Magic Loop for Small Circumference Knitting // Technique Tuesday

This video demonstrates the Magic Loop technique for knitting small circumferences in the round, using a circular needle that is much larger in circumference. Includes several tips and tricks for moving stitches from one half of the round to the other, and how to avoid accidentally working in the wrong direction.
Support me by buying me a coffee on Ko-fi! www.ko-fi.com/roxannerichardson
My knitting designs: www.ravelry.com/designers/rox...
Introduction 0:00
What is Magic Loop: 0:18
Overview of Magic Loop Technique: 2:38
How to CO and get started: 5:04
Needles used in this video:
For the sock, I used a Chiaogoo Red Lace 32'' fixed length circular size US 0/2.0mm. Chiaogoo comes in a wide range of sizes, in fixed lengths and interchangeables: amzn.to/2ZMyES5
For the demonstration using gray bulky yarn, I used KnitPicks Options nickel interchangeable tips and a cable long enough to create a 32'' needle: www.knitpicks.com/landing-pag...
To see the instructions to the Edwardian sweater pattern: archive.org/details/columbiab...
Ravelry Group *Rox Rocks*: www.ravelry.com/groups/rox-rocks
Facebook: / roxknits
Twitter: / roxmpls

[@susanbellon6323]

I'm a total beginner at age 61! I have watched hundreds of videos. Some are rather hard to follow and some are exceptionally easy to follow. I taught for 30+ years and can recognize a great teacher vs a not so good teacher. You are great teacher. Your explanations include mistakes that are easily made and how to avoid or correct. You also explain why you do things a certain way. All things a great teacher uses. You are now my go to for anything knitting. You get an A+ for instructional video. Thanks so much for your help.

[@beverlycruz6]

OMG I've tried this so often and up until now was consistently getting confused with the front needle and the back needles...."Which to I pull?" You made it so clear and precise. I taught myself how to use two circular needles and that works....but often I don't have two circular needles of the same size. This method and the way you explained it is so much better for me. Thank you for taking the time and putting in the effort to explain it so clearly. Thanks again.

[@RNMOM502]

Love how you take your time and explain everything. I turn to you exclusively when I need to learn “new to me” techniques. Thank you.

[@maureensheridan99]

Really well described, and easy to follow.

[@pattygardner231]

One of the best explanations for using magic loop I’ve heard yet, and I’ve heard a lot! Thank you for going through a thorough explanation, and not shortcutting the steps.

[@pegg1258]

SO helpful! Especially that you took the time to start a new project and you carefully highlighted the problem I was having - knowing how to tell inside from outside a the very beginning. It may be apparent for more advanced knitters, but for beginners it can be difficult to the point of wanting to give up. Thankfully, people like you take the time to make such detailed videos, along with commentary about what could go wrong so we have a clue when it does start to go wrong and can fix mistake - even if that means rewatching this video! :)

[@lindamcneely]

wow lady I have watched a lot of magic loop vidios but you have taught me more then I have ever learned before. thank you so much!

[@debraraymer3386]

Just want to give a shout out to one of the other techniques for knitting small circumference. I too started with dpns, and found it was just too difficult at my daughter's sporting events. So I switched to magic loop. I just never felt this was as fast as dpns, because I was always readjusting the needles at every half round. So I got 9 inch circulars. When I first tried them, the tiny tips gave me finger cramps. But after I practiced a little, I found the trick was just to hold the needles loosely, and now 9 inch circulars are my preferred technique while at the movies, or anywhere else I don't want to be looking at my knitting. Just did a pair of twisted knit gloves on 9 inch circulars, but I needed to bring my dpns out for the pinkie.

[@maurinecummins5990]

I GET IT!!!!! THANK YOU!!! I must have watched 10 videos trying to figure this out! I think the two things that finally made a difference for me watching your video our one your camera is close up your needles are large as is your yarn!… You also do not over complicate this by over explaining how to slip from one needle to the other! You explain better than I do but thank you thank you! Five star teaching video I’m going to see what else I can learn from you tonight!

[@monawize1]

Love your simple, clear, detailed and easy to follow videos! Thanks!

[@renatastec5212]

thanks Roxanne, i love your lessons, you are so very generous!

[@karensemones9302]

I love your sweater and the demonstration of magic loop was great.

[@Sadieth9]

Oh my goodness I wish I'd seen this sooner! I watched like 20 different magic loop tutorials and just didn't get it - I finally understand it now, thank you so much! :D

[@judithmatus3]

Thank you fir all your incredible knitting knowledge! I learn so much from you!

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

I’ve just witnessed the magic 🪄 That sock yarn colours are the best I’ve seen .

[@kathynadeau1170]

Great video, you’re an awesome teacher. Thank you!

[@annechumbley7284]

Best magic loop tutorial video I have watched on KZbin - thank you so much 😀

[@abbiebass6277]

Roxanne, I love your videos. You give clear explanations and your cadence is easy to follow..

[@seraph511]

Your tutorials for traveling and magic loop helped me so much! So clearly explained, and I love the tips for common problems. Thank you so very much!

[@kathosim501]

Your tips on getting started were so helpful! I’ve finally made my first magic loop item and it has opened doors to mire. Thank you!

[@dagmarreuter2427]

Easy to follow demonstration, will try it out.

[@carollb809y]

Thank you for a very easy to follow magic loop technique. I will try it again :) using your video as my guide.

[@sufficientgrace1692]

I am so thankful for this video!!! I have a wonderful pattern I purchased in Iceland. But I was having a very difficult time getting started with only 8 stitches cast on and needing to work in the round.

[@paulajohnson6943]

Thanks Roxanne! This is probably the best video I’ve seen on magic loop!! You’re awesome!

[@eugeniaread2724]

Thank you so much for such an in-depth tutorial. Like so many other viewers, I have reviewed many videos and never really "got it" and just gave up. I followed your precise step-by-step instructions (a few times...lol) with only one restart and voila! SUCCESS! I am finding it awkward to hold needle and cord, but I am confident that will pass. I will be using DPNs less for my socks and mittens. You are very pleasant to listen to and such a terrific instructor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! My next challenge will be 2 at a time mittens and socks using this method.

[@teresakoepke5456]

I just discovered this technique and I LOVE how you demonstrate it and issues that one might encounter! THANK YOU for this excellent tutorial!!!

[@charlottebarnes6761]

I've used four needles for over 50 and still use this method it works just fine. I'm in the habit of 4 needles and will never change.

[@feliciameier4592]

It was super helpful that you explained and demonstrated the concept behind the Magic Loop. I've watched numerous very clear videos, but never quite understood what I was actually doing. Thanks - hopefully, now, after ripping out 4 times, I can actually accomplish this.

[@katibere1966]

Thank you for such clear great tutorials... I am currently working on my knitting!!!

[@thisfam]

This is the best explanation of magic loop I’ve seen. Thanks for helping me to finally get it!

[@lynneheiss8894]

You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for demonstrating this technique and including the troubleshooting at the same time. I love your passion for the craft and your encouragement and kindness which is very evident.

[@blou5598]

Excellent, informative video on ML which I have used in sock knitting for years (I am keen on symmetry). I appreciate the tips on shifting stitches and ensuring your work is on the right side. Thank you.

[@vadec5909]

Yep my stitched inside out too! Great to mention it. thanks

[@ArcticRae]

This helps me a lot. There was a pattern that says to use the magic loop, and I had no idea what that was. Thank you for not only talking about it but showing how you start it.

[@eileenholderness615]

Thank you! Great I have just watched the other video!

[@redwingranch9510]

Thanks for the clear explanation. Your sweater is gorgeous!

[@bradandtinaleibel7872]

Thanks for this video. It’s the best instructions I’ve watched so far. As a beginner knitter this was an excellent video for me.

[@karenkrause4384]

Thank you will try doing this. I guess practice makes perfect

[@video2010iphone]

Thank you, I will try it for sleeves now.

[@monicabrimm1822]

Thank you very easy to understand. I am hoping to try this soon.

[@ccpperrett7522]

Thank you Rox for this video about majic loop and circ needles. I am beginning to enjoy using the circ needle for my work, as it is less weight on my hands when working a larger project like a blanket. Great video.😉

[@rachelberryhill5413]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@barbaradrew5945]

At last, all is clear! I was getting in such a muddle with the turning before. Thank you for explaining about the working yarn being attached to the last stitch worked - so obvious when you know, but not when you're trying to figure it all out! I'm so glad I found you 😊

[@sheryltisdale]

Your sweater is beautiful, I have been using magic loop for some time , I like it a lot for socks. Thank you

[@madz1100]

An excellent tutorial for a newbie like me. I've tried copying other tutorials to no avail but this one is fab! Thank you.

[@kitkauffman4391]

Great instruction. Thank you so much!

[@shirleybeales8567]

Love the red lace circular needles, treated myself to some after seeing your magic loop technique.

[@luannebowling5682]

I like the fact you showed you project near the end product before starting at the cast on. Good video, thank you.

[@loue6563]

I use magic loop almost exclusively. I can keep track of the stitches much easier, not having them slip off nearly as much as on dpn's.

[@janekelly7835]

I use it for all circular work, but can't figure out how to finish a fingerless thumb gusset-pick up st. etc. Do you have any suggestions? I'd be so grateful!

[@LourdesMann]

I love magic loop for scocks, hat and sleeves. I gave each technique DPN's, 9" circulars and magic loop a try and loved magic loop best. I agree with you that with a 32" circular needle I can knit any project.

[@debrageister7285]

You are a great teacher!

[@marybragg3145]

Fantastic! very good overview of Knitting in the round. I have never used this technique before, so I will need to practice. But your tutorial has encouraged me greatly. TKX

[@beenakalra9792]

Very well explained,thank you

[@hazelvon1596]

Clearest I've ever watched. Thank you.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You're very welcome

[@delakranjec6764]

Exactly what I needed - thank you!

[@seahawkfan1454]

As many, many times I have seen you & other knitters and many many times I have tried magic loop, I finally got it! 🎉I don’t if it was video or it finally clicked but thank you for showing me again! 😉😃

[@RivaJohnson-qs5zs]

I couldn't agree more with the comment below, this video is fantastic and thanks to you I am now working on my first mitten project in the round. I dislike knitting with double pointed needles, so this technique opens up projects that were off limits to me before. Thank you!

[@caro1591]

Superb tutorial. 🙏🏻❤️

[@padfootasmr]

I cannot thank you enough for this! 💕

[@VictoriaHannahStudio]

What a great video to explain this, thank you it made life a lot easier.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Glad it helped!

[@bridgetaitchison6911]

Thank you so much for this. I was at my wits end for how to do the sleeves on a baby sweater for my granddaughter. I’m usually a crocheter but my daughter wanted a specific sweater so it had to be knit. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@bcaldwell3849]

Excellent demo and perfect timing. I just started practicing the ML yesterday, so this was informative, especially redistributing the stitches. I think I'm ready (deep breath) to try ML socks 2aat. I didn't like DPNs, but I think because I haven't given myself enough time to get comfortable with them. However, the one advantage I liked was using them as stitch indicators. For example, when knitting the triangular-shaped Knitted Knockers project, the beginning & ending of each DPN was a helpful *reminder* for increases & decreases. I do agree that it's useful to be familiar with a variety of techniques and tools. But thank heaven for crochet! Facing reality, I'll never be a good knitter.

[@joann5157]

I used magic loop on a pair of socks, but I like the video you did using 2 circular needles together. What I loved in this video was the idea of using 2 different sized needles. So very clever!

[@painteroflove]

This was so helpful and VERY clearly presented. THANK YOU

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You're very welcome!

[@jeanproctor3663]

Thank you so much for making this video. I've been trying for ages to learn Magic Loop knitting and haven't been able to "get it" at all. Your video has shown me the things that seemed to be missing in the other videos I've watched and what I couldn't see in the books I've tried to use as well. I'm now most of the way through Magic Looping a woolly hat for a friend of ours that had his head shaved a couple of weeks ago to raise money for his local children's hospice appeal and it should help to keep his head warm until his hair all grows back. Thank you again - I've subscribed to your channel.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm so glad my video helped you over the hump of understanding Magic Loop! :-)

[@monkeymind7246]

That is fantastic! Thank you

[@teresameyer4574]

Thanks for refresher on manic loop. I appreciate transferring of concept to exact steps very helpful.

[@sdschantz]

Teresa, I love your “manic” Loop. I don’t know if it was intentional or the dreaded auto-correct, but in any case, you win the Internets today 🙌

[@sdschantz]

Oh, meant to add that I love Magic Loop and even though I’ve used it for years, I always learn a few tips from Roxanne.

[@janebellfield2322]

Very interesting. Thank you.🌺

[@Sandrahsings]

Thank you Roxanne! New sub here😊. I'm knitting a Scandinavian stranded sweater and working my way through the body, thinking ahead to the sleeves and realizing that I do not have the size dpns I need. I am in FRUGAL mode rn😂.. and remembered using this technique years ago. This was a PERFECT explanation and a great refresher. + a money saver for me this week. 👍👏😊❤️

[@user-mv1co7el7m]

I've tried Magic loop before and not really been successful - but you've inspired me to try again! What a great instructional video, thank you SO much for making it clear and understandable. Very much appreciate the specific length suggestions, and also being able to see different needle sizes and yarn weights made this an "A-HA!!" video for me. Will happily dig into your other tutorials, thank you very much!!

[@rasa7338]

amazing, thank you

[@ceesbees6985]

Thanks so much for clearly explaining this technique! It's now an easy and efficient way for me to knit in the round.....Thanks again!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You are so welcome!

[@user-tx3hc4kc6r]

Thanks alot , That was amazing

[@mairiross1985]

At last it makes sense! Thank you 😊

[@evabazan1966]

I’ve watched a lot of videos on this trying to understand- yours made the most sense to me. Looking forward to starting my project

[@kikizag]

Thank youuuuu so much for this wonderful explanation, finally I get it!!!

[@kikizag]

Do you have IG?

[@DavidNurbin]

Thank you for this technique. I was looking to make a double sided scarf and was looking for a technique that didn't require the double pointed needles which looked hard for me to master.

[@agnespost9608]

Too cheap to buy dp needles and six evenings of watching videos, struggling to get the hang of this pesky magic loop, drinking wine to settle myself down and I found you. Thank you, thank you! You made it so easy to understand.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm so glad! Have fun with Magic Loop!

[@susanfryer1616]

Well explained thankyou

[@lauradibble6074]

I have been preparing for a project using two strands of yarn that calls for a double cast on DPN’s for the K1p1 collar. New to knitting, I had not yet tried either a double cast on or DPN’s. Starting with the DPN’s I experimented with waste yarn in a similar gauge to my intended project and kept losing stitches. I thought of using my interchangeable needles however my instinct to choose my smallest cable (12”) was obviously wrong. Eventually, I found your channel and this video! Hooray! I switched to a longer cable, and quickly have become reasonably capable at something that created much frustration only a few hours earlier. Your explanations are particularly clear and easy to follow. I also watched your tutorial for a double cast on, practiced it, and feel confident enough to start my project. Thanks for the time and effort you take to produce these tutorial videos.

[@carolynallen2630]

thanks! i knit on small needles and will give htis a try

[@palomaalhambra2453]

Thanks! This was perfect: I've been struggling with a bottom-up sleeve with 2k2p ribbing ALL day...and thought I'd have to give up because I was going mad. Solution is a longer circular needle!

[@Melanie-yj8hs]

Ty for tutorial.

[@joan8978]

Thank you for this video. I also had an issue with dropping dpn's from bleachers at the kids' games, lol. As a result in certain sizes, I have quite a variety of lengths of cable needles, including my only 9". Magic loop is not my go-to method, but it sure has its uses!

[@amethystskeels3788]

Also this helped me realize that longer is better for the loop, the shorter loop makes things too tight for this, either the loop needs to be a close or smaller size than the project or the loop needs to be pretty big to be able to bend enough

[@marsfran55]

I love this! I think I'll take up that knitted hat again....thanks!!!

[@feistyfluxy]

I'm knitting my first sweater for a baby, (before I knit my own) and am struggling to get the collar right, having to unravel three times already! This is mainly due to the needle size causing me grief. I've heard of magic loop, and thought I'll do a bit bit of research and your video popped up. Talk about a "EUREKA!" moment! This is a game changer and I'm now looking forward to this as I now feel confident I can tackle the cuffs and the arms! Thank you for such a thorough, clear and concise video.

[@Melanie-yj8hs]

Love your sweater it's so beautiful!!!

[@karenmayo4558]

Thank you.

[@Karencelestevideo]

Thank you so much. I feel like I now have the know-how and confidence to try magic loop because this video was so helpful.

[@manifestdonuts]

Wow I was so intimidated to try the magic loop. But after watching this video I understand why so many folks use it. Thank you for the clear explanation

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm glad my explanation was helpful. Good luck on your first ML project! -)

[@IslandLady76]

I wish I had seen this when I first was doing socks. I was too new to know that the working yarn was in the back or right and I would continue knitting on the wrong side until it would not look right. I also went to magic loop because I had a hard time using dpns and also found that at the beginning, 42" cables were great but then later changed to shorter 32 or 34" for two-at-a-time socks since the extra length just got in the way.

[@amethystskeels3788]

Hahaha I was trying to use the loop like dpns XD I had some weird double loop trying to make sure there was yarn on both needles and the wire 😅 this makes so much more sense

[@katgore99]

Thank you for reviewing this, i struggled to understand magic loop before.

[@Bethabara9]

I love magic loop but recently starting using two circular needles and really like that, almost better. I still have to use different color cables to not get confused after I've lain it down but since I learned magic loop first, it's easier. Also don't have to have a super duper big cable for bigger projects.

[@susankelly5585]

Thank you so much, you explain everything so clearly!❤️

[@heathersharp-keys8240]

I LIVE your videos and group on Ravelry, Rox‼️. I really like using Denise interchangeable needles. The cords are thicker and hold their shape. You can also change tips easily. Do you know of any potential problems with using the thicker cords? I just got my Denise set. Thanks Rox. You really do rock!

[@lightntangy9128]

Good idea using soft fabric as your working surface for the video! There’s no annoying clatter so I can concentrate on what you’re saying ☺️

[@basilrose]

Thanks for explaining the concept first before demonstrating the method, it made all the difference for understanding how magic loop works! Have you ever had any issues with the connection on interchangeable needles getting loose when working a project using the magic loop? I've always thought I needed to have the right size of fixed circular when working magic loop or moebius since there's extra tension on the cables, but maybe not?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

They can loosen up a bit, but as long as you tighten them up securely, using the tool provided in your set, you shouldn't have too many problems. I don't avoid using interchangeable needles because of any extra tension, I just prefer fixed length circs because I rarely need any length other than 32''. (I switch techniques as the circumference of the item changes.)

[@basilrose]

@@RoxanneRichardson Wow I've never thought of that before! So you're saying that I can switch from circular to magic loop on the fly, just by pinching the tube in half when the diameter has decreased to a certain point?

[@ooohlaa13]

This is all very clear and helpful describing in words what I was encountering in frustration, like getting the yarn stuck in the middle, and twisted cast ons. Last year I purchased a full set of 2-15 hiyahiya circulars and I cannot believe that with very little use the cables are all kinked so this twists my work and gets stuck in loops and has been a challenge to stay vigilant lest the needles take over. I have tried soaking in hot water but the worst kink is at the join of cable to needle and I am concerned about tips getting rusty to soak the whole cable so just try to heat the cable itself and let fitting tips dangle out of the pot. This was a big investment which I thought I researched, I may be doing something wrong??? I did use size 8's a lot with worsted for sweaters, then try using the same cable for size 2 and they are holding some kind of memory at the join especially. I am thinking of next try using a warm iron to flatten the cable. Has anyone else found this problem with hiya? Excellent as always, so glad I found you, you are so precise I always benefit. BTW knitting around 50 years already still learning every day.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You might try searching for answers to your questions about HiyaHiya needles in the Ravelry forum on Tools and Equipment. There are frequent threads on various types of interchangeable needle sets, and you are more likely to get lots of answers to the specific question you have.