Learn: Magic Circle or Magic Ring

Magic circle (or magic ring) is the first technique I learned as an amigurumi beginner. It's used to start a piece, and is the preferable method to the chain method. As you can see from the picture above, there is no gaping hole in the middle when you begin with a magic ring, and amigurumi is all about crocheting tightly so no stuffing will show through. 
In first round of a pattern, when you see

Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook

Just substitute it with a magic ring that has, in this case, 6 sc in it.

Need to master this basic amigurumi technique? Follow Sugary Stitches' blue birdie instructions (this cute chart is downloadable from the original website):

Prefer to watch someone demo it? You'll find lots of magic ring videos online. Here are two different ways to do it:

Source: PlanetJune

Source: apinchofhope

Have fun with your amigurumi!