Traveling Loop // Technique Tuesday

This video demonstrates how to knit with a circular needle longer than the needle called for, using a technique called Traveling Loop. This technique is best suited for medium to large circumference projects. In addition, a modified traveling loop technique is shown that can be used when project circumferences are slightly smaller than can be used for the standard method.
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To jump to a specific point in the video, click on the adjacent time-stamped link:
Introduction 0:00
What is Traveling Loop: 0:22
When to use Traveling Loop: 1:56
How to do Traveling Loop: 4:01
CO and Join for Traveling Loop: 5:28
Modified Traveling Loop: 11:45
Twitter: @RoxMpls
Facebook: / 224046847719976

[@marinacosgrove4245]

Thank you, Roxanne! As usual, perfectly clear and so well-organized... no one every talks about the 20" limit for using standard needle-tip lengths! No wonder my first hat project failed. Thank you so much.....

[@Jacobpdx]

You are so appreciated! I can always understand things clearly when you show them. Thank you for what you do!

[@dalewyman3373]

You are so easy to listen to, and your teaching technique makes it quite easy to understand the lesson! Thank you!

[@stooglesgoogles7246]

Thanks so much! I can’t stand circular needles and this fixed everything. Much appreciated!!!

[@angeldon6]

I’ve been using traveling loop and never knew it. I have learned so much from you. Thank you

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You are so welcome!

[@elizabethcastratarocapua]

This makes life so much easier. Thank you so much. Very helpful

[@ladyrois]

I've just recently learned about this - a knitting friend mentioned it because I was struggling with doing the Magic Loop technique on a larger cowl... this makes life SO much easier! Thank you for a wonderful, detailed description.

[@Sincyn241]

Three years later, but perfect timing! I’d started using something similar as I’m working decreases toward the top of my first knit hat on my circular needles, but don’t have DPNs in the same size. My project isn’t starting out smaller, it’s just getting smaller quickly! Thank you, Roxanne!

[@tootieo.]

What perfect timing! I have been trying to figure out what to do about my next project. My circular needle is too long for knitting it in the round, but too short to use magic loop. With your help in this video, I am going to try the traveling loop technique and hopefully avoid the purchase of one or more new needles. Technique Tuesday is teaching me how to knit. Thank you so much.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Traveling loop is exactly the right technique when the item is too big for Magic Loop. I use Traveling Loop (or modified traveling loop) when I knit hats, and then switch to Magic Loop after I've worked a round or two of crown decreases.

[@susieqmcf]

You are the BEST teacher ever. You make everything so clear. Thank you!!!!

[@iuliamocanu438]

This is soooo perfect: just in time for a hat project I've been planning on. Thank you!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

THX, Roxanne, Yet another technique to add to my 'bag of tricks'! 💖🙌🙌🙌😺

[@josephineshields5869]

Thanks Rozanne, you explained Magic Loop perfectly. I was having trouble with the work twisting on the first couple of rounds and your video was the only one that addressed it. I may have to donate my DP needles. You have made me a believer. Thanks! Josephine

[@candacesmith7635]

This is really useful information. This is a great addition to the repertoire and a very clear explanation and tutorial. Super useful for times when you are caught without the right size cable on your needle...like in the middle of a project and the only available needle does not have enough cable to use Magic Loop comfortably.Thank you!

[@lindaouk3713]

Thank you for your clear explanation of the needle tip sizes. I am new to knitting in the round, your videos are very helpful. Thank you😁

[@ivynguyen6233]

OH MY GOSH!! THANK GOD FOR THIS VIDEO!! I’ve been looking for a video like this for months so I can knit a sweater for myself but all my needles were too long. ❤️ thank you Roxanne

[@caro1591]

I love your attention to detail. Thank you so much.

[@odellpark]

Excellent! Glad I found this as I just casted on for a cowl! Thank you! Very well explained :)

[@katjaamyx2922]

I would never have thought of this. Thanks for the excellent demo!!

[@sharonshowalter1044]

Really excellent teaching. Friendly with clear instructions.

[@JudyMathus]

Thank you so very much for these videos. I can learn what I need no matter what time of night.

[@sheryltisdale]

Great video tutorial, I've been knitting about 4 years and the first time this happened I almost cried and then measured needles and cords and watched about magic loop and figured out a way to do it, pretty much like you did it. I thought I was all wrong doing it that way and now I know I did it right. Thank you so much for the time you spend showing us different options!

[@NinaKeilin]

I’d never heard of this, so thanks once again for great info.

[@adalai7649]

Superb! Even after 50 years of knitting, there's always something to learn. I never realized the ratio of needle length to cable length. I've used magic loop and two curves for socks, and have used them each for larger projects like hats, but I like this method so much more, especially the idea of keeping the loop at the BOR. Thanks very much.

[@stevefranpimblett8257]

Brilliant! Thank you so much for this tutorial :)

[@rozglz3363]

This is brilliant thank you! Cant wait to try this 🤞

[@brendasolanki8424]

Great idea! I'll have to give it a try next time I have a circular project on my needles...sweater sleeves coming up soon.

[@gailspangler9024]

AWESOME SAUCE!! I've been wondering about Travelling Loop knitting, but there just isn't really much info out there. UNTIL YOU! Thank you so much for making this video!

[@tinakoehler5803]

I had not heard of this but it makes so much sense!!

[@maggieedberg574]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@lealieskym-szymanski5713]

Thanks so much. Couldn’t get the hang of magic loop....this makes sense! Gonna try it with socks and the addi shorts!

[@teresag965]

i'm so glad i saw this .. i just started knitting on the round and don't have double pointed needles .. was able to complete my first beannie ❤️

[@aimeveryday2966]

This has helped me so much! Thank you!

[@CityKanin]

I had to use this trick when knitting a toque. I only had a very long circular needle in size 10. So i just pulled the cable out into a loop like this. Glad to know it's an actual technique and i am just not a dumdum with my needles! :D

[@onwardbe]

thank you ... I love your method of teaching ..

[@Jennifer-oz8ec]

Thank you so much for sharing. I am about to use circular needles for the first time on two cowl patterns 55 stitches & 88 stitches and bought a 32" length needle. I am thinking of buying a 16" needle for the 55 stitches to be comfortable as these are my first projects with the circular needles. It's good to know what you have just demonstrated. At this stage of knitting again after about 30 years, I want to keep my life simple so will do my best to buy the correct length for each project for now. I don't want to feel overwhelmed :-) However, this information is much appreciated and now I know this method exists.

[@baguswani9779]

Thank you for your video. Was going crazy trying to figure it out 🙏

[@renatastec5212]

thank you so much, your videos are great!!

[@samanthanicholson9015]

Thanks this solidified my thoughts that I could do it this way. That's it is not incorrect. Thanks a bunch.

[@SamiKhan-ev1rl]

Thanks so interesting love you videos just joined

[@girlsworld8171RFRF]

That's a brilliant solution ♥️♥️

[@GoTeddy]

Now I have a name for what I have been using for all my knitting in the round hats for years.

[@lieveguastavino6356]

Ok. I've got the answer at the end of the podcast. Thank you very much!

[@christiethomas6905]

Oh my! So helpful! I came to this because my pattern called for a 40cm cable. I didn’t have one so I ordered one that would fit my interchangeable tips. My tips are 5 inches like you mentioned so I cast on and discover now my tips are too long?! So back I go to order 3.5 inch TIPS to fit the new, shorter cable 😅 thanks for explaining that!!! I could do the traveling loop but then I’d have a cable I can’t use so I figured I’d get at least one set of needles to fit it 😅

[@semprelegato10]

Good to know. Sometimes ( when I an TRAVELING. Ha ) I've been caught without the right length cable. I hate magic loop with a purple passion, but I gave this a quick try and it's not so bad. Thanks....your tutorials are always so clear with just enough explanation that I'm nt left wondering why, or how does it work.

[@ramrakk]

Thanks, that’s really helpful.

[@SamiKhan-ev1rl]

Very interesting thanks

[@heleenabatts9413]

Such good teaching

[@carolr4871]

Perfect! Traveling loop is just what I need for the baby sweater I'm knitting. BTW, another way to close the gap when joining in the round is to cast on one extra stitch, slip the 1 stitch on left needle purlwise, pass the extra CO st. over the slipped stitch, and transfer the resulting stitch back to the left needle. I find that easier to do than trying to hold the two needles together.

[@susieqmcf]

Omg. Thank you for posting this! I just tried it and it works great!!!!

[@carolr4871]

@@susieqmcf My pleasure. Glad it worked for you.

[@libbyworkman3459]

Roxanne Richardson says to cast on an extra stitch, and then knit first and last stitches together when joining to avoid a jog. Same thing. I guess it would depend on what you’re knitting, which method would blend in better.

[@RamblingKnitter]

I just happened upon this video by chance, but I'm so glad I did. By coincidence, I'm knitting a hat (using magic loop) and after watching the video I decided to give travelling loop a go - what a revelation! I've always been fine with using magic loop but this is so much quicker. My only regret is that I didn't know about it before I started the hat - I'm getting close to the crown so I know I'll have to revert to magic loop in a little while, but in the meantime I'm really enjoying using this new (to me) technique. Thanks for the (as always) clear explanation. (PS Happy Thanksgiving from the UK).

[@TheElisabethMaria]

I only have two cable needles and both were too long for a hat ive been plannig to make. Being stubborn, I tried to do it anyway but it's nearly impossible 😅 there had to be a way to do it, so i came across this video, this helps me out a lot! Really great and simple technique

[@kian____]

Ma'am, you just saved me money. thank you so much!

[@daniellebissonnette3304]

I am a new knitter, barely a year of experience. Because I didn't want to have to buy different lengths and different sizes of needles, I just buy 32" cables in the size that I need. I guess I discovered by chance how to knit with travelling loop. I like that I can mount socks (leg warmers actually) and mittens side-by-side on those long needles, to ensure I get same size on left and right. As a beginner, I love bamboo and wooden circular needles, because less glide gives me a bit more control than sleek metal.

[@doreenannafourie4125]

Thank you, I've never tryed this kind on needles.

[@nancyel281]

Thank you so much!

[@gingertunstall7739]

Love using traveling loop for hats and even sleeves. I usually use the 4" Chaio Goo tips and an 8" cable. Thanks for this video!

[@loritanner6903]

Thanks, Roxanne - I ended up deleting my question because I think that your video answered it. But now I’m doing the magic loop video because I think that works better. On my third try here… :) I think I might’ve gotten it. Also, yes it is a hat that I want to make but it was a little too tight at 20 inches. Maybe I’ll try it again with the traveling loop once I’m more skilled. This is actually my first time knitting in the round at all!!!!

[@nobleelf]

I am so trying this with my interchangeable KP needles, the shorty Denims, because the Mindful long cords will fit onto them nicely, and I think I can wrestle the tops of beanies much easier

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

This is great, we got knitting drummed into us at school in the 60s but I could never get my tension and stuff right. I can crochet a bit and I dont see why I cant knit too as I would love to try some vintage 40s to 50s knitwear patterns. Its hard and expensive to find reproduction knitwear. I am going to watch the whole thing as I have knitting needles and would love to start a project (if I start now, January 2022, it may even be finished for autumn lol!) I will give it a go, no more excuses because it looks like you cover all the possible pitfalls! I do have a set of circular needles and want to put them to use in the not too distant future!

[@katgore99]

Thank you

[@CassieDA17]

Huh...There's a name for this? I do this all the time, I thought I made it up as I've only been knitting for about a year or so. In my head I call this "modified magic loop"

[@woollyprimate]

Thank you so much for this. I never liked Magic loop. I prefer double points. But this is a technique I think I can get behind.

[@newmoonjlp]

I stumbled upon the modified technique by accident, basically because I'm rubbish at magic loop and always manage to pull my cables through accidentally. Then I figured out it actually works better for me because I can pull up my cable anywhere in the work and avoid the ladders I tend to struggle with in magic loop. I didn't know for years that it was a "legitimate" technique with an official name 😆

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I don't know that the modified version has an "official" name. It's really something that knitters figure out on their own when their needles aren't the right length! Magic Loop requires a needle that is *significantly* larger in circumference than the item (so, a 32 or 40'' circ for an 8'' sock, for example). If the item is large enough to do on a standard length circ (or often, large enough to do on a 16'' circ), you don't need Magic Loop, because Traveling Loop will work.

[@robinstevenson5442]

I find it much easier to keep a few stitches loaded on your right needle, pulling the cable out just behind them.

[@3rdand105]

Once again, you've saved the day! I'm working on a bedspread of my own design, the main motifs of which are 19" squares, a total perimeter of 76", worked in the round from the middle out (CO 12, work the square, BO over 300 sts loosely, and I don't know why I always do this to myself). Magic Loop was working for a while (I'm using a 36" needle); a little past the halfway point, it was clear that I couldn't continue like that, but I still didn't have enough stitches just to go around and around. Then this video was suggested to me by KZbin. You're now my official go-to if I have a knitting issue. Thank you for this video!

[@r44inspector44]

This was awesome! Someone posted this video in Facebook, and I'm so glad they did. I had no idea. Thank you for making this video Roxanne.

[@SamiKhan-ev1rl]

I'm a learner I'm making a straight blanket or shawl I've bought these a few days ago so much easier wow and blanket or shawl looks good I haven't knitted in the round but used it for knitting my scarf or blanket or shawl.

[@katrinawagner6842]

This is soooo helpful!!!

[@captainswing4487]

My bright idea of working in the round to create a knitted bag was a great one until I realized the cable was far too long. This is going to help.

[@michellelindgren8419]

Hi Rox! I’ve done magic loop, but not this. Thanks.

[@JennySimon206]

Im learning. I was just pulling out a traveling loop at random in the middle of the pattern and keeping from coming to the cable at all. Yeah. I'm doing modified thing at the end. I'm doing combination knitting continental style holding my finger down like Norwegian. Any tips on that? I like the Norwegian purl Arne & Carlos teach too if I don't want to deal with t wisted stitches for some reason. Maybe a video on how to use different styles (eastern vs western seated stitches) relate to different patterns?

[@Toewalkerwoman]

Thank you for another great video. I love your cardigan! Where can I find the pattern.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

There's no pattern. I really ought to write one up for that thing.

[@Toewalkerwoman]

@@RoxanneRichardson I'll be ready to knit it if you do.

[@lieveguastavino6356]

Could you also use a magic loop? Or are magic loops only useful for small projects?

[@jq7136]

Will this work for 32" needles (#4 wt, adult hat sz, 18sts/4"-usual CO about 72 sts)

[@theastewart6721]

Great tutorial! I understand it now! Thanks! The lightbulb just went on, lol! Just to be clear, I understand that this method would work well for a project that I would normally say use a 16 inch needle for but I only have a 24 inch length but not 32 inches because I could then use the Magic Loop method?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You can sometimes do it as a sub for 16” but you might have to pull on the cable more than once per round. Great for 20+” projects using any needle larger than item circumference

[@theastewart6721]

Ok. Great! Thanks for the clarification!

[@lindaschulman1789]

So using this method, I can make hats that call for a 16 inch cable, using 24 or 32 inch cables that have 5 inch needle tips?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Yep. That's how I knit hats. I usually switch to Magic Loop when I get up to the crown, because the circumference shrinks so much.

[@SamiKhan-ev1rl]

Mine are 5.5mm I didn't know witch ones too buy and the lady suggested this size as I didn't want to stand in another long queue

[@thebutchersbill1]

At 6:42, you say you can correct for a twist error when you join in the rebound at the end of the round! This is news to me! Perhaps a subject for another Technique Tuesday? I never knew there was a solution, given how emphatic every pattern is on this point.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

It only works at the end of the first round. It's too late after that.

[@deecochrane2340]

Thank you for your tutorial. Can I go from magic loop to traveling loop..thank you

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Sure. When you're about to start working a new round, pull the needle in your right hand so that the loop at the mid-round goes away.

[@deecochrane2340]

@@RoxanneRichardson thank you.. I will try that.. I love the traveling loop and your clear and full explanation..I. learning Thanks

[@CatFromFL]

ChiaoGoo Blue Shorties- set has 2" and 3" tips and 5,6 &8" cables and is easier than traveling loop or magic loop.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I suppose that depends on how you define "easier." I find it easier to have one 32'' needle in every size that I can use for any project, regardless of its circumference, and switch to a different technique as the circumference changes. My knitting style levers the needle shaft against the edge of my palm. A tip shorter than the standard 5'' means I have to adjust my knitting style, which causes pain and changes my gauge. It also requires having multiple sets of needles. Some knitters prefer to change the needle according to the circumference of the project. Those knitters don't mind having a larger collection of needles, tips, and cables, and their knitting style allows them to make those changes without it affecting their gauge. Neither approach is better than the other, because not all knitters are the same. We don't all need the same techniques, same tools, or same solutions in order to get the same end result.

[@brendasharp1544]

Can you shorten the cables? I'm new to knitting in the round...thank you

[@RoxanneRichardson]

If your circular needle is the circumference of the item you are knitting, or shorter, then you wouldn't need this technique. This technique is for when you don't have a smaller circular needle available (e.g. a fixed length circular)

[@jo-annefalconer6280]

I have been doing this and didn't realise it had a name, or that any one else was doing it.

[@cathygonzalez4657]

I m making NICU beanies and I so much want to do circular needles but I’ve failed so frustrated

[@sheryltisdale]

Thought you might be interested in reading about the "Norwegian Sweater Detective", google it if interested, a very good read!

[@deecochrane2340]

Hi.. can I use traveling loop for a baby hat using a 22 inch cord and small needle points.. pattern calls for 65 st.. thank you

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Try it and see if it works. If not, then you can use Magic Loop, instead.

[@deecochrane2340]

@@RoxanneRichardson thank you I will try

[@oliviabz]

I have the Hiya hiya interchangeably needle set (5”), so essentially my 16” cable is useless?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Is the cable 16'' long, or is it a cable that is meant to combine with tips to create a 16'' circ? Many companies now make 4'' tips so that an 8'' could be combined with the tips to produce a 16'' circ.

[@oliviabz]

@@RoxanneRichardson combine is 16”

[@melissastewart5838]

Could this technique be used to make hats with? Especially with decreasing

[@RoxanneRichardson]

The crown becomes too small for traveling loop, but you can switch to using the Magic Loop technique at the top, which is meant for small circumference items. That's typically how I knit my hats.

[@melissastewart5838]

@@RoxanneRichardson when you say magic loop are you talking about using one circular needle or two?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

@@melissastewart5838 Magic Loop is for one circular needle. The two circs method uses two circular needles.

[@melissastewart5838]

@@RoxanneRichardson thank you for your prompt response, and for responding in the first place! I super appreciate it as I am very new to Knitting and learning the many techniques that follow.! 😅😃I am super grateful for your help❤️🌞🧦🧣🧤

[@anishaislam7130]

Does this work for a hat? The pattern calls for 16" circulars, but I only have 31.5"

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I use a 32'' circular needle for everything. For a hat, I'd start with traveling loop, and when I got to the decreases, I'd switch to magic loop.

[@r44inspector44]

@@RoxanneRichardson why would you switch to magic loop?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

@@r44inspector44 Because the circumference would be too small to work with traveling loop. It's the same reason that you would switch from a 16'' circular to dpns when working the hat crown.

[@marie-jeanneklijs6472]

How She Does it: 08:00 minutes into the video.

[@ctobo2587]

You should show what happens when you get to the loop and what do you do with it. That's what I 'd like to see.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I do show that, right around the 10:30 mark.

[@ctobo2587]

@@RoxanneRichardson it's not clear to me. Do I push the stitches around the loop? Do I knit on the loop? I guess I need to watch again. I've watched twice . Sorry, I'm not trying to be difficult. Maybe I need to try it myself and the solution will become obvious. I enjoy your videos and have found them to be helpful.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

@@ctobo2587 Yes, you need to try it. Watching someone else do a physical task only gets you so far.

[@kj3d812]

Great info, but it would be helpful to not have gray yarn on a gray background.

[@lesliepelkey911]

How is traveling loop different than magic loop?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Traveling loop is for items that are large enough to work on a standard circular needle (one with 5'' tips) but smaller than the circ you have. (e.g. you are knitting something 20'' in circumference, but all you have is a 32'' circ. Magic loop is for small circumference items that would otherwise be knit on dpns (or a non-standard circular needle, such as a 9'' circ, which has extremely short tips)

[@lesliepelkey911]

@@RoxanneRichardson Thank you Roxanne. I have only done magic loop but traveling loop looked identical in technique. When you do your video on magic loop I hope you will address problems you may run into if you use magic loop thru an entire project.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

@@lesliepelkey911 I have a playlist of videos on knitting in the round, which includes Magic Loop. kzbin.info/aero/PL1AZxTfSCe2cYyDSsBP46hkqSPvtLa8Wi