If you begin a knitting project in the Magic Loop, you can switch to working on Double Point Needles (DPNs) part-way through. You’ll need to do a bit of math to determine how many stitches to move onto each DPN. Then, you will knit off your long circular needles and onto your double points. I like to use a 36-inch long circular needle when I work on most projects in the magic loop; you can find the circular needles that I am using on Amazon.com. I’ll move over to 7-inch long double point needles, which are also available on Amazon (affiliate links).
Below you will find both video and written guides to help you learn how to transition from working in the Magic Loop to working on Double Point Needles.
Video Guide: How to Switch from Knitting in the Round in the Magic Loop to Knitting on Double Point Needles
Written Guide: How to Switch from Knitting in the Round in the Magic Loop to Knitting on Double Point Needles
Before you begin this knitting method switch, you will need to know how many live stitches are on your needles. Check the pattern you are following to see how many stitches are on your needles, or count them. In the example here, I start with 23 stitches on each side of my magic loop, which is equal to 46 total live stitches.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, 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 circular needles by the number of needles you will be moving to. Here, I will divide 46 stitches onto three needles, so my math is:
46 ÷ 3 = 15.3333
This means you’ll need to place 15 stitches on each double point needle. You’ll have one stitch left-over (the .33333), so one DPN will need to hold 16 stitches.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, Step 2:
Pick up one DPN with your right hand.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, Step 3:
Begin working the live stitches off the circular needle and onto the DPN tip.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, Step 4:
Work the number of stitches you calculated in Step 1 onto your first DPN; here, I will work 15 stitches onto the first DPN.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, Step 5:
Let go of the first DPN and pick up a second DPN in your right hand. Begin working the next live stitches off the circular needle in your left hand.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, Step 6:
Work until the circular needle tip in your left hand is empty.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, Step 7:
Let go of the circular needle tip in your left hand, then grab the other tip of the circular needle with your right hand.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, Step 8:
Gently pull the circular needle toward your right and through the stitches until they rest on the first end of the circular needle tip. Rotate your work so the circular needle tip is held in your left hand, pointing toward your right.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, Step 9:
With the second DPN, continue knitting live stitches off the circular needle until the second DPN holds the number of stitches you calculated in Step 1; here, I will knit until the second DPN holds 16 stitches.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, Step 10:
Let go of the second DPN and pick up the third DPN in your right hand.
Switch from Magic Loop to DPNs, Step 11:
Work the remaining stitches off the circular needle in your left hand. Set empty circular needle aside and prepare to start knitting in the round with just your DPNs. (See this lesson on Knitting with DPNs if you aren’t sure how this method works.)
Practice With My Knitting Patterns
Ready to try it?
I’ve added instructions to make my Cup Cozy with both DPNs and in the Magic Loop. You can practice switching between knitting methods while making this simple knit.
Or, try making Leg Warmers. Find the pattern here.
You can also switch from working on Circular Needles to using Double Point Needles; this is helpful in closing hat tops that have been knit from the bottom-up. Find step-by-step instructions in the next lesson.
Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index