PurlsAndPixels

Switch from DPNs to Magic Loop, Step 1:

Work up to the point where you’d like to switch knitting methods (usually the end/beginning of a row/round is the best place to start). Set the needle in your right hand aside.

Divide the total number of live stitches on your double point needles by the number of needles you will be moving to. Since the magic loop is worked on two needle tips, divide the total number of stitches by two. Here, I will divide 46 stitches onto two needles, so my math is:

46 ÷ 2 = 23

This means you’ll need to place 23 stitches on each end of the circular needle.

Switch from DPNs to Magic Loop, Step 2:

Pick up one tip of a long circular needle with your right hand.  

Switch from DPNs to Magic Loop, Step 3:

Begin working the live stitches off the first double point needle and onto the circular needle tip.

Switch from DPNs to Magic Loop, Step 4:

When you have finished working the live stitches off the first DPN (your first left-hand needle in the old size), it will be free of the project. Set the empty double point needle aside.

Switch from DPNs to Magic Loop, Step 5:

Begin knitting live stitches off the second double point needle and onto the first circular needle tip until you’ve worked half of the total number of live stitches. This will be the number of stitches you calculated in Step 1; here, I will stop at 23 stitches.

Switch from DPNs to Magic Loop, Step 6:

Pull the circular needle tip in your right hand toward your left, allowing the live stitches to slide from the needle and onto the cord.

Switch from DPNs to Magic Loop, Step 7:

While continuing to hold the same circular needle tip in your right hand, rotate your work so that you can work the live stitches off the second double point needle and onto the now empty circular needle tip.

Switch from DPNs to Magic Loop, Step 8:

Work the remaining stitches from the second double point needle onto the circular needle tip that is held in your right hand. This will free the second double point needle, which can now be set aside.

Switch from DPNs to Magic Loop, Step 9:

Work the remaining stitches from the third double point needle onto the circular needle tip that is held in your right hand. This will free the third double point needle, which can now be set aside. At this point, half of your total stitches should be on one circular needle tip, and the other half should be held by the cord.

Switch from DPNs to Magic Loop, Step 10:

Turn your work, placing the live stitches in your left hand. Slide the empty circular needle tip into the live stitches and prepare to start knitting in the Magic Loop. (See this lesson on Knitting in the Magic Loop if you aren’t sure how this method works.)

You can also switch from working in the Magic Loop to using Double Point Needles. Find step-by-step instructions in the next lesson.