what set of needles to knit magic loop?

believer · 10-05-2014, 05:51 PM

ok, I want to knit magic loop, but the cheap set of circular needles I have, the longest cable is about 22 inches. So, I want to buy a good set of circular needles. What do you recommend?

JoyfulMom · 10-06-2014, 07:25 AM

It depends on what you're knitting. I like knit picks nickel plated for anything above a three. For socks, I use chiagoo lace 32" circs. Hope that helps.

DahliaRW · 10-06-2014, 09:03 AM

It doesn't have to be top of the line, you just want a flexible cable that is long. I have the knit picks interchangeable needle set and have easily knit smaller circumference things using magic loop with the 32" cable.

Wonder Woman · 10-06-2014, 09:49 AM

For smaller items (a hat, baby socks, etc) I use these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/13Set-Durabl...item54070e303f

For socks done 2-at-a-time, I'm all about ChiaoGoo Lace, 40".

I don't know if the stainless steel is nickel-free in those, but I have a...not really an allergy, but a weird reaction to nickel. My skin eats it

So all the lovely, lovely nickel-plated needles I had (I used to have almost every size Addi Turbo, a KP interchangeable set, KP fixed) ended up being sold or traded.

It was either that, or deal with the nickel coating constantly rubbing off!

I'm fine with the stainless steel ones

mipennsn · 10-06-2014, 09:56 AM

Hands down my favorite cables for magic loop are knit picks.

I tried the ones that Reb linked, but I had issues with ladders with them. I still use them.

I tend to use short cables to magic loop, and might only have one area that is pulled out the magic loop (that is actually the way that makes the most sense to my mil).

Wonder Woman · 10-06-2014, 10:02 AM

Autum - I definitely have problems with ladders on larger projects - if there isn't room for a good loop on both sides, I have to switch to 40" to avoid them

allisonintx · 10-06-2014, 10:41 AM

ChiaGoo. They're hands down the best needles I've ever used. I was a knit-picks girl, before, but the ChiaGoo are faster and nicer. Oh wait, do I remember that you like needles with a little more "grab" so that the yarn doesn't slip as easily? If that's the case, the little yarn store over at Coit and Arapaho has the Knitpicks wooden interchangables right in the store! They are the best wooden interchangables, imo. It's yarn crawl week in Dallas so they might even be having a sale!

---------- Post added at 12:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 PM ----------

In absence of a 40" cable, I go to Two Circs, instead.

believer · 10-06-2014, 06:58 PM

Well, the chiagoo look way to expensive for me. I will try to go to that yarn store on Wed. - I only work a half day so I should be able to get there in the afternoon. What is yarn crawl week?
I don't really know if I can do socks and things with tiny needles - it feels like knitting with toothpicks to me, but I do want to do hats and fingerless gloves - maybe even actual gloves if I can handle that.

---------- Post added at 01:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:48 AM ----------

I am getting two cheap sets from e-bay - they are well within my price range, and I may go to the yarn store just to look if I have a chance.

DahliaRW · 10-06-2014, 07:06 PM

It really does depend on what you're knitting as to what size needles you need. With worsted weight yarn (which tends to be what I knit most hats and mittens with, though you certainly can knit them with any size yarn) you'll most likely need 7-9 needles (us size), of course whatever to get correct gauge with the pattern you are working with.

If you can save up and afford a set of interchangeable needles, they really are economical in the long run. My knit picks set was around $50 (I have the nickel plated), and has sizes 4-11 (including 10.5) and 2 each of 24" and 32" cables. I can buy other cables and such to go with them too (longer or shorter). And you can knit flat on circulars too.

Smaller needles do take a bit to get used to, but it's not bad once you try it.

ShangriLewis · 10-10-2014, 05:47 PM

I am really happy with my knitpicks.

---------- Post added at 04:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:44 PM ----------

I really like my worsted weight socks. My boots are almost 2 sizes too big in the winter because I often double my socks. But, this year I think I will just do worsted socks. They knit up much faster. Apparently, Scandinavian knitters often wear bigger boots and knit worsted socks for winter.

allisonintx · 10-10-2014, 07:14 PM

They are famous for their stranded colorwork socks, which are also very thick.

10-05-2014, 05:51 PM	#1
believer Rose Garden Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 8,130	what set of needles to knit magic loop? ok, I want to knit magic loop, but the cheap set of circular needles I have, the longest cable is about 22 inches. So, I want to buy a good set of circular needles. What do you recommend? __________________ Dana INTJ widow of Big Bear, mom to: B. - 16 y.o. dd J.-19yo ds M.- 25 (MIL to) A - 24 2 white cats, 3 dogs http://becauseisaidsothathswhy.blogspot.com/

10-06-2014, 07:25 AM	#2
JoyfulMom Rose Bouquet Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi Posts: 550	Re: what set of needles to knit magic loop? It depends on what you're knitting. I like knit picks nickel plated for anything above a three. For socks, I use chiagoo lace 32" circs. Hope that helps. __________________ Amy, wife to awesome hubby since 1991. ~A Joyful Mom to six blessings~ Shelby~21 Breanna~18 Madison~16 Christopher~12 Emma Grace~10 Jenna Kate~7

10-06-2014, 09:03 AM	#3
DahliaRW Rose Garden Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,793	Re: what set of needles to knit magic loop? It doesn't have to be top of the line, you just want a flexible cable that is long. I have the knit picks interchangeable needle set and have easily knit smaller circumference things using magic loop with the 32" cable. __________________ ISFJ Mom married to an INTP Dad; busy raising 2 sons (15, 12) and a daughter (10)!

10-06-2014, 09:49 AM	#4
Wonder Woman Deactivated Yep. I'm a 3. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 19,140	Re: what set of needles to knit magic loop? For smaller items (a hat, baby socks, etc) I use these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/13Set-Durabl...item54070e303f For socks done 2-at-a-time, I'm all about ChiaoGoo Lace, 40". I don't know if the stainless steel is nickel-free in those, but I have a...not really an allergy, but a weird reaction to nickel. My skin eats it So all the lovely, lovely nickel-plated needles I had (I used to have almost every size Addi Turbo, a KP interchangeable set, KP fixed) ended up being sold or traded. It was either that, or deal with the nickel coating constantly rubbing off! I'm fine with the stainless steel ones

10-06-2014, 09:56 AM	#5
mipennsn Rose Garden Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 6,389	Re: what set of needles to knit magic loop? Hands down my favorite cables for magic loop are knit picks. I tried the ones that Reb linked, but I had issues with ladders with them. I still use them. I tend to use short cables to magic loop, and might only have one area that is pulled out the magic loop (that is actually the way that makes the most sense to my mil). __________________ Autum - esFJ Wife to Russ - EnFj Mommy to my boys T (15 ), W (13), D (10), & My GIRL H who is 7! Full time mommy and breadwinner for my family

10-06-2014, 10:02 AM	#6
Wonder Woman Deactivated Yep. I'm a 3. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 19,140	Re: what set of needles to knit magic loop? Autum - I definitely have problems with ladders on larger projects - if there isn't room for a good loop on both sides, I have to switch to 40" to avoid them

10-06-2014, 10:41 AM	#7
allisonintx Rose Garden Some Cal/Mag will probably fix that. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: catching up on the laundry Posts: 41,294	Re: what set of needles to knit magic loop? ChiaGoo. They're hands down the best needles I've ever used. I was a knit-picks girl, before, but the ChiaGoo are faster and nicer. Oh wait, do I remember that you like needles with a little more "grab" so that the yarn doesn't slip as easily? If that's the case, the little yarn store over at Coit and Arapaho has the Knitpicks wooden interchangables right in the store! They are the best wooden interchangables, imo. It's yarn crawl week in Dallas so they might even be having a sale! ---------- Post added at 12:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 PM ---------- In absence of a 40" cable, I go to Two Circs, instead. __________________ allisonintx Wife to Stephen Mother to Elizabeth 19, Andrew 17, Abigail 14 & Evelyn 12 Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turn of the world. Love keeps her in the air when she ought to fall down. Tells you she's hurting before she keens. Makes her a home. . . . . . . .

10-06-2014, 06:58 PM	#8
believer Rose Garden Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 8,130	Re: what set of needles to knit magic loop? Well, the chiagoo look way to expensive for me. I will try to go to that yarn store on Wed. - I only work a half day so I should be able to get there in the afternoon. What is yarn crawl week? I don't really know if I can do socks and things with tiny needles - it feels like knitting with toothpicks to me, but I do want to do hats and fingerless gloves - maybe even actual gloves if I can handle that. ---------- Post added at 01:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:48 AM ---------- I am getting two cheap sets from e-bay - they are well within my price range, and I may go to the yarn store just to look if I have a chance. __________________ Dana INTJ widow of Big Bear, mom to: B. - 16 y.o. dd J.-19yo ds M.- 25 (MIL to) A - 24 2 white cats, 3 dogs http://becauseisaidsothathswhy.blogspot.com/

10-06-2014, 07:06 PM	#9
DahliaRW Rose Garden Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,793	Re: what set of needles to knit magic loop? It really does depend on what you're knitting as to what size needles you need. With worsted weight yarn (which tends to be what I knit most hats and mittens with, though you certainly can knit them with any size yarn) you'll most likely need 7-9 needles (us size), of course whatever to get correct gauge with the pattern you are working with. If you can save up and afford a set of interchangeable needles, they really are economical in the long run. My knit picks set was around $50 (I have the nickel plated), and has sizes 4-11 (including 10.5) and 2 each of 24" and 32" cables. I can buy other cables and such to go with them too (longer or shorter). And you can knit flat on circulars too. Smaller needles do take a bit to get used to, but it's not bad once you try it. __________________ ISFJ Mom married to an INTP Dad; busy raising 2 sons (15, 12) and a daughter (10)! Last edited by DahliaRW; 10-07-2014 at 09:19 AM.

10-10-2014, 05:47 PM	#10
ShangriLewis Moderator in Vegetarianism & Veganism Arrange whatever pieces come your way. ~VW~ Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Dakota Posts: 16,446	Re: what set of needles to knit magic loop? I am really happy with my knitpicks. ---------- Post added at 04:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:44 PM ---------- I really like my worsted weight socks. My boots are almost 2 sizes too big in the winter because I often double my socks. But, this year I think I will just do worsted socks. They knit up much faster. Apparently, Scandinavian knitters often wear bigger boots and knit worsted socks for winter. __________________ Heather The Prophet 23yob, The Peacemaker 20yob, The Warrior 17, The Little Flower 11yog and The Surfer 9yob and our little birdie girl 4yo.

10-10-2014, 07:14 PM	#11
allisonintx Rose Garden Some Cal/Mag will probably fix that. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: catching up on the laundry Posts: 41,294	Re: what set of needles to knit magic loop? They are famous for their stranded colorwork socks, which are also very thick. __________________ allisonintx Wife to Stephen Mother to Elizabeth 19, Andrew 17, Abigail 14 & Evelyn 12 Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turn of the world. Love keeps her in the air when she ought to fall down. Tells you she's hurting before she keens. Makes her a home. . . . . . . .

X vBulletin 3.8.3 Debug Information
Page Generation 0.08830 seconds Memory Usage 7,934KB Queries Executed 16 (?)
More Information
Template Usage: (1)SHOWTHREAD (1)ad_footer_end (1)ad_footer_start (1)ad_header_end (1)ad_header_logo (1)ad_navbar_below (1)ad_showthread_beforeqr (1)ad_showthread_firstpost (1)ad_showthread_firstpost_sig (1)ad_showthread_firstpost_start (1)cyb_flashimagebanners (1)footer (1)forumjump (1)forumrules (1)gobutton (1)header (1)headinclude (1)navbar (3)navbar_link (60)option (11)post_groan_box (1)post_groan_javascript (1)post_groan_navbar_search (11)post_thanks_box (9)post_thanks_box_bit (1)post_thanks_javascript (1)post_thanks_navbar_search (7)post_thanks_postbit_legacy (11)postbit_legacy (11)postbit_onlinestatus (115)postbit_reputation (11)postbit_wrapper (4)showthread_bookmarksite (1)smqre_editor_button (1)spacer_close (1)spacer_open (1)tagbit_wrapper Phrase Groups Available: global inlinemod postbit posting reputationlevel showthread	Included Files: ./showthread.php ./global.php ./includes/init.php ./includes/class_core.php ./includes/config.php ./includes/functions.php ./includes/class_hook.php ./includes/functions_notice.php ./mobiquo/smartbanner.php ./mobiquo/include/classTTConnection.php ./mobiquo/smartbanner/head.inc.php ./includes/functions_bigthree.php ./includes/class_postbit.php ./includes/class_bbcode.php ./includes/functions_reputation.php ./includes/adminfunctions_template.php ./includes/functions_misc.php ./includes/functions_post_thanks.php ./includes/functions_post_groan.php Hooks Called: init_startup cache_permissions fetch_postinfo_query fetch_postinfo fetch_threadinfo_query fetch_threadinfo fetch_foruminfo style_fetch cache_templates global_start parse_templates fetch_musername notices_check_start global_setup_complete showthread_start template_groups template_safe_functions template_compile showthread_getinfo forumjump showthread_post_start showthread_query_postids showthread_query bbcode_fetch_tags bbcode_create showthread_postbit_create postbit_factory postbit_display_start post_thanks_function_post_thanks_off_start post_thanks_function_post_thanks_off_end post_thanks_function_fetch_thanks_start post_thanks_function_fetch_thanks_end post_thanks_function_thanked_already_start post_thanks_function_thanked_already_end post_groan_function_post_groan_off_start post_groan_function_post_groan_off_end post_groan_function_fetch_groans_start post_groan_function_fetch_groans_end post_groan_function_groaned_already_start post_groan_function_groaned_already_end reputation_image bbcode_parse_start postbit_imicons bbcode_parse_complete_precache bbcode_parse_complete postbit_display_complete error_fetch post_thanks_function_fetch_thanks_bit_start post_thanks_function_show_thanks_date_start post_thanks_function_fetch_thanks_bit_end post_thanks_function_fetch_post_thanks_template_start post_thanks_function_fetch_post_thanks_template_end tag_fetchbit_complete forumrules showthread_bookmarkbit navbits navbits_complete showthread_complete
Messages: