Learn to Knit Magic Loop Socks

Magic loop knitting is a way of knitting socks (or any tiny tube) with a long circular needle instead of double-pointed needles.

In this pattern you will see links to seven instructional videos that will explain each section in detail, and help get you through the tricky parts. All you need is less than 200 yards of worsted-weight yarn and size US 5 circular needle with at least a 24″ cord. (A longer cord is even better.)

This pattern is for a worsted-weight anklet sock. We’re using heavier yarn and bigger needles than most knitted socks, so that you can quickly learn and work through the elements of Magic Loop sock knitting. The techniques you learn here will set you up for working with all kinds of other sock patterns.

Size: Any size woman’s shoe size, average width
Needles: Size 5 US circular needles, at least 24” in length (longer is better)
Yarn: at least 200 yards of worsted-weight wool or wool blend yarn
Additional Materials: stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Gauge: 5.5 stitches per inch in stockinette

This pattern is available in three different formats, each includes links to 7-part video tutorial:

1. PDF Pattern, traditional and printable. $8.00 via PayPal

2. Amazon Kindle digital download (suitable for Kindle devices and devices that use the Kindle app): $6.00 US.

3. eReader (For non-Kindle eReaders, like Sony eReader and Barnes & Noble Nook, or any device using the Google Play Books app) $6.72 US

The video playlist can be seen here on YouTube.

50 comments on “Learn to Knit Magic Loop Socks

  1. Thank You! I have watched these videos several times as I have just made my first pair of socks!!
    They are beautifully done and so clear.

  2. Ditto on Jennifer’s comments. I’ve been using a book, but your videos have helped tremendously. So clear and easy to follow. Thanks for putting them up on your site!

  3. I have made socks using 3 different methods, and this is the easiest way so far! Your videos are very helpful–thanks so much!

  4. Hi Connie – this pattern is currently available as PDF or for Kindle (or devices that can use the Kindle Reader app). We are working on getting all of these available in ePub format as well. In fact, one of our goals this summer is to get every pattern in all three formats. I don’t have a date for completion yet, but we’re working on it!

    🙂
    S t a c i

  5. Thanks! I just finished the dpn version of my first sock using your great pattern+tutorials! So fun! Will this pattern work with the magic loop method…meaning the same stitch cast-on….or should I purchase that pattern also?

  6. Hi, Staci,

    I just purchased your pattern instructions for the Magic Loop Socks. I wanted to make the socks for my husband, so cast on 48 stitches instead of 40. Now, I come to the Turn Heel part and I am unsure as to the directions: how many stitches must I purl beginning with row 1? Not sure what’s going on here…?? :-)) Can you help? Maybe I got too creative, here!

    Elora

  7. Hi Staci,
    I purchased your regular sock video during last summer and made my first pair of socks. I was so happy. I just previewed your Magic Sock video and i really like it. My question to you is will you ever make a video for knitting socks cuff down on two circulars one sock at a time? I have tried to go from the DPNs to circulars and have a hard time with the picking up of stitches on the circulars. Thank you for your time and great tutorials.
    Debbie

  8. I just purchased your pattern and downloaded it and don’t see anything about gauge on the pattern. I think I am a tight knitter and need to know what gauge I need to get the right size.

  9. I just purchased your sock tutorial for my first magic loop project and I was successful and very happy with your explanations and tips. I will continue to learn from you. Thank you so much — keep up the great work!

  10. Hi love all your videos. I am trying to knit first sock on magic loop can you
    tell me how many stitches to cast on. I can’t wait to start thank you great
    way you explain each steps. Linda

  11. Linda – all of the details for knitting my tutorials are available in the written pattern. The pattern is available for purchase and instant download here on this web page.

    Hope that helps!
    S t a c i

  12. hi staci , i bought all your patterns and made all of them , they are great my favorite is magic loop socks but it only comes in women size , wen will you sell the pattern for men size so i can make my husban a pair . txs in advance . i tride to change the needle size and its not the same . cant wait for your reply. julie

  13. I love your sweater. Pattern….please?!
    What GREAT videos. Thank you. I can count on you.

  14. Hello Staci,

    Thank you for your reply. I have bought your pattern and look forward to getting started. I appreciate your love for knitting and style of teaching. The envolvement you give to others to help them is awesome! I am new to knitting and am currently working on circular needles, but have found your teaching and video’s on You Tube to be the ones I keep coming back to. Thank you for all you do for others who want to learn.

    Sincerely,

    Tricia

  15. Hi Staci,
    Gosh I enjoy watching your tutorials. You make it so easy for me to follow. I can honestly say that I am now loving knitting whereas before I was often frustrated because i found it difficult to follow a pattern. You’re a gem.
    Blessings Gail.

  16. Hello,

    I purchased your magic loop sock pattern with the links to videos (love it). I am flying soon and will not have access to wi-fi. Is there any way to download the videos to my iPad so that I can watch them in flight?

    Thank you!
    Ellen

  17. Hi Ellen – I’m just about to leave on a flight myself! Sorry, YouTube videos aren’t readily downloadable. I think there are programs out there that will allow you to do that, but I’m not even sure if those programs are legal.

    S t a c i

  18. Staci, I purchased the dpn sock pattern earlier. Can this be used to learn to knit the magic loop sock or is that pattern different? Thanks.

  19. Bill – the pattern is very similar between the two, the only real difference is that there are specifics in each pattern to either magic loop or dpn knitting. Once you’re comfortable with the techniques used in either one, it isn’t that difficult to transfer the knowledge to the other pattern.

    Hope that helps!
    S t a c i

  20. Have used this tutorial several times to makes socks, couldn’t have done it correctly without it. Thanks so much.

  21. Staci, would like to know what the difference betwee n 2 socks at a time magic loop and 2 socks at a time circular needles are? Is one easier then the other or are they the same? I purchased the magic loop, hope I made the right choice.

  22. Julia – one of my patterns for two socks at-a-time is one one long circular needle (magic loop). The other is on two circular needles. (The name of the pattern is Two Socks at-a-time on Two Circular Needles, you missed part of the name in your question.) I think most knitters prefer the magic loop method, I certainly do.

    S t a c i

  23. I purchased this Learn to Knit Magic Loof Socks, in PDF, a few days ago. I printed it out and promptly lost the first page! Foolishly, I did not save the download. Is it at all possible for you to send me the link again? I do not see a link such as “My Library ” on your website.

    I sure hope that you can help!

  24. Marj – yes, I can help. If you have a Ravelry account, the pattern is mostly stored in your library there. If not, please send me the email address you have on file with PayPal, and I’ll email your pattern to you.

    S t a c i

  25. I am knitting a magic loop sock pattern, and in order to start the heel flap, the pattern tells me to: “pull a new loop through the last 16th st worked obliterating all other loops.” I can’t figure out what this is supposed to mean. In particular, I’m having a hard time understanding what it means to obliterate the other loops. Can you tell me what I’m supposed to do?

    Thank you!

  26. Katrina – sorry, that sounds very unique to the pattern you are knitting, I’ve never heard those instructions either! I suggest you contact the designer of that pattern. Ravelry message is usually a good way.

    S t a c i

  27. Hi Staci,
    Thank you for a great tutorial on magic loop sock knitting. Could I please ask, are you using Addi Sock Rockets and also what size cable (or overall needle to needle length) do you find works best for socks. Sorry if your video covers the cable length and I’ve missed it!
    Thank you.
    Diane

  28. Hi Dianne – I don’t use Addi Sock Rockets (I don’t know what those are), but when knitting magic loop socks, I suggest 24 or 32 inch cords. 32 is actually better.

    S t a c i

  29. Hi Staci,
    Can I change out the worsted weight yarn for Fingering weight and use smaller needles for your magic loop sock pattern?
    Thanks! (and Merry Christmas!)

  30. This video tutorial is excellent! I’ve just finished my first sock and I’m so pleased! Thank you and have a lovely holiday season.

  31. Hi Staci,

    I love your videos! I just purchased a long circular needle but would like to make socks on fingering yarn- do you have a pattern I could purchase? Or know where I could buy one? It seems they are all for worsted yarn

    Joanne

  32. Joanne – several of my sock patterns do offer instruction for both worsted and sock weight yarn. But in essence they are tutorials, meant to teach techniques in the easiest possible way, so that you can take those skills and use them with all other sock patterns, in all other weights of yarn.

    S t a c i

  33. Hi Staci,

    Just a wee note to thank you for your *Wonderful* video series (and patterns!) on how to knit a sock using the magic loop method.

    I am creating my first-ever sock, and your instructions are so lucid and clear that I am enjoying the learning process. I have tried to learn sock making from other videos and many, many, many books — but I could never construct a sock from all of these other resources.

    My father has survived a serious health challenge, and he has begged me for *years* to hand-knit him socks. I never could oblige him before, but thanks to you, I will be able to create socks for him by Christmas 2015.

    Thank you for creating videos which a novice knitter can *successfully* use.

  34. Done! Made 2 socks..maybe not exactly alike but they look pretty good & I learned so much. I tried some other classes but yours is the one that I understood & never felt defeated.. That is a true gift. I’m on to the 2 socks at a time, thank you Staci.

  35. Hi, Staci. I purchased the Magic Loop socks pattern and have enjoyed the videos. My first sock looks pretty good and am looking forward to the second being even better. However, I am confused by the beginning of the part 6 video where you move some stitches to a different needle. I have done kitchener stitch and get the top and bottom of the sock as opposed to the sides, but the video goes so fast that I can’t figure out where you are moving stitches from and to and then knitting them. Can you help? I hope my question is clear. Thanks.

  36. Jackie – the goal is to get the stitches lined up so that you can create a seam across the tips of the toes. That’s all there is to moving stitches before Kitchener!

    S t a c i

  37. Hi Staci

    I am trying to buy this pattern from your website, the PDF version. However, when I click on Add to Cart nothing is happening. when I clicjk on View Cart I am not being taken to the cart. Hope you can help.

    Many thanks

    Linda

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