magic loop question

[allynealy]

I am really proud of myself for attempting magic loop! I only started knitting 3 weeks ago!
I am doing really well, but the two joins are really loose. I have tried to be diligent about tightening them but they are still loose. I am knitting leggings (babylegs) on denise 27" circulars. There are 48 stitches/2 so 24 per needle.
So my question, is it because the circular is too short that it is hard to get it tighter? What size circulars are best for doing magic loop? I was thinking I need the longer cords denise makes. Do I need all of them or just the longest?
TIA,
Allyson

[dustinac]

It shouldn't be the cable, I do most of my magic loop knitting on a 24", I know that most do prefer a longer cable though. You could try pulling the first 2-3 sts tighter and see if that helps. Or try moving the sts around so that the first st is not always the first st

[WandaT]

I think it would be easier with a longer cable - at least in the beginning. Most of my really small diameter circular knitting is done with a 32" cable. But it may just be that it will take more practice with whatever you use. Kudos to you for trying magic loop so soon as a new knitter!! That's awesome!

[allynealy]

Thanks! Do I need all of the cords denise makes (30, 40, 52)? I don't know what all I will knit, but I would rather get them now if I will need them.
I tried on dpns and didn't have a problem getting the joins tight enough, but I find magic loop easier. I was loosing count on the dpns. That is why I think the cable isn't long enough and is pulling too much and making the joins loose on the circular.

[WandaT]

Personally, I would have the 30" and 40" cables. I wouldn't get the 52" unless a project called for it.