Knitting in the round opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to create seamless garments, cosy hats, and snug socks without unsightly seams. While double-pointed needles (DPNs) have been the go-to method for circular knitting for years, the magic loop technique has gained popularity as a versatile and practical alternative (it’s our favourite way to knit socks!).
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of magic loop knitting and explore how it can revolutionise your circular knitting projects.
Understanding the Magic Loop Technique
The magic loop technique involves using a single long circular needle to knit small-diameter projects, typically those with circumferences too small for traditional circular needles. The beauty of magic loop lies in its versatility – you can use it for projects such as socks, sleeves, hats, and even sweaters.
To get started, you’ll need a circular needle with a long, flexible cable, ideally at least 32 inches in length for most projects. However, longer cables may be preferred for larger projects.
Casting On and Setting Up the Magic Loop
To begin your magic loop adventure, cast on the required number of stitches for your project. Once your stitches are cast on, locate the midpoint of your circular needle and gently pull the cable to create two loops – one on each side of the needle.
The midpoint of the cable will now serve as the beginning of your round, and the loops will separate your stitches into two halves. Ensure there are no twists in your cast-on stitches and that they align with the cable.
Knitting the First Half of the Round
With your setup complete, start knitting from the first half of the stitches, leaving the second half untouched for now. Push the first few stitches of the working half onto the needle tip, ensuring you have enough slack on the cable to avoid tension issues.
As you knit across the first half, gently slide the stitches onto the cable as you progress, maintaining an even tension. It’s normal to feel a bit awkward at first, but as you continue, you’ll notice how smoothly the magic loop technique allows you to knit in the round.
Transitioning to the Second Half
Once you’ve completed the first half of the round, it’s time to transition to the second half. Rotate your work 180 degrees, so the opposite end of the circular needle becomes the starting point.
Again, ensure the working yarn has enough slack, and begin knitting across the second half of the stitches. As you work, you’ll notice that the loop between the two halves gradually moves along the cable, creating a “magic loop” effect.
Avoiding Ladders and Gaps
One common concern with circular knitting is the appearance of ladders or gaps where the two halves meet. To minimise this, make sure to snugly pull the working yarn when you start knitting each half, and use your fingers to close any potential gaps as you switch between the halves.
Additionally, occasionally shifting the starting point of the round slightly can also help distribute any minor tension discrepancies that may occur during the magic loop process.
Finishing the Project
Continue repeating steps 3 to 5 until you’ve completed your project. For projects like socks or sleeves, once you’ve reached the desired length, you can close the toe or cuff using the Kitchener stitch or your preferred finishing method.
Conclusion
The magic loop technique is a game-changer in the world of circular knitting. By mastering this method, you can seamlessly create a wide range of projects without double-pointed needles or multiple circular needles. As you practice, you’ll find that the magic loop simplifies your circular knitting and opens up countless possibilities for your future knitting endeavours. Embrace the magic loop, and you’ll discover a whole new world of seamless and enjoyable knitting! Happy knitting in the round!
Need a visual? Check out this Craftsy tutorial!