This is my first try at Magic loop. I would like to knit fingerless gloves. After casting on, I join in the round by Magic loop, but it is very loose. I will knit a couple more rounds, but the join is very loose. What are your tips for joining so that it is seamless?
Magic loop
My issue was tension. I was knitting too tight at the start. What helped me was to rotate it every time, so that it does not create the loose stitches. I’m not sure if I explained right.
Moving the join as AndreaV suggests is a good idea. You can also tighten up just a bit at the join. Not too much because that can affect the tension too, especially if some sts are sitting on the cable which is much thinner than the body of the needle.
I tried magic loop after years of using DPNs, but I couldn’t get used to that extra length of cable flapping around in my way. I went back to DPNs for anything knit in the round. Now, for those of you who love magic loop and can’t imagine using any other method, good for you. I feel the same way about my DPNs. So we all use whatever method we are most comfortable with. But if you have issues with magic loop, you might have a go with DPNs.
I’ve seen many instructions for both magic loop and DPNs that tell you to knit the first two or three stitches tighter. Don’t do that. All it does is change your tension and give you wonky stitches. Instead, position your needles so that each beginning stitch can be brought against the previous stitch, helping it to sit in the same position as all the other stitches. I do this by by making sure the needle I’m knitting off of (if you’re knitting right handed, this will be your left hand needle) is held on top of the other needles. Then I knit the first stitch with the same tension as all my other stitches and bring it right up against the previous stitch on the right hand needle. This maintains your tension throughout. No holes, no ladders.
I have knit several pairs of fingerless and fingered gloves on DPNs, and they all came out without any wonky stitches.
I had real trouble with magic loops until I found this video. It solved so many issues with tension and laddering. Hope it helps you.
I find this video for avoid ladders and it work as magic for me.
https://youtu.be/rDR8RB1Skag?si=13MIXBzx4Q2u7p6R
This work around is exactly how I avoided ladders on DPNs when I first learned to use them. But that was when I was a child. Looks like a good approach to the magic loop too. Great video.
@Lihn, there is another compromise. Use two circulars as a DPN set.
- Your work will always lie flat with near equal stitch count on each needle.
- Use markers to indicate DPN needle number (or when the pattern transitions between numbered needles) and you can follow and dpn pattern without having enough needles for the dpn pattern.
- No magic loop.
What ever your choice, continue to enjoy your knitting.
Thank you for pointing this out, OffJumpsJack. I forgot about that one. Actually, I tried using 2 circs. And I wound up mixing up the needle ends and knitting myself into a right, tight mess. Now, that was my fault because I didn’t have different coloured needles or any way of distinguishing them. I just used what I had on hand. Because I already had two 2mm circs, I saw no reason to invest in a third one just for a pair of socks. Big mistake.
Right now, I’m perfectly happy with my DPNs. There’s no extraneous dangling needle ends and no extra cable length.
Don’t get me wrong. Circs are much more comfortable than straight needles for large projects. I use circs for all manner of things, like cardigans, scarves, shawls. Just not socks or gloves or hats or sometimes sleeves. The circumference on those is so small, I feel like anything but DPNs is overkill. But that’s just me. I’m a dinosaur who happened to learn to knit so many years ago, circs weren’t commonly available. At least not in the shops I could get to. And when I did discover them, the cables were all quite stiff and sometimes difficult to manage. The newer materials used today are so much nicer.
But if someone wants to use two circs, go for it. I suggest using needles that are so different, you can immediately tell the difference. However you are comfortable with your knitting is the best way for you to knit. It’s supposed to be enjoyable rather than a chore.