• 0 items$0.00
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Hands Occupied

Colorful knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame from craft book author & designer Heidi Gustad.

  • BLOG
    • Knitting
    • Crochet
    • Latch Hook
    • Macramé
    • Punch Needle
  • ABOUT
  • Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

Magic Loop for Knitting in the Round with a Long, Circular Needle (with Video)

May 31, 2023 3 Comments

Learn about the magic loop method for knitting in the round. Using the magic loop allows knitters to work in the round with a single, long circular needle at a range of circumferences. This post features a video tutorial as well as information explaining the technique, how and why to use it, and when it came to be.

Normally I like to have these blog posts come out within a day or two of the video I produced to go with them, but this month, I needed to dedicate some time to organizing my studio once and for all, and we had some household company for about a week as well. Life happens, but eventually, I always find my way back to knitting. :) Delay hand-wringing aside and without further ado, I’m excited today to explain the what, why and how of knitting with the magic loop method. Soon, I’ll also have a post & video tutorial on troubleshooting common magic loop problems like laddering and jogs (and what the heck they are), so stay tuned.

Throughout this article and on this blog, I use asterisks (*) to cite my sources, which are linked at the bottom of this post under “useful resources”. Bloggers aren’t exactly held to MLA or APA citation styles, and as a former public librarian, I feel it’s helpful to mention what those mean, and where I am finding my information. I do this just as much to appropriately credit my fellow craft writers as I do to offer additional resources for the curious. Just a heads up. :)

Learn about the magic loop method for knitting in the round. Using the magic loop allows knitters to work in the round with a single, long circular needle at a range of circumferences. This post features a video tutorial as well as information explaining the technique, how and why to use it, and when it came to be.

What is the Magic Loop in knitting?

In knitting there are a few different ways to knit in the round, but with the advent of circular knitting needles in the nineteen-teens*, new methods presented themselves for knitting in the round. Circular knitting needles are a set of straight knitting needles that are connected at the non-pointy end by a flexible cable of varying lengths. Circular knitting needles and the magic loop method allow knitters to use a single pair of circular knitting needles to knit a project at almost any circumference they wish.

A picture from the first technical knitting series/knit along I did in 2014, featuring a couple of swatches on DPNs.
Here’s an example of double pointed needles. / This picture is from the first technical knitting series/knit along I did in 2014, featuring a couple of swatches on DPNs.

Magic Loop is the name for knitting in the round using a single pair of circular knitting needles connected by a long cable, and the technique became popularized in the early 2000s.* Instead of using the once-traditional set of five double-pointed needles (DPNs) arranged in a circle to accommodate working in the round, a circular needle is used and allows for stitches to be worked on the needle tips thanks to the additional length of the cable. A cable measuring 32″/80 cm is the recommended minimum length to use for this technique. (Before writing this article I confess I only ever eyeballed how long of a cable I’d need to work in the round, just in case you’re crying with a 28″ cable in hand reading this.)

Learn about the magic loop method for knitting in the round. Using the magic loop allows knitters to work in the round with a single, long circular needle at a range of circumferences. This post features a video tutorial as well as information explaining the technique, how and why to use it, and when it came to be.

Why use the Magic Loop in knitting?

  • You don’t have a pair of circular needles on hand with an ideal cable length.
  • If you’re using circular needles without the magic loop method, knitting at especially small circumferences can be a challenge or impossible.
  • You’re increasing or decreasing a lot of stitches in your project and don’t want to have to switch cables (If you’re using circular needles with interchangeable cables, switching cables can be slightly annoying depending on your patience level.)
  • There’s no shame in it – many knitters fear working with double pointed needles. (With the popularity of circular needles and the magic loop technique, I can understand why many knitters never learn.) Even if you don’t fear them, knitting on-the-go with DPNs is precarious. It’s really easy to lose a needle and then be unable to knit at all. With circs, you don’t risk having to knit with a needle that’s hit the floor.

If I missed any other reasons, let me know in the comments, and I’ll add to this list!

Learn about the magic loop method for knitting in the round. Using the magic loop allows knitters to work in the round with a single, long circular needle at a range of circumferences. This post features a video tutorial as well as information explaining the technique, how and why to use it, and when it came to be.

How to do the magic loop method

Video tutorial:

Useful Resources

  • *Going in Circles: A History of Knitting in the Round – Piecework Magazine
  • Why knit with magic loop? – Önling
  • Magic Loop Technique: How to Knit in the Round Using a Single Long Circular Needle – Tin Can Knits
  • Learn the Knitting Method That’s Totally Magic – Craftsy
Learn about the magic loop method for knitting in the round. Using the magic loop allows knitters to work in the round with a single, long circular needle at a range of circumferences. This post features a video tutorial as well as information explaining the technique, how and why to use it, and when it came to be.

Don’t forget, I’ve got another post & video tutorial on troubleshooting common magic loop problems coming soon, and I’ll link it here when it’s up. Happy knitting!

Learn about the magic loop method for knitting in the round. Using the magic loop allows knitters to work in the round with a single, long circular needle at a range of circumferences. This post features a video tutorial as well as information explaining the technique, how and why to use it, and when it came to be.

Filed Under: Knitting Tagged With: dpns, how to knit in the round, knitting in the round, magic loop, magic loop knitting, video tutorial

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad (she/her) is a craft book author & designer specializing in yarn crafts. Her work combines vintage and modern design elements, prioritizing color and graphic motifs. Her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now.

Previous Post: « How to Knit a One-Row Buttonhole
Next Post: Summer Reading for Knitters »

Reader Interactions

DID YOU LIKE THIS POST?
Visit similar articles...

  • How to Knit a One-Row ButtonholeHow to Knit a One-Row Buttonhole
  • Garter Kitchener Stitch / How to graft garter stitch knitting + VideoGarter Kitchener Stitch / How to graft garter stitch knitting + Video
  • Norwegian Purling for Continental Style Knitters + VideoNorwegian Purling for Continental Style Knitters + Video
  • How to Fix Common Knitting Mistakes + Video TutorialHow to Fix Common Knitting Mistakes + Video Tutorial

Comments

  1. Glady

    June 19, 2024 at 8:40 pm

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise in such a fun matter 🥳🧶

    Reply
  2. Jacqueline

    July 2, 2024 at 6:35 pm

    Hello Heidi,
    I found your video very interesting; it helps me understand how to proceed to make a small Sophie’s “itsybitsy ascot” pattern that I bought… You wouldn’t have a video tutorial on how to start a project with very little number of stitches (6) using the magic loop and increasing M1R -M1L as we go ?!?
    Thank you Jackie

    Reply
    • Heidi

      July 25, 2024 at 3:06 pm

      I can add it to my to-make list!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), and I’ve been helping yarn crafters untangle various techniques on the internet since 2010. I got my start here, as a blogger, and since then I’ve shared more than a few tutorials here and on YouTube as I’ve grown as a pattern designer. 🧶 

learn more / work with me

Find Me on Social Media

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • YouTube
Latch Hook by Heidi Gustad

Footer

INSTAGRAM

Heidi Gustad 🧶 knitting & yarn crafts

handsoccupied

Knitting & yarn crafts designer 🧶
.
Stay up-to-date 💌 & shop new patterns ⤵️

POV: Showing you how my new Bevelled Tank pattern POV: Showing you how my new Bevelled Tank pattern fits with no ease vs. 4” of positive ease. There’s a bit more length to the cotton (brighter color) sample, but both are cropped and feature shoulder seams designed to sit an inch back onto the shoulder instead of on top, giving it a little swing. Length is easily adjustable for folks looking for less of a crop. 
.
Pattern: Bevelled Tank by @handsoccupied for @pompommag x @hobbii_yarn summer 2024. Available for free from Hobbii at the 🔗 in my profile.
Yarn pictured: @kelbournewoolens Skipper and Camper. 
Dress form is adjusted to a 36” chest and ~5’3”ish in height. 
Human has a 40” chest and is 5’5”.
Both skirts are vintage.
.
#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #handsoccupied #intarsia #handmade #knitting #colorwork
Let’s talk about fit and ease! . During the Beve Let’s talk about fit and ease!
.
During the Bevelled Tank design process for @pompommag, I knit 2 samples using 2 different @KelbourneWoolens yarns. One was in Skipper (100% cotton, second photo) and the other was in Camper (100% 2 ply wool). The Skipper sample was knit for a 36” bust, which measures in at 40” with 4” of positive ease. And I knit the Camper Sample for my 40” bust with a 44” finished measurement. (BTW, I’m 5’5” for folks that find that measurement helpful in visualizing fit.)
.
Based on the size chart for the Bevelled Tank, that means I knit one size 3 sample and one size 4. As designed, I conveniently fit a size 4 as intended with 4” of positive ease. When I wear the 3, there is no ease at all because the garment and my body are both 40” in size. Comparing the 2 garments, you can see how the fiber content (cotton vs. wool) and fit (no ease vs. 4” of positive ease) makes a difference in the look and feel of the finished garment. 
.
These samples are a great way to compare what ease looks like on different bodies. While I can fit both a size 3 and 4, the garment with no ease feels more like pajamas or a bralette when I wear it. On the other hand, when I wear the one with 4” of positive ease, I feel comfortable enough to wear it to work, even as a crop top. Plus, it leaves me with enough room to layer it with a nice button down if I’m not feeling the cropped look one day. 
.
I’m curious - how would you style this tank? Would you modify it with a few stockinette rows for added length? I’m so curious now that this pattern is finally out in the world. :) 
.
#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #bevelledtank #handsoccupied #knitting #intarisa #handmade #kelbournewoolens #croppedsweater #summerknits
After a 6 month hiatus, I am happy to say I’m ba After a 6 month hiatus, I am happy to say I’m back with a brand new pattern in 9 sizes, and it’s FREE as part of @pompommag x @hobbii_yarn’s summer design collection! (Link is in my bio.)
.
In my December newsletter, I announced that I was soliciting test knitters for a pattern that had originally been selected for the summer ’24 issue of Pom Pom Quarterly magazine. However, the magazine ceased publication after its spring ’24 issue, leaving in-progress designs unpublished. (It happens.) As a result, I’d begun the long process of editing, testing, and photographing the pattern for independent release through the Hands Occupied pattern shop and Ravelry.
.
Before I was done with that process, Pom Pom Quarterly’s former editors reached out with an exciting proposal for the pattern. Post-magazine, they’ve begun to partner with yarn companies to produce high quality pattern collections. They wanted to include designs from the would-be current issue of Pom Pom Quarterly in a new collection for Hobbii yarn, including my Bevelled Tank. I worked with the same technical editors I would have for the magazine on this one, and as you can see from the photos, Pom Pom’s team did an amazing job of styling the garment to the beautiful standards they’re known for.
.
You can learn more about the pattern on my blog and get the free pattern from Hobbii yarn - links to both in my profile. I’ll post sizing info in the comments for quick reference too. 🧶
.
#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #knitting #intarsia #sponsored #colorworkknitting 
.
Photos: @dianascarrunz 
Model: @angel.jade_
Here’s a nice throwback for you: my take on a vi Here’s a nice throwback for you: my take on a vintage knitting pattern from 1938 called the Fernlace Pullover. A pattern so nice, I knit it twice.
.
Yellow version 💛: knit with Despondent Dyes’ Vintage Vixen Sport after attending a @squidneyknits vintage knitting retreat in 2019 & learning *so much*. Paired with a self-drafted circle skirt pattern. 
.
Blue version 💙: knit with @eweeweyarns Ewe So Sporty in Sky Blue. Paired with the 1940s Boardwalk Duet sewing pattern from @decades_of_style 
.
Head to my stories for 🔗🔗 to the handmade wardrobe blog posts I wrote about each take on the Fernlace Pullover, working with a vintage pattern, where to find vintage patterns (including the one I used), & some thoughts on sizing. 
.
Image descriptions available in alt text. 
.
#handsoccupied #handmadewardrobe #fernlacepullover #vintageknitting #vintageknittingpatterns #knitting_inspiration
Frogging is a word in the knitting world that mean Frogging is a word in the knitting world that means to rip out your knitting. It’s called frogging because frogs say “ribbit,” and when you’re tearing out your knitting, you will “rip it” out, and that sounds like ribbit. No really. 🐸 Did you know this fun fact? 
.
P.S. I did like this design concept, but to make the pattern more knitter friendly as well as more wearable, I am making some tweaks to the construction. Excited to share when it’s ready! 🥰🧶
.
Yarn: @blueskyfibers Woolstok North in Morning Frost & Highland Fleece 
.
#handsoccupied #knitting #frogging #blueskyfibers #knittersofinstagram #blueskymakers #knittingvocabulary #bsfmakers #knitdesign
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 / Foodie Pro Theme On Genesis Framework / Branding by Ink + Mortar
All Site & Shop Policies / Privacy Policy / Cookie Policy