[JTM]

I bought a small set of Hiya Hiya interchangeable needles. Usually work with Magic Loop (Toe up Two at a Time) and a 40" circular. Had a problem and had to Tink back a few rows on one sock... Rather than Tinking both socks... took that one sock onto my HiyaHiya 16" circular (needle itself is only 4" ... which I find a bit uncomfortable, but manageable) YIKES... it was terrible to work with the next time I had to tink ... tried the 24" cable and it was ever so much easier to use. That darn lacy pattern may never get finished... have to tink again on one of those socks.
But I will never choose to knit one at a time on a small circular.
Jane

 

[SAMkewel]

This is interesting feedback. I'm about to embark on sock making and have been debating which of the many methods to debut with. My underlying preference would be two at a time, so I may now just leap in with Magic Loop right from the get-go.

 

[Beverly Jean]

I use the magic loop method and mostly knit socks toe up. I use two sets of circular needles and knit two socks, one on each needle. I knit past the toe on one , then knit to the same place on the second, advancing equal amounts on each needle. That way I have a pair of socks when I am finished. Works great for me.

 

[jumbleburt]

This is interesting feedback. I'm about to embark on sock making and have been debating which of the many methods to debut with. My underlying preference would be two at a time, so I may now just leap in with Magic Loop right from the get-go.

I would recommend Magic Loop, but I would suggest just one sock at a time to start with. I don't think with the first pair you will have any problem finishing the second sock and I think it will be enough to deal with one sock at first. JMHO

 

[SAMkewel]

I would recommend Magic Loop, but I would suggest just one sock at a time to start with. I don't think with the first pair you will have any problem finishing the second sock and I think it will be enough to deal with one sock at first. JMHO

Thank you for the suggestion. Are you saying that one new thing at a time is enough; i.e. Magic Loop is one thing and knitting a sock is another? I suspect you're right!

 

[JTM]

This is interesting feedback. I'm about to embark on sock making and have been debating which of the many methods to debut with. My underlying preference would be two at a time, so I may now just leap in with Magic Loop right from the get-go.

I would strongly recommend using a pattern that calls for either Worsted or DK weight yarn and at least a size 5 needle. My starter pattern was Toe Up Raggi Sock (link: http://olivemermaids.blogspot.com/2010/02/toe-up-raggi-socks.html ) this is a free pattern, using Worsted or DK weight and size 5 needle. I use what I learned from this pattern to knit all my socks today... changing size yarn and needle (sock weight yarn and usually size 2 needle) and design... using different sock heels ... and with toe up it is so easy to make sure you get the right size ...trying on as I increase for the toe until I have enough stitches to fit "just right".
Good luck... you just might become sock addicted as I have ... so be careful.
Jane

 

[Pishi]

I am working on my first pair of socks. I decided, after all the forum input, to try the magic loop and do tube socks this is giving me practice with the ML and also the Kirtchner for the toes. My second sock is going much better. I am on # 5 needle and # 3 yarn. This has given me confidence to try REAL socks. Now I am wondering about trying ERIC'S on the 12" or just work the ML. decisions, decisions!

 

[joanh8060]

There are so very many ways to knit socks now. Boggles the mind of a newbie, right? I have taught several people how to do it. My method is top down, standard heel flap. I cast on the sts for the student and knit the first row or two to avoid discouraging them. Sport weight for sure would be easier to manage and then when you understand the process...go on to fingering weight/sock yarn. The low ones would be ideal for a beginner. Socks are so much fun I very much want them to be successful and enjoy both the process and the result. Joan 8060

 

[Leannsmarie]

For socks, I've tried DPNs for cuff down (which I can do no problem) Magic Loop for toe-up (so far, so good) but my next attempt is cuff down on twelve (12) inch circulars.

I am curious. Why did you try to use sixteen (16) inch circulars?
That length of needle is way too long to make socks successfully with. Personally, I would use sixteen inch long needles for hats but not socks.

 

[chickkie]

For socks, I've tried DPNs for cuff down (which I can do no problem) Magic Loop for toe-up (so far, so good) but my next attempt is cuff down on twelve (12) inch circulars.

I am curious. Why did you try to use sixteen (16) inch circulars?
That length of needle is way too long to make socks successfully with. Personally, I would use sixteen inch long needles for hats but not socks.

I make a lot of socks, and I do toe up magic loop, 2 at a time with afterthought heels. I have tried to knit with those short circulars and they aren't worth the bother as far as I am concerned. I can do top down, have probably made hundreds of pairs of that style too, but toe up is my preference.

 

[JTM]

For socks, I've tried DPNs for cuff down (which I can do no problem) Magic Loop for toe-up (so far, so good) but my next attempt is cuff down on twelve (12) inch circulars.

I am curious. Why did you try to use sixteen (16) inch circulars?
That length of needle is way too long to make socks successfully with. Personally, I would use sixteen inch long needles for hats but not socks.

16 was the smallest size I had... and only needed to make a correction on one sock while working two at a time using the MagicLoop technique... easier to just tink back on one sock rather than both. In my opinion smaller is NOT better ... sorry for yelling!
Jane