purlJam

---

# Mini Vinyl Record Refrigerator Magnet
### A Beginner Crochet Pattern

---

## About This Pattern

This fun little pattern creates a flat crocheted vinyl record approximately **1.5 inches (3.8 cm)** in diameter — the perfect size for a refrigerator magnet! Two flat circles are crocheted and joined together with a small disc magnet sandwiched inside. A tiny center label circle is added on top for an authentic look.

> **Designer's Note:** This pattern is adapted from standard flat-circle construction rather than stuffed sphere construction. Because this is a flat magnet rather than a plushie, no fiberfill stuffing is used. The two-disc assembly keeps the finished piece slim, tidy, and fully functional as a magnet.

---

## Finished Size

- **Diameter:** Approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
- **Thickness:** Approximately 0.25 inch (6 mm) once assembled

> **Size Note:** Finished size is highly dependent on your personal gauge. Work tightly! If you crochet loosely or prefer a more precisely sized result, try **DK weight (3)** yarn with a **US D-3 (3.25 mm)** hook, which will bring the diameter closer to 1.25–1.4 inches (3.2–3.5 cm). A quick gauge swatch is always recommended before beginning.

---

## Materials

| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| **Main Color (MC)** | Worsted weight (4) yarn in **black** — less than 5 yards (4.6 m) |
| **Contrasting Color (CC)** | Worsted weight (4) yarn in **red** (or yellow, white, or your favorite label color) — less than 2 yards (1.8 m) |
| **Crochet Hook** | US E-4 (3.5 mm) |
| **Magnet** | 1 small round disc magnet, approximately 10 mm (0.4 inch) diameter |
| **Yarn Needle** | For assembly and weaving in ends |
| **Stitch Marker** | To track beginning of rounds |
| **Scissors** | |
| **Strong Craft Glue** *(optional)* | To secure magnet, such as E6000 or super glue |

> **Magnet Safety Warning:** This finished item contains a small magnet and is not suitable for children under 3 years of age. Keep away from individuals with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices.

---

## Yarn & Hook Recommendations

- **Suggested yarns:** Lion Brand Pound of Love, Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft (all worsted weight)
- **Hook:** Go **1–2 sizes smaller** than the yarn label recommends to achieve a tight, firm fabric with no gaps — this is standard amigurumi technique

---

## Gauge

**Tight amigurumi gauge (recommended):**
5 sc = 1 inch (2.5 cm)
4 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm)

> Gauge is important for achieving the correct 1.5-inch finished size. Work tightly!

---

## Abbreviations

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **sc** | single crochet |
| **inc** | increase — work 2 sc in the same stitch |
| **sl st** | slip stitch |
| **ch** | chain |
| **rnd(s)** | round(s) |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **MC** | main color (black) |
| **CC** | contrasting color |
| **[ ]** | stitch count at end of round |

---

## Notes for Beginners

1. **Magic Ring:** This pattern begins with a magic ring (also called a magic circle). If you are not yet comfortable with the magic ring, you may substitute: **ch 2, work the first round of sc into the 2nd chain from the hook.** Pull the starting tail snugly to close the center.
2. **Working in continuous rounds:** Do not join or turn at the end of each round unless instructed. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work.
3. **Flat circle formula:** Each round of this pattern increases by exactly 6 stitches. This is what keeps your circle flat. If your circle starts to cup upward, your gauge is too tight. If it starts to ruffle, your gauge is too loose — try tightening your tension.
4. **Right side vs. wrong side:** The right side (smooth side) of your sc fabric should face outward on both discs.

---

## Pattern Instructions

---

### PART 1: RECORD DISC (Make 2 in MC — Black)

You will make two identical flat circles. These form the front and back of the vinyl record.

**Rnd 1:** Make a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the magic ring. Pull the ring closed snugly. Place stitch marker. **[6]**

**Rnd 2:** Work 2 sc (inc) in each stitch around. **[12]**
*(You are working 1 increase in every stitch — 6 increases total)*

**Rnd 3:** \*(sc in next st, inc in next st)\* — repeat from \* to \* around. **[18]**
*(Alternating: 1 plain sc, then 1 increase — 6 increases total)*

**Rnd 4:** \*(sc in each of next 2 sts, inc in next st)\* — repeat from \* to \* around. **[24]**
*(2 plain sc, then 1 increase — 6 increases total)*

Sl st in next stitch to close the round. Fasten off, leaving a **12-inch (30 cm) tail** on the **first disc** for seaming. Fasten off and weave in the tail on the **second disc**.

> ✅ **Stitch count check:** After Rnd 4 you should have 24 stitches. Count carefully before fastening off!
> - Rnd 1: 6 sts ✓
> - Rnd 2: 6 × 2 = 12 sts ✓
> - Rnd 3: 6 sc + 6 inc = 18 sts ✓
> - Rnd 4: 12 sc + 6 inc = 24 sts ✓

---

### PART 2: CENTER LABEL CIRCLE (Make 1 in CC)

This small circle represents the center label on the vinyl record.

**Rnd 1:** Make a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the magic ring. Pull the ring closed snugly. **[6]**

Sl st in next stitch to close the round. Fasten off, leaving a **6-inch (15 cm) tail** for sewing.

> **Optional larger label:** For a slightly more visible label circle, continue to Round 2:
> **Rnd 2:** Work 2 sc (inc) in each stitch around. **[12]**
> Sl st to close. Fasten off with a 6-inch (15 cm) tail.
>
> The single-round label (6 sts) gives a diameter of approximately 0.4–0.5 inch (10–12 mm). The two-round label (12 sts) gives approximately 0.7–0.8 inch (18–20 mm). Choose whichever looks best to your eye!

---

## Assembly

**Step 1 — Attach the center label:**
Using the yarn tail and a yarn needle, sew the **CC label circle** to the **right side (smooth side)** of one of the black discs, centering it as precisely as possible. Use a whip stitch around the edge of the label circle, pulling snugly so it lies flat. Weave in and secure the end on the wrong side.

**Step 2 — Mark the center hole:**
Using a small length of **white or contrasting yarn** and your yarn needle, embroider a small French knot or a few tiny straight stitches at the very center of the CC label circle to represent the center hole of the record. Alternatively, a tiny dot of white craft paint may be used after assembly. Weave in all ends.

> **French Knot Instructions (beginner tip):** Bring needle up through the center point. Wrap yarn around needle 2 times. Insert needle back into fabric right next to the exit point (not the same hole). Pull through to create a small raised dot.

**Step 3 — Add the magnet:**
Hold both record discs with **wrong sides facing each other** (right/smooth sides facing outward). Place the **10 mm disc magnet** between the two discs, in the center. If desired, add a small drop of craft glue to the magnet face and press it against the wrong side of the **back disc** (the plain one without the label). Allow to dry if using glue.

> **Tip:** Check that the magnet is oriented with its **attracting side facing the back** of the assembly (so it will stick to the refrigerator).

**Step 4 — Seam the discs together:**
Using the **long 12-inch (30 cm) tail** from the first disc and a yarn needle, whip stitch the two discs together through the outer edge stitches, working around all 24 stitches. Keep the magnet centered as you sew.

Pull each stitch snugly so the seam is tidy and the edges align neatly. When you have worked all the way around, pull the yarn snugly to close any final gap.

**Step 5 — Finish:**
Knot the yarn securely, then weave the tail between the two layers of the disc to hide it. Trim any excess.

---

## Optional Embellishments

| Detail | How To |
|---|---|
| **Groove lines** | Using a slightly lighter shade of black or dark gray yarn and a yarn needle, embroider 1–2 loose concentric circles of surface slip stitch on the front disc (between the label and the outer edge) to suggest the record's grooves |
| **Artist label text** | Using a fine-tip permanent marker or fabric paint pen, write a tiny band name or "45 RPM" on the CC label circle after assembly |
| **Shiny finish** | Lightly mist the finished disc with fabric stiffener spray and press flat while drying to give it a slight sheen and crisp shape |
| **Keychain version** | Before seaming, attach a small jump ring and keychain finding through one of the outer edge stitches |

---

## Finished Dimensions Reference

| Component | Diameter |
|---|---|
| Record disc (each) | ~1.5 inches / 3.8 cm |
| Label circle (1 rnd) | ~0.4–0.5 inch / 10–12 mm |
| Label circle (2 rnds) | ~0.7–0.8 inch / 18–20 mm |
| Disc magnet (recommended) | 10 mm / 0.4 inch |

---

## Yarn Quantity Summary

| Color | Amount Needed |
|---|---|
| Black (MC) — both discs | Less than 5 yards (4.6 m) |
| Label color (CC) | Less than 2 yards (1.8 m) |

> This pattern is an excellent stash-buster and works beautifully with yarn scraps!

---

## Skill Level Reference

**Stitches used:** magic ring, sc, inc (2 sc in one stitch), sl st, whip stitch, French knot (optional)
**Techniques used:** working in continuous rounds, flat circle construction, two-piece assembly

---

*Pattern designed for personal use. Finished items may be sold in small quantities with credit to the designer.*

---