Basic instruction socks with a circular needle

Knitting socks with a circular knitting needle (magic loop method)

The basic instruction to knitting socks with a circular knitting needle (magic loop method)The stitches are divided in two on a circular knitting needle – one lies on the cord, the other on the needle. This means that small diameters can be knitted with a classic circular knitting needle.

There is no need to change the needle, the cord is simply pulled further twice per round.

Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel Magic-Loop-Methode
Table of contents
What do I need to knit socks?
775 7 addiPremium Lace 50mm 4c Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken

addiPremium Lace circular knitting needle

What is the Magic Loop method?

The magic loop method is a technique for knitting small diameters with a classic circular knitting needle. Half of the stitches are knitted on the needle tip, while the other half is on the cord – interrupted by a cord loop.

When knitting with the Magic Loop , the loops between the front and back halves of the stitch allow you to work small diameters without interruption using just one circular knitting needle. After knitting the first half of the stitches, the loop is simply pulled out again after the second half.

Circular knitting needle range
Magic Loop Rundstricknadel Socken stricken Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
Magic Loop Methode

What is the Magic Loop method?

The magic loop method is a technique for knitting small diameters with a classic circular knitting needle. Half of the stitches are knitted on the needle tip, while the other half is on the cord – interrupted by a cord loop.

When knitting with the Magic Loop , the loops between the front and back halves of the stitch allow you to work small diameters without interruption using just one circular knitting needle. After knitting the first half of the stitches, the loop is simply pulled out again after the second half.

Circular knitting needle range
115 7 addiUnicorn Rundstricknadel 55 frei 4c Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken

What wool do I need to knit socks?

Sock yarns come in three different strengths:

  • 4-ply
  • 6-ply
  • 8-ply

The designation means that 4, 6 or 8 very thin threads have been spun into one yarn. Therefore, 8-ply sock wool is about twice as strong as the 4-ply version.

The regular sock yarns are usually 4-ply, but 6-ply yarns for thicker socks can also be found in many shops.

8-ply sock yarns are rarer to get. Because of their thickness, these are used more for house socks, as the socks are knitted very quickly but do not fit well in shoes.

Welche Wolle brauche ich zum Socken stricken? 4-fach, 6-fach oder 8-fach?

What wool do I need to knit socks?

Sock yarns come in three different strengths:

  • 4-ply
  • 6-ply
  • 8-ply

The designation means that 4, 6 or 8 very thin threads have been spun into one yarn. Therefore, 8-ply sock wool is about twice as strong as the 4-ply version.

The regular sock yarns are usually 4-ply, but 6-ply yarns for thicker socks can also be found in many shops.

8-ply sock yarns are rarer to get. Because of their thickness, these are used more for house socks, as the socks are knitted very quickly but do not fit well in shoes.

4 6 8 fach Sockengarne Wolle 2 Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
115 7 addiUnicorn Rundstricknadel 55 frei 4c Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken

Attributes of the different sock-wool qualities:

4-ply

  • Sock yarns come in three different strengths.
  • 4-ply is the standard yarn for socks. It is the thinnest sock yarn, which is why it is also knitted with fine needles (needle size 2.5 - 3.0 mm), so that the sock is tight.
  • Due to a higher number of stitches (see sock chart 4-ply) needed to knit your corresponding shoe size according to the sock chart, you will need a little longer than with a thicker yarn.
  • Advantage: of 4-ply sock wool: The socks can be worn in all shoes because they are rather thin.
  • For a pair of socks you usually need about 100g of sock wool (up to size 46). This usually corresponds to one ball.
  • Sock yarns come in three different strengths.
  • The 6-ply yarn is a medium weight for somewhat thicker socks. It can be knitted with needle size 3.0 - 4.0 mm.
  • Advantage: Due to its strength, fewer stitches are needed (see sock chart 6-ply) and knitting socks is a little faster - ideal for beginners.
  • For a pair of socks you usually need about 150g of sock wool (up to size 46). This usually corresponds to one ball.
  • Sock yarns come in three different strengths.
  • The 8-ply yarn is the thickest quality and particularly suitable for home socks that are not worn in shoes. It can be knitted with a needle size of 4.0 - 5.0 mm.
  • Advantage: With the thick sock wool, even large socks can be knitted particularly quickly.
  • For a pair of socks you usually need 150g of sock wool (up to size 42) and approx. 200g (up to size 46). A ball usually contains 150g.
Knitting socks with the magic loop method:

This is how it works:

Before you start working your socks, first decide whether you want to knit your socks classic from the cuff to the toe (top-down), or “toe-up” from the toe to the cuff. In this guide we will go into the classic method.
The tutorial for toe-up socks from the toe to the cuff is available here.
 
In order to choose the right number of stitches for your wool and your shoe size in the first step, you can use our sock calculator in the addi2go App , oder die Sockentabelle in dieser Anleitung. Auch als Download steht die Tabelle hier bereit. Eine kleine Variante der Tabelle gibt es im nächsten Schritt.
Downbload sock chart Top-Down
Socke Aufbau stricken Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
addi2go App Titelbild Shop Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
Knitting socks with the magic loop method:

This is how it works:

Before you start working your socks, first decide whether you want to knit your socks classic from the cuff to the toe (top-down), or “toe-up” from the toe to the cuff. In this guide we will go into the classic method.
The tutorial for toe-up socks from the toe to the cuff is available here.
 
In order to choose the right number of stitches for your wool and your shoe size in the first step, you can use our sock calculator in the addi2go App , oder die Sockentabelle in dieser Anleitung. Auch als Download steht die Tabelle hier bereit. Eine kleine Variante der Tabelle gibt es im nächsten Schritt.
Downbload sock chart Top-Down
Socke Aufbau stricken Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
addi2go App Titelbild Shop Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken

Sock chart Top-Down
(from the cuff to the toe)

Sock chart Top-Down 4-ply:

  • Sock wool 4‐ply (420m, 100g) (384 yd, 3.5 oz)
  • Gauge: 30 stitches/ 42 rows = 4″x4″ (10×10 cm)
Shoe size EU 17/18 19/20 20/21 22/23 24/25 26/27 28/29 30/31 32/33 34/35 36/37 38/39 40/41 42/43 44/45 46/47 48/49
Stitches total CO 36 36 40 40 44 48 48 52 52 56 56 60 60 64 68 72 76
Sts per needle addiCraSyTrio 18 18 20 20 22 24 24 26 26 28 28 30 30 32 34 36 38
Sts per needle dpn 9 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 17 18 19

 

  • Sock wool 6‐ply (380m, 150g) (347 yd, 5.3 oz)
  • Gauge: 22 stitches/ 30 rows = 4″x4″ (10×10 cm)
Shoe size EU 17/18 19/20 20/21 22/23 24/25 26/27 28/29 30/31 32/33 34/35 36/37 38/39 40/41 42/43 44/45 46/47 48/49
Stitches total CO 28 28 32 32 36 36 40 40 44 44 48 48 52 52 56 56 60
Sts per needle addiCraSyTrio 14 14 16 16 18 18 20 20 22 22 24 24 26 26 28 28 30
Sts per needle dpn 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15

 

  • Sock wool 8‐ply (300m, 150g) (274 yd, 5.3 oz)
  • Gauge: 20 stitches/ 28 rows = 4″x4″ (10×10 cm)
Shoe size EU 17/18 19/20 20/21 22/23 24/25 26/27 28/29 30/31 32/33 34/35 36/37 38/39 40/41 42/43 44/45 46/47 48/49
Stitches total CO 24 24 28 28 32 32 36 36 40 40 44 44 48 48 52 52 56
Sts per needle addiCraSyTrio 12 12 14 14 16 16 18 18 20 20 22 22 24 24 26 26 28
Sts per needle dpn 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14

 

Step 1 – Knitting socks with a circular knitting needle (magic loop)

Knitting cuff and leg

This is how you knit a magic loop:

  • Cast on the required number of "Stitches total CO‘ on the circular knitting needle and then pull the cord out halfway through the stitches so that half of the stitches are on the left needle tip and the other half on the cord. The right needle tip remains free (Fig. 1). Make sure that the knitted fabric does not twist.
  • Now work in rounds, knitting the stitches of the left needle tip with the right needle tip. These are now on the right needle tip (Fig. 2).
  • Now move the next half of the stitches to the left needle tip to knit them off. To do this, proceed as follows:
    • Slide the cord through the stitches on the cord (at the bottom of the picture) until the stitches are on the needle tip. Now both needle tips are parallel in the stitches.
    • In the next step, pull the right needle tip (in the picture above) out of the stitches that have already been knitted.
    • Now turn over the knitted fabric so that the needle tip with the new stitches is on the left again and the cord with the stitches is at the bottom.
  • The entire sock is now knitted using this magic loop technique.

Das Bündchen und den Schaft im ­gewünschten Muster und in ­gewünschter Länge stricken. Eine Fausregel besagt, dass Bündchen und Schaft etwa so lang sein sollten, wie der Fuß.

10 sock pattern ideas
Ideas for cuff patterns
Rundstricknadel Socke top down magic loop 02 Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
Knitting socks with the magic loop method:
Step 1
Cast on with Magic Loop
Rundstricknadel Socke top down magic loop 03 Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
Step 1 – Knitting socks with a circular knitting needle (magic loop)

Knitting cuff and leg

This is how you knit a magic loop:

  • Cast on the required number of "Stitches total CO‘ on the circular knitting needle and then pull the cord out halfway through the stitches so that half of the stitches are on the left needle tip and the other half on the cord. The right needle tip remains free (Fig. 1). Make sure that the knitted fabric does not twist.
  • Now work in rounds, knitting the stitches of the left needle tip with the right needle tip. These are now on the right needle tip (Fig. 2).
  • Now move the next half of the stitches to the left needle tip to knit them off. To do this, proceed as follows:
    • Slide the cord through the stitches on the cord (at the bottom of the picture) until the stitches are on the needle tip. Now both needle tips are parallel in the stitches.
    • In the next step, pull the right needle tip (in the picture above) out of the stitches that have already been knitted.
    • Now turn over the knitted fabric so that the needle tip with the new stitches is on the left again and the cord with the stitches is at the bottom.
  • The entire sock is now knitted using this magic loop technique.

Das Bündchen und den Schaft im ­gewünschten Muster und in ­gewünschter Länge stricken. Eine Fausregel besagt, dass Bündchen und Schaft etwa so lang sein sollten, wie der Fuß.

10 sock pattern ideas
Ideas for cuff patterns
Step 1
Cast on with Magic Loop
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Magic Loop method
Explained by carosfummeley (german)
Magic Loop Rundstricknadel Premium Lace Socken stricken Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
Magic Loop Rundstricknadel Premium Lace Socken stricken Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
Schritt 2 – Socken stricken mit Magic Loop

Knitting the heel

After the cuff follows the heel; With the Magic Loop method, any heel is possible. In this technique (for most techniques), only half of the stitches are worked forwards and backwards in rows. The other half rests on the cord.

The division is similar to knitting with the addiCraSyTrio – here too, the front half of the stitches remains on one needle and the back half is worked forwards and backwards.

Knitting a cap heel - How to - addi - Sock knitting

Instructions for different heels

Classic heel, Bumrang heel or fleegl heel – no matter which variant you choose, the beautiful loop technique can be used for any heel.

We are knitting our cyan sock in the photos with a heel increase.

On our website, you will find instructions for many different types of heels:

Classic heel tutorial
Boomerang heel tutorial
Bumerangferse stricken - Boomerang heel
Herzchen Ferse stricken Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
Zunahmeferse 00 hinten Rundstrick magic loop Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
Step 2

Instructions for different heels

Classic heel, Bumrang heel or fleegl heel – no matter which variant you choose, the beautiful loop technique can be used for any heel.

We are knitting our cyan sock in the photos with a heel increase.

On our website, you will find instructions for many different types of heels:

Classic heel tutorial
Boomerang heel tutorial
Step 2
Step 3 – Knitting socks with a circular knitting needle

Knitting the foot

When you have finished the heel, the foot part is knitted. This can be worked in stockinette stitch or with a pattern. Work your foot part as long as required for your shoe size according to the chart.

  • Now you are working the foot in rounds until the desired length (see chart) is reached.

Tip: The length of the foot can be easily measured using the long, rounded wooden measuring pin with centimetre and inch scale. To do this, push the rounded end up to the heel and read off the length.

 

Magic Loop Rundstricknadel Socken Fuss stricken Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
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Step 3
Step 3 – Knitting socks with a circular knitting needle

Knitting the foot

When you have finished the heel, the foot part is knitted. This can be worked in stockinette stitch or with a pattern. Work your foot part as long as required for your shoe size according to the chart.

  • Now you are working the foot in rounds until the desired length (see chart) is reached.

Tip: The length of the foot can be easily measured using the long, rounded wooden measuring pin with centimetre and inch scale. To do this, push the rounded end up to the heel and read off the length.

 

Magic Loop Rundstricknadel Socken Fuss stricken Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
535 2 addiCalibro Holznadelmasse fuer Rundstricknadeln Novel Nadeln und Haekelnadeln wood gauge crochet hook knitting needle madeingermany Frei rgb Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
Step 3
Step 4 – Knitting socks with one needle

Knitting the toe

Finally, a toe is worked. Here again, all toes are possible.

  • The classic heel is formed at the beginning and end of each half of the stitch.
  • Stitch markers are used at several points on the propeller tip to mark the points for the decreases.

The two best-known tips are presented here as instructions:

  • Classic Rounded Toe
  • Star Toe
Band toe
Propeller toe
Ribbon Lace Knitting - Sock Knitting Tutorial addiCraSyTrio, addiSock Wonder, Needle Set
Knitting Socks - Propeller Lace Knitting - addiCraSyTrio, Sock Wonder, Needle Set
Step 4
Step 4 – Knitting socks with one needle

Knitting the toe

Finally, a toe is worked. Here again, all toes are possible.

  • The classic heel is formed at the beginning and end of each half of the stitch.
  • Stitch markers are used at several points on the propeller tip to mark the points for the decreases.

The two best-known tips are presented here as instructions:

  • Classic Rounded Toe
  • Star Toe
Band toe
Propeller toe
Step 4
Anleitung Socken stricken Magic Loop technik Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
Anleitung Socken stricken Magic Loop technik Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken

Have fun wearing it or giving it away!

Needle adviser:

115 7 addiUnicorn Rundstricknadel metall madeinGermany Anwendung2 4c Socken stricken mit der Rundstricknadel,Magic Loop Methode,Magic Loop stricken
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addi circular knitting needles
Circular knitting needle range

Production experience since 1829 implies in the addi Circular knitting needles steckt Erfahrung seit 1829. Vertrauen Sie auf unsere Premium-Produkte mit perfekten Übergängen, flexiblen Seilen und glatten, leichten Spitzen! Unser Rundstricknadel Sortiment begeistert durch eine Vielfalt an Stärken, Längen und erstklassigen Materialien.

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Knitting socks
Sock charts

In the charts you can find the cast on stitches for each shoe size with each yarn count, but also how, for example, the heel stitches are divided or how long the foot should be.

View charts
Toe-Up Socken stricken mit addiCraSyTrio - kostenlose Anleitung für Anfänger / Flexiflip sock pattern / knitting toe up socks
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Free tutorials
Sock knitting instructions

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, whether you want to knit classic top-down or toe-up socks, whether you are looking for basic instructions or new inspiration for sock patterns - with us you will find free instructions for socks, step by step with pictures and videos for every occasion. From basic instructions to different techniques - use the filter and find the knitting instructions that suit you. Have fun browsing!

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