How to Convert Traditional Knit Sock Patterns to Magic Loop
Most hand knit socks are knit in the round on double pointed needles or DPNs. In this method, the knitter uses four or five needles to create a sock with no seams. Many knitters find using DPNs awkward and with all those points sticking out, it looks like you are knitting a porcupine. The Magic Loop technique using one long circular needle is an alternative for knitting small circumferences.
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Things You'll Need
- Sock pattern
- 32 to 40 inch circular needle in the size indicated on the pattern
- 2 double pointed needles in the same size as the circular needle
- Consult the pattern for yarn and notion requirements
Instructions
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Magic Loop Technique
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1
Practice the magic loop technique with a gauge swatch. Check the pattern for the gauge and cast on enough stitches to knit at least six inches. For example, if the pattern gauge is six stitches per inch, cast on 36 stitches. Slide all the stitches to the center of the cable. Find the center of the stitches, in this example, between stitches 18 and 19, and bend the cable in half, so that there are 18 stitches on each half of the cable. Gently pull the cable through the stitches until they are on the needles.
Both needles are pointing to the right, with the excess cable on the left. The last stitch that you cast on is on the bottom needle. -
2
Rotate the needles 45 degrees, so that the tips are pointing up. The last stitch cast on is on the right needle. Make sure that the stitches are not twisted and gently pull the right needle up so the stitches are on the cable. Use this needle to knit the first cast on stitch on the left needle. You have joined the stitches into a circle, and are now knitting in the round. Rotate the needle so you are knitting normally and knit all the stitches on that needle. When you finish, the needle is pointing to the left and there are stitches on the cable below the needle
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3
Gently push bottom needle until the stitches are on it. Rotate the needle so the tips are pointing to the right. Pull the bottom needle out of the stitches you just knit, and use that it to knit the stitches on the top needle.
Repeat steps two and three until you are comfortable with the technique and have knit about four inches. Cast off the swatch and measure to make sure the gauge matches the pattern. If not, adjust the needle size to get the correct gauge.
Pattern considerations
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4
Read the pattern all the way through and make sure that you understand all the instructions.
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5
Choose a cast on for the sock. If the sock is knit toe up, try Judy's Magic Cast On which is very easy to execute with the magic loop method.
For a top down sock, choose any stretchy cast on, like the long tail cast on. -
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Use double pointed needles for the knitting the heel. You knit most heel patterns over a portion of the total number of stitches. It is easier to use DPNs to knit the heel and keep the instep stitches in reserve on the circular needle.
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7
Use markers to show where another needle might be. Some sock patterns specify how many stitches should be on each DPN. If your pattern is written this way, use ring markers to substitute for a new needle.
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8
Use two double pointed needles to graft the toe. Top down socks use a grafting technique to close the toe. It is easier to do this grafting stitch on DPNs, just slip the stitches to the DPNs and make sure that you have the same number of stitches on each needle.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a circular needle with a flexible cable.
You do not have to have the same number of stitches on each side.
