I was giving magic loop a try and though I'd initially encountered some difficulties, i.e. ladders being created where the needles join, as I worked down the leg the problems seemed to disappear. I do seem to have a tighter gauge though when using the magic loop method, probably because it's a new technique in sock knitting to me, and once I'd turned the heel I discovered that the socks just weren't going to fit so there wasn't any point continuing. I ripped it all out.
I wasn't sure if the problems with the ladders were actually resolved or if it just seemed that way as it was a cable pattern I was knitting and the cables happened to be where the needles join so, instead of knitting the same pattern again, I went for something different so I'd be able to tell if my laddering issues had been resolved or not.
These are the Winters Frost socks by This Handmade Life. I didn't realise this pattern was by the same designer as the Wildflowers & Honeycomb Socks, which are also on my needles at the moment, until I started knitting them and realised that the pattern is written in exactly the same way.
As you can see, I've made a good start and yes, the ladder issue seems to be resolved in the main body of the sock, however, I've still got problems with ladders on the cuff where I've knit rib. You can see the ladder on the cuff to the right of the pattern. Perhaps a soak in some water when I come to block the socks will sort that out, we'll see.
Anyway, I seem to be getting on with the magic loop method okay. I'm not sure it'll take over from double pointed needles, which I still prefer, but I'm quite enjoying using a different method of knitting socks for a change.
I found the magic loop slower, the ladders do right themselves, but I am using 4DPS, which I am enjoying.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that the ladders will disappear with blocking, they're not too bad anyway, just on the cuff.
DeleteHi...actually, my comment is more to do with a previous post than this one. I have just bought the book 'Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine' after reading about it here. I haven't read it yet, but am looking forward to it��
ReplyDeleteKavitha
Oh, I hope you enjoy it. I really enjoyed reading it and I've read some good reviews from other people too.
DeleteI have tried magic loop a couple of times and just don't get on with it at all, I stick to dpns! Love the colour of the yarn they are going to make a great pair of socks and I love that pattern too. Hope you manage to sort out the ladders, they are a pain aren't they but I am sure it will be just a case of getting used to a new method and they will then disappear.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that knitting socks on magic loop will take over from dpns but I'm enjoying giving it a go, it does get easier as you get into it. I'm loving this yarn, the colour is gorgeous.
DeleteI have tried the magic loop and just cannot get on with it. Give me my set of needles any day.
ReplyDeleteBriony
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I never thought I'd get into magic loop when I started off but it has got easier, though I still prefer my dpns.
DeleteThe socks look great to me. X
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying this pattern, there's just twelve stitches of pattern in each row so nothing complicated, but it gives a lovely design down the leg.
DeleteThey look great Jo, I love the colour and the cable pattern on them. I've knitted with 2 x circular needles (patern in a good yarn Debbie Macomber book) before. The front of the sock on one needle and the sole of foot on the other. The stitches stay on their own needle. I never blocked them and 2 ladders can be seen but only if you're looking for them.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to knit on one small circular needle... It's so quick, though you do have to do double enders for the first 2 rows of cuff, heel and last few of toe rows. I still prefer it despite the change overs. All the best Cx
I've never tried knitting with two circular needles but I know you can knit two socks at a time that way, it sounds far too complicated for me. I've given a small circular needle a go in the past but that made my hands ache, I haven't tried it again.
DeleteI have never tried the magic loop method. Perhaps one day I'll get up the nerves. It may not be a safe method for me seeing as I'm a tight Knitter anyway. That's something beautiful yarn you're working with by the way. Rich !
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased that I'm giving magic loop another try, it has got much easier as I've got into it. I'm really enjoying using this yarn, it's such a pretty colour.
DeleteRipping out is one of the most difficult things to do but I do end up feeling better once it's done. That pattern is lovely and really complements the yarn beautifully. I wanted to get a sock pattern with a bit of lace to cast on for a Christmas gift and I think these will be the next ones on my needles.
ReplyDeleteThere really was no point carrying on when the socks weren't going to fit and I really like the pattern I'm knitting now. I like the small lace panel, it adds a bit of interest without being over the top.
DeleteIt appears that most of your commenters prefer DPNs. I am joining them, never saw the point in magic loop but maybe that's because I can't get my head around it. In any case, the pattern you are knitting up just now is very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI thought magic loop would be more popular than it appears to be. I must admit that I still prefer dpns, though that might change when I've used magic loop a bit more.
DeleteGentle hugs,
ReplyDelete✨🍑✨
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DeleteI changed to the magic loop method for socks at the beginning of this year, having used 9 inch circulars before. It took a little while but now I really like it and don't think I could use the tiny circulars again now. I have tried to use dpns, but the ones I bought are metal and very slippy, so not very practical. I am not sure about knitting two socks at a time either I think it is an accident waiting to happen! Love your socks and the yarn.
ReplyDeleteI've given small circulars a try in the past but the small needles made my hands hurt, I couldn't knit more than a few rows at a time. I'm finding magic loop easier the more I use it but still prefer dpns at this point in time, perhaps that will change.
DeleteIm stuck on double points. I like to not challenge myself! That's kind of pathetic, but I like to just succeed at knits right now
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, I usually tend to stick inside my comfort zone too.
DeleteI suppose it's just practice when you try a new technique but your socks look great and that ribbed bit will disappear when you put them on. The main thing is getting them the right size.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely finding magic loop easier as time goes by, practice is definitely the key. I'm hoping that I can do something with the ladders to make them disappear, we'll see what happens once they're blocked.
DeleteIt's a lovely pattern, very easy to knit and gives a very pleasing result.
ReplyDeleteSuch as shame you had to rip out the last sock but this pattern is looking good. Great you are persevering with the magic loop, last time I tried I was getting ladders too, perhaps that´s what put me off lol xcx
ReplyDeleteI think if I'd been getting ladders right the way down the leg it would have put me off magic loop but they're only on the cuff and I think they might block out, they're not that bad. I'm quite enjoying the new technique now, though I still prefer dpns.
DeleteI'm always gob-smacked with your sock knitting & again you've not disappointed. Happy knitting.
ReplyDeleteI find sock knitting so enjoyable and there's some really lovely patterns out there.
DeleteWell, as you know I'm not a knitter BUT the socks look good to me.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I'm pleased with how they're turning out, they'll be so snuggly for winter.
DeleteI tried double pointed needles and just can't get on with them on something so small, a hat perhaps i'd manage, but not a sock. I would think blocking would get rid of the ladder, I think we probably pick too many faults with our own knitting, i know I do, and it probably isn't noticeable to other people. Love the colour of that yarn :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm the opposite, I can use magic loop without any problem on larger items and love dpns for socks. I think you're right though, we do pick fault with our own knitting, I'm hoping that blocking will sort out the ladders.
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