making a Labrador from Edward's menagerie - dogs book at the moment, and have just noticed she suggests a foundation ring rather than magic ring. I think I've been using magic rings for everything since seeing a Bella Coco pattern.)

Ta! :)

I think it’s slightly more fiddly when new to crochet, than a foundation ring.
I think it’s good to know lots of techniques as you can get quite different outcomes.

I love magic rings. Always use it. A foundation chain loop just leaves a hole.

I like magic rings - they make a real difference to the look of some pieces, particularly granny square items using chunky yarn. Foundation rings can stretch horribly!

For amigurumi - definitely a magic ring.

I only discovered magic rings a couple of years ago, and agree that they are great. However, as I don't use them often, I forget how to start them off and waste a lot of time finding a good tutorial each time to refresh my memory. Being a bit of a perfectionist, I am prepared to do that, but I can see why a lot of people stick to the method that they have always used.

i rarely use them and never have a problem with holes. But other people have other experiences.
TBH you can just use one, can't you, whatever the pattern says?

Foundation rings are easier but magic rings look much much neater 9/10

I almost always just use a magic ring in a pattern that calls for a foundation chain, especially in amigurumi

I use a magic ring except for really chunky fluffy or chenille yarn as it's impossible to pull it tight enough

With chenille yarn I tend to chain 2 and stitch into the the first chain- going over the end in the same way and then sewing the hole closed. As it's fluffy, it doesn't show :)

Ah thank you for the tips! Good to know about the different yarns. I was mainly wondering if there are certain situations where one or other is better so that's good to know.

(And woops for the wrongly spelt amigurumi!)

I made a granny square blanket starting the squares with magic rings. My DD likes to sit under the blanket. My DD likes to fiddle with things. My DD pokes her little fingers into the magic rings. My squares all now have massive holes in the middles.

@Oldnproud I'm exactly the same 😀

I've had problems with magic rings opening up, despite having darned the ends in well (or so I thought!) I do still use them but make extra sure to leave a long tail and darn it in more than I think necessary.

I have tried and tried but cannot get the hang of the magic ring. Sigh.

They have a tendency to come undone and it can be nearly impossible to fix if it does undo itself. I have made things for Woolly Hugs and they request that people don't use magic rings for this reason.

I have used magic rings since discovering them about 5/6 years ago and think they are neater than a foundation ring. However, my daughter and I have recently made a cardigan using granny squares and some of the magic rings have opened up causing a bit of a panic. I think they possibly weren't stitched in well or it's because the yarn has a slight sheen to it and it's just slipped (it is only happening on one of the colours). I'm now going to have to be very careful on future projects.