Join In The Round Circular Needles Magic Loop
Joining in the round is an essential skill for any knitter. It is the process of connecting your stitches so that you can knit in the round and create seamless projects. Traditionally, knitters use double-pointed needles (DPNs) to knit in the round. However, many knitters find it cumbersome and tricky to work with DPNs, especially when knitting small projects such as hats or socks. This is where circular needles come in handy.
What Are Circular Needles?
Circular needles are knitting needles that are connected by a flexible cable. They allow you to knit in the round, just like DPNs, but with a single needle. They come in various sizes, lengths, and materials, such as bamboo, wood, metal, or plastic. Circular needles are versatile, and you can use them for both flat and circular knitting projects.
What Is Magic Loop?
Magic Loop is a knitting technique that allows you to knit small circumferences, such as hat crowns or sock cuffs, on a long circular needle. Magic Loop is popular among knitters who prefer not to use DPNs, and it is a great alternative to knitting flat and seaming the edges later. The technique involves pulling a loop of the cable through the stitches to divide them into two halves, then knitting one half at a time while the other half rests on the cable. This creates a continuous loop of stitches that you can knit in the round.
How To Join In The Round With Circular Needles Magic Loop?
Joining in the round with circular needles Magic Loop may seem daunting at first, but it is easy once you get the hang of it. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Cast on the required number of stitches onto your circular needle.
- Locate the middle point of your cast on stitches and slide them towards the cable.
- Pull the cable out from the middle of the stitches until the left-hand needle is free.
- Pull the cable out further until you have created a loop on the right-hand side of your stitches.
- Slide your stitches around until you have half on the left-hand needle and half on the right-hand needle.
- Make sure that the stitches are not twisted around the needle.
- Knit the first half of your stitches. Push them towards the tip of the needle.
- Turn your work around so that the second half of your stitches is on the left-hand side and the working yarn is at the back.
- Pull the cable out to create a loop on the right-hand side of your stitches.
- Slide your stitches around until you have half on the left-hand needle and half on the right-hand needle.
- Make sure that the stitches are not twisted around the needle.
- Knit the second half of your stitches. Push them towards the tip of the needle.
- Repeat steps 8-12 until you have completed your project.
Note: If you are working with a pattern, make sure to follow the instructions and adjust them to use circular needles Magic Loop instead of DPNs or other circular knitting techniques.
Advantages Of Circular Needles Magic Loop
Circular needles Magic Loop has many advantages, including:
- Saves time and effort compared to using DPNs.
- Prevents laddering or gaps between stitches, which can occur with DPNs.
- Allows you to knit small circumferences without switching needles or breaking your yarn.
- Creates a seamless join in the round, which is perfect for hats, socks, sweaters, and other projects.
- Reduces the risk of losing or dropping stitches since they are connected by the cable.
- Less chance of needle fatigue or hand cramps since you are only using one needle.
Conclusion
Joining in the round with circular needles Magic Loop is an excellent technique for any knitter who wants to achieve a professional finish on their projects. It is simple, versatile, and time-saving compared to traditional DPNs. With a little practice, you can master the technique and create seamless projects like a pro.