A Sock Knitter Magic Loop Plea
Dear Addi Turbo and Knit Picks,
You both make wonderful, long circular needles with coils ever so pliable. If you can make a 2.00mm and a 2.5mm and a 3.00mm, why can’t you make a 2.25 mm and 2.75mm?
I realize there might be some confusion in the naming scheme of things. Trust me, I’d adjust. Call it a size 0++. It doesn’t matter to me.
When I’m trying to make gauge, the difference in diameter between your size 0 and 1 is 25%. Size 1 to 2 is 20%. That is a huge leap.
Going from your size 3 (3.25 mm) to a 4 (3.5 mm) is less than an 8% increase. The smaller needles beg for the same consideration.
Now, I could use two circulars or even double points to fix my gauge woes. I don’t want to.
Have you ever tried to find a double point after it has fallen between the window seat and the fuselage of a plane? On my last trip, since I was paranoid my Addi’s would be confiscated as weapons, I lost the same double point 4 times from Seattle to D.C.
Magic loop stays wonderfully in place. I never have to worry about a dropped needle. I never have to worry if I’ve grabbed the right circular to complete the round. I can quickly stuff my project away and not worry if my needles will pull out. And if I do happen to go temporarily senile and lose one of my 40" darlings, I only have to buy one circular to replace it . I love magic loop.
P.S. to Knit Picks - I also love coordinating my needles with the yarn of a current project. I could easily be persuaded to buy lots of coils if they came in a range of colors - especially if they were 40" long. 32" is kind of short for magic loop.
*as of April 2008, Knitpicks now offers 2.25mm and 2.75mm in 40 inch lengths!
Info
The technique of using one long circular to knit a continuous loop has been around for awhile. The internet offers numerous resources to get you started. You can:
watch a movie
read a book
download instructions with pictures
knit a basic toe up sock
try two socks at once
exchange starting stitches
knit four fingers of a glove
My small contribution is a cheap way to pull your initial loop without making the dreaded permanent coil kink.
Pulling a loop with my fingers doesn’t work for me. I usually end up pinching too hard and damaging my cable. Not good.
Since I’m mainly a sock knitter, using the 3.00 mm needle point or smaller runs the same risk.
My solution was to take a lone size 13 wooden needle and have my husband cut it down and sharpen it to a fine point. A pencil would work as well.
I can easily poke the tip between the half way point of even the tiniest of stitches and slide it through, gently lifting a loop as it enters.
The loop formed is easily pulled by the dowel whose thickness prevents kinks. The tool doubles as a yarn gauge by marking off a 1" section for wraps.
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