Results tagged “Magic Loop” from Fabric.com Blog

For the first few years of my knitting career, I believed that the only way to knit a circle smaller than 16 in.  was to use DPNs. I detested using DPNs and so would avoid all projects that required them. I missed out on many great patterns and many learning opportunities. I eventually caved and used DPNs but it was like getting a kid to clean their room on a sunny day. They avoid it and avoid it until they have to do it and it is no fun for anyone. One day, I stumbled upon magic loop. I was cruising blog land and came across a picture of a knitter whipping up socks while on a road trip. The picture showed the beginning of the socks being knit on one circular needle. I was shocked and excited! I ran to my favorite knitting forum (Knitty.com Coffeeshop) and posted a link to the picture and an urgent cry that I needed info on this technique with a quickness. 5 min later I had my answer: Magic Loop. The clouds parted, the sun shined down uponth my face and I heard the angels sing. I spent the night devouring all info on Magic Loop and practicing my heart out. It was awesome! And it is SO easy.

First you need some flexible, thin, long length cable needles (at least 32 in. long depending on the diameter of the project) like Hiya Interchangeables. Cast on the required number of stitches just as you would with straight knitting.

Scoot your sts down to the middle of cable and count out half of your sts (I cast on 16 so I counted to 8 sts). Fold the cable at the center of your Sts and slide each half of the Sts down a bit on either side of the center and pull the cable up, dividing your Sts.

Leave the Sts with the working yarn in the middle of the cable and slide the Sts without the working yarn to the needle. This is your left needle. Take up your right needle which will have no Sts on it and work the Sts from the left needle to your right. The other half of the Sts hangs out on the middle of the cable allowing them to stay close because of the flexible needle. 

Once you are done working the first half of the stitches, slide the unworked Sts to the empty needle and the worked Sts go to the center of the cable. Work the unworked Sts from the left needle to the right. Repeat the above steps until your project is the desired length.

I am in the middle of Danger Craft's Tofu pattern and so far I have knit the entire body, legs and arm on magic loop. It is my go to and so easy. I don't have to divide Sts among 3-4 needles. No need to jungle 4-5 needles and while I have lost many a DPN I have not yet lost an interchangeable. Magic Loop on Interchangeables also makes it easier to put my knitting away. I just twist off my needle and replace them with end caps. I never knew who to properly store and transport my DPNs without a needle sliding out. No project is avoided now!

Check out more small diameter knitting with more Danger Craft toys here.

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I love knitting hats. Hats for everyone was my motto. I love 'em. They are so easy and quick and just plain fun. Well, now I love knitted toys! Monsters to be specific. More to the point this monster: Albert the Absent-Minded Monster. He is adorable and pleasurable to knit. Albert is one happening guy.

I was not so sure to begin with. I have typically been against knitted toys in the past. Knitting is time consuming and most of all a relaxation process. How my definition of knitting and toys could be melding in a way that I could come to grips with was not something I wanted to think of. Toys are loved, sure, but they are also abused, forgotten, and partners in messy crimes. To spend hours lovingly knitting something that will endure those experiences was beyond me. Until, I had a child. Gone was the nay-saying. I took one look at Albert and knew she would love him. That fact that I could make him for her was the sweet, chocolate covered cherry on top of the hot fudge and peanut butter Sunday with my choice of ice cream (Thank you Brusters!)

Now for the Knitty-gritty: Albert was a great knit. Not the fastest project I have completed but certainly enjoyable. He took about 5+ hours to complete. I followed the pattern explicitly, except for when I didn't, which I will explain as we go along. First, I used Magic Loop throughout since I have developed an allergy to DPNs since I discovered Magic Loop. I, maybe, have shortened the body by a few rows. I got anxious to move on after row 40-something (probably 45, 46). After that the pattern changed from row to row so it was hard to get bored. I enjoyed seeing the different parts take shape. I had also forgotten how much I enjoyed 3 needle bind off and how pretty it was.

Assembly was straight forward but I think I over stuffed the arms. I will try less next time and perhaps a different attachment for a better shoulder. I will also over-exaggerate the belly button next time-bigger is better! Since my daughter is 16 mos, I went with knots for the eye, just in case. Also, I don't recommend super glue for his mouth- go with the fabric glue as recommended. I didn't have any so I went with the super glue. Turns out, not as super as one would expect. I ran out for the fabric glue.

Mostly, I just love how flexible his ears are. They make Albert very expressive.  Albert strikes me as just the right size to take to Grandma's or the movies. He can sneak in anywhere. Plans are in the works for a rainbow collection. I will probably go with double-stranding some to make them bigger. I want to experiment with different sizes as well as color. 

Check out more pictures on Ravelry

Yarn used Berroco Weekend in Nectarine

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P.s. Albert is getting comfy in his new home