Magic loop is a knitting technique that allows for small circumference projects on larger circular needles. This method is perfect for making small circles, baby beanies, snoods, parts of a toy, sleeves, and socks. All you need is your favorite yarn and circular knitting needles. This beginner tutorial covers everything from casting on, setting up stitches, and joining your work in the round with circular knitting needles.
To start knitting in the round, you need to cast on as usual, slide the cast on stitches down onto the cord, find the halfway point, pull a loop of cord out between the stitches, and push the stitches back up onto the needles.
To begin the magic loop method, cast on as usual, slide the cast on stitches onto the cable portion of your needles, and hold both knitting needles in one hand so that the stitches sit in two parallel rows. This will help you get started by deciding when to use Magic Loop and choosing the right needles for you.
Unravel the secrets of Magic Loop Knitting with our step-by-step guide, making it easy for beginners to knit small circumference projects.
📹 Knitting Help – Getting Started with Magic Loop
In this video I demonstrate how to get started using the magic loop technique to knit a small-circumference tube with a long …
📹 How to knit magic loop – tutorial for beginners (+ tips and tricks for neater results)
A step-by-step tutorial on the magic loop knitting method and plenty of tips and tricks to avoid ladders and get neater results Read …
I find the travelling loop to be much, much easier than the standard magic loop. I’ve not had a laddering issue with the standard, but I pulled the first stitch too tight and always closed the last stitch on the cable – travelling loop has completely eliminated any issues I had. I’m a newbie knitter and am currently finishing my first pair of socks on a travelling loop, and the only issue I have is my tension around ssk decreases… But I keep them in the middle of my needle, so it’s definitely a me issue, not a loop issue 😅
I only use magic loop as I can’t seem to finish the second sock if I don’t do them at the same time (also I can’t seem to make socks identical otherwise) and I haven’t found a way to knit two socks at the same time if I don’t use magic loop. Is there maybe another technique for me to learn besides the magic loop? 😊
If your cable is too short, you can use a cable join to pull a longer cable through without starting over. Once you have a free needle, unscrew the free needle and use the joiner to attach the longer cable between the short cable and free needle. Slide the stitches onto the long cable, and pull the other needle and short cable through the stitches at the other end. Once all stitches are on the long cable, remove the joiner and short cable, attach the needle to the long cable. Re establish your magic loop in the center and continue on.