Addendum to the "Improved Magic Loop" Video

If you have not seen my "Improved Magic Loop Technique" video ( • Improved Magic Loop Te... ), I encourage you to view that one first and then come back to play this one.
My video on an Improved Magic Loop Technique has been viewed more than 100 thousand times and has almost 300 comments, most of which have been extremely positive. A few times people have asked how to begin the magic loop and whether the "improved" technique can be used when making the join. People also ask how to keep track of the beginning-of-round if you move the gap every time you work across it. I made this video to answer those questions.

[@anita8405]

Definitivamente lo tengo que probar !!! Se ve más simple que el común 😮😮

[@frittiesnz8669]

I know I've said this before however this brilliant technique deserves to be celebrated again and again! Fabulous tips for anyone keen to give this a go and avoid the potential stress of ladders in their beautiful work. Many thanks again Frank, I have been very happily working with this for years with many different types of patterns, it works! Thank you thank you 🧶👍

[@evatua9315]

you are my magic loop sensei! This is such a perfect addendum to your brilliant improved magic loop technique! Soooo grateful to your videos Frank! Big thank you! I think I'll finally love and embrace magic loop fully!

[@KnittingbyPhrancko]

I'm so glad you find these helpful!

[@kikizag]

Indeed Frank is our magic loop Sensei

[@kikizag]

PERFECT TUTORIAL 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐for you Mr. Frank!

[@margueritemorgan4617]

Thank you Frank. This is truly a game changer!

[@ronnashane7947]

Terrific video Frank, thank you.

[@cindyduppong9181]

Thank you, Frank. This makes my magic loop so much more even.

[@gkiama]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@Pinkberyl72]

Excellent video!! Thank you so much!!

[@lennypearl]

Great follow-up/companion to your last video on the subject! Thank you!

[@MariaLuiza-oq7le]

This is magic and helped me so much, thank you!

[@KnittingbyPhrancko]

Glad it helped!

[@lllee3476]

This addendum makes more sense how you start with 4 stitches from the end to the beginning. Your other video didn't demo that. I've seen other knitters demonstrate the magic loop trick by moving over 1 to 2 stitches over to the beginning of the round using magic loop or dpn. I'll try your method in the future when I knit again. Thanks.

[@katsohal]

This helped a lot, I watched several videos on how to avoid laddering and many of them have conflicting advice, thanks!

[@KnittingbyPhrancko]

Great to hear!

[@callofgaming5642]

I love this method. I was also frustrated by tension when I tried magic loop the first time. I also always use a stitch marker to show the beginning of the round. Thanks for the videos!

[@KnittingbyPhrancko]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rivkah1621]

Can you use this magic loop technique with colorwork?

[@KnittingbyPhrancko]

Yes. If you are doing stranded colorwork, then instead of moving 4 stitches every time, move more than past the previous color change so the strand gets sized correctly.

[@annezwier9616]

Does this method also work with knitting with 4 or 5 pointless needles? I cannot get used to knit with a circular needle.

[@KnittingbyPhrancko]

The method relies on the flexibility of the cable where it attaches to the hard needle. Without that flexibility I don't see a way to use this technique. If you find a way, please us all know.

[@annezwier9616]

I probably did not express myself correctly. I am knitting with 4 straight pointless needles (like one used these in the "old days". Can I then also put the 4 last knitted stitches on the next needle to avoid ladders?@@KnittingbyPhrancko

[@KnittingbyPhrancko]

"Pointless needles"? I am not sure what that is. Just give it a try and let me know if it works for you.

[@christineweidhaas3872]

I have to knit flat for a couple of rows to avoid twisting the stitches. I have a hard time telling if the stitches are not twisted when I get to the second half of that first row.

[@KnittingbyPhrancko]

That's a problem I have not encountered. I agree it can be difficult when you start with a large number of cast-on stitches to be joined in the round. Is that what you are referring to?

[@christineweidhaas3872]

@@KnittingbyPhrancko Yes that is what I was referring to. I have that problem even with only 60 cast on stitches.

[@christineweidhaas3872]

@@KnittingbyPhranckoPS, thanks for taking the time to respond.

[@KnittingbyPhrancko]

I'm afraid I don't have any tips on how to make that any easier. It's just a problem that takes some careful observation and manipulation. The cast on edge must not twist around the needles or the cable. Carefully make sure it is at the bottom from needle tip to needle tip as you place your beginning-of-round marker and knit the first cast-on stitch. That's all I can suggest.

[@angelacornell8660]

Thank you for this I am in the early stages of magic loop knitting 🧶 ❤

[@KnittingbyPhrancko]

You are so welcome!