You already know that knitting in the round is a total game-changer when you’re stitching up all those fall sweaters. But when you’re making something smaller (socks, sleeves, mittens, etc), you’re gonna need to work some magic. You can learn the knitting method that’s totally magic. For real, though! Consider the magic loop method your new best friend.
What’s Magic Loop Knitting?
The magic loop method is way of creating pieces with small circumferences (think sweater sleeves or socks) by using just one long, circular needle. It can be done on any needle size with a cable length of at least 32″ or more, so try out a few lengths to find the one that works the best for you.
How to Knit the Magic Loop Method
Level: Easy
1. Begin by casting on the required number of stitches.
2. Move the stitches to the center of the cable and find the middle point (to find the middle, just count!). Gently bend your cable to bring it up between the two center stitches.
3. Pull the cable gently to the point where the cast on stitches are now resting on the needles, not the cable.
4. Turn the needles so they’re horizontal to the ground. The first stitch cast on should be on the needle closest to you. Hang the tail of the yarn down, and lay the working yarn over the back needle.
Pro Tip: This will set you up to knit your first stitch. If you’re purling your first stitch, let your working yarn hang down between the needles).
5. Pull the back needle out so the back stitches are on the cable now. Be careful to keep the working yarn toward the back. Bring the needle into the first stitch to knit.
6. Knit across all the stitches on the front needle.
7. Once you have knit the first set, turn your needles so the unworked stitches are now closest to you.Pull the back needle (the one you just worked) so the just-worked stitches are resting on the cable. Then slide the unworked stitches onto the front needle. Keep the working yarn toward the back.
8. Bring the back needle around and prepare to knit the first stitch on the front needle.
Continue knitting in pattern all the way down the front needle. When you complete this set of stitches you have just worked one round.
Continue this way for as many rounds as your pattern calls for. And just like that… you’re magic looping!
Would you consider creating a video of this technique and sharing it? That would be extremely helpful for us visual learners.
How do you do the magic loop on two circular needles?
Hello Seden,
Thank you for contacting us.
To do the magic loop method with two circular needles, it’s just the same as with one needle, except you knit half the stitches on one circular needle, and the remaining stitches on another circular needle. Then you just continue in that way. The needle cords don’t have to be the same length, but I do recommend that the needles be made of the same material for consistent tension across the rounds.
For further information or assistance, please chat, email, or call Customer Service.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Craftsy
It’s great! I’ll try it
I have a cast on one hand now but the minute it comes off, I’m grabbing a long needle & giving this a try! Rather have days without AIR than days without KNITTING ;)
I had a class with patti Lyon, sumner meters, Marley bird, Amy ross
I am 70 a looking for a helpful method to knit
ok
I love the knitting method that’s “Totally Magic”! What a much easier way to do sleeves or stockings!! Thank you 😊!!
Done loads of circular knitting but never used this, always used 4 double pointed needles, but will give this a try
I am going to try this
I’ve been knitting for about 30 years now, and all I’ve ever done is basic knitting and purling, so I’m definitely going to try this technique and add something new to the mix, lol!!
I’m a knitting beginer
I used this as a very beginner, and my recommendation would be to use a longer length of cable than you think you need. You get into a rhythm very quickly.
I’ve had a set of circular needles for years. Only making circular scarves and bobble hats. Had no idea about this method. I’m going to have a go!!
My mother used found needle but I found it difficult. I ll try my best as practice makes the man perfect.
Finding it hard to understand will keep trying as have heard a lot of good about it.
I’m left-handed and really find the magic loop difficult
I learned this method at our weekly knitting circle last year and its a game changer. I’ve invested in some good Addi-click needles and will not likely knit on straight needles ever again. When you get to the “turn around” you just give a little tug on the yarn and there is no obvious space or gap in the finished product!
I would like to see a picture of the finished product because, like Diana, I can’t see how there won’t be noticeable gaps
How do you deal with the large spaces that wind up on the end and in the middle?
To lose the gap simply tug on your yarn before the second stitch each time (tighten your tension) It seems counter-intuitive, but it works! (Knit the stitch, tighten working yarn, continue knitting)
Beautiful
Amazing