Knitting In The Round: Magic Loop Method

Knit small items in the round on only one circular needle.

Are double-pointed needles (dpns) a pain in your backside? If so, simplify knitting small items in the round with using one long circular needle in the place of four short sticks.

This method is really quite simple, and uses the least number of needles of any method for knitting in the round. Simply use a circular needle with a very long cable and work one half of the stitches at a time.

You may also want to check out my Joining Yarn in the Round tutorial.

Steps

Use a circular needle that is around forty inches (100 cm) long.
When you’ve finished casting on the appropriate number of stitches, move them to the middle of the cable.
Split the stitch count in half and pull a loop of cable between the stitches.
Move the stitches on the non-working needle side up onto the tip to prepare to work. Pull enough cable through the stitches on the working needle side to give you room to knit onto the tip.
Work one half of the stitches at a time, adjusting the cable as you go to maintain the even split of stitches.

If you’re decreasing while working a larger project, you can easily use this method to prevent having to go down to a shorter needle.

Try my patterns

Talena Winters wears a textured scarf and smiles at the camera.

About My Secret Wish Knitting

Hi! I’m Talena Winters (a.k.a. the Yarn Mermaid).

I started My Secret Wish Knitting in 2010 to empower and delight knitting heroes like you who want to elevate your knitting and make magic with yarn. When I’m not concocting new yarn potion recipes, I’m creating story magic as a fantasy and romance author and fiction editor (at talenawinters.com). I live with my family and pets in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, where sweater weather lasts at least nine months a year and my closest neighbours are bears and wood nymphs.

This website is a labour of love by a team of one (me!). If you found value here, please support the effort by purchasing a pattern. If you want more knitting magic, check out my community events and newsletter in the Knitting Circle. We’d love to have you!

Knitting In The Round: Magic Loop Method

Video Tutorial

How to Do It

Steps

Try my patterns

Adventure Socks

Adventure Socks

Just Plain Gloves (Multi-Pattern Bundle)

Just Plain Gloves (Multi-Pattern Bundle)

Brennan Hat

Brennan Hat

About My Secret Wish Knitting