For some reason I have not tried to knit using Magic Loop until recently. I’ve considered it, but most of the video tutorials I watched seemed to make it look difficult, or more difficult than it really is. Now that I understand how it’s done, it’s basically common sense.
Three Ways to Knit a Small Circumference
Magic loop is used when stitches are too few to knit with a normal size circular needle. When faced with knitting narrow part of a sleeve, or sleeve cuff, socks, hat crown, or any small circumference, there are three different ways it can be done.
If there are enough stitches, a 16″ needle can be used. I usually use this size for the beginning of top down sleeves and also for beginning adult size hats.
As the amount of stitches become fewer and won’t fit around the 16″, we must switch to a 9″ circular, or double-pointed needles (DPNs). But, knitting with a 9″ needle can be a challenge. Also, many of us (me included) despise DPNs with all their awkwardness.
With Magic Loop, all that can be knit with one long needle. It keeps knitters from needing to buy shorter needles and therefore can save money.
How to Knit Using the Magic Loop
Picture your knitting as you would using a smaller needle, or DPNs. You are knitting around the same exact way, just splitting the stitches on a long needle.
In order to do this you need a long circular needle – 32 inch or longer for a sleeve, but a 24 inch might work for smaller items. A bit of the needle sticks out of each side of the project, so figure it from there.
Pull some of the cable from about halfway around. Now you have split the knitting into 2 sections. They don’t have to be exact for most items. Knit one side following your pattern (mine for this sweater is simply knitting around). When you reach the pulled out cord, figure the needles to continue knitting around as usual. It means pulling one needle out – the one where the yarn is hanging. Then, use that needle to continue knitting. Mark the beginning of round so you don’t get confused.
A video I watched mentioned holding the stitches tightly when starting that new row. This way there are no loose stitches where the needles split – which is called ladders.
Best Times to Use Magic Loop
- Hat crown
- Sleeve – part, or all
- Socks – some people knit both socks at once using Magic Loop!
- Mittens
- Two at once – socks, mittens, mitts
- Baby & kids apparel which is overall smaller.
Videos For Magic Loop
- Stephen West – Short, 5-minute video gets right to the point.
- Socks, 2 at a Time
- Begin knitting sleeve top down – Tin Can Knits video
New England's Narrow Road 