two at a time socks on circular vs. magic loop method

I've been socks on dpn's for quite a while, and would like to do two at a time, but don't know which is the easier method. I've ordered 24" circulars and already have the 40" circular, so any advice is more than welcome.

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Permalink Reply by Kathryn Brown on July 26, 2011 at 6:08am

I knit two at a time on double pointed needles. Took a bit of time to perfect, but wow. Try this article from knitty.com http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/FEATextreme2in1.html

Permalink Reply by MartyAZ on July 26, 2011 at 7:15am

Really great instructions. I need to try this.

Permalink Reply by Racedogmom on July 26, 2011 at 8:32am

I looked at the instructions. They made me dizzy. What a challenge. But how cool is that!?!?

Permalink Reply by MartyAZ on July 26, 2011 at 9:43am

I like Cool stuff. I gotta try it.

Permalink Reply by Buffy Joseph on July 26, 2011 at 12:31pm

Oh yeah, I forgot all about this method. I've never done it (since I like magic loop much better than DPNs - my personal preference), but I've done a bit of double knitting.

This is actually an older method of doing 2-at-a-time, but that doesn't make it bad. Some of the old methods are the best!

Permalink Reply by Kerrie Turner on July 26, 2011 at 9:09am

I am a huge fan of the magic loop method - I commute on public transit and was forever dropping a DPN and having to ask some business person to put down their paper and pick up my needle for me. there are books by Melissa Morgan Oakes about two at a time on one circular - one for traditional and the other for toe up and they are super fun and easy to follow.

I haven't had a problem with the yarns getting twisted, but to keep which yarn is which straight I make two different pairs - i have yarn A as the front and yarn B as the back and then I knit up the sox and then do the same thing again and I have 2 pairs of sox.

good luck with it all and have fun!

Permalink Reply by MartyAZ on July 26, 2011 at 9:44am

My problem is to make 2 ALIKE! I always lose count somewhere along the line.

Permalink Reply by Buffy Joseph on July 26, 2011 at 12:35pm

That's where 2-at-a-time (using magic loop, 2 circulars or DPNs) is so great! Each time you do a round, you are doing it for both socks! So, if you make the foot 1 round longer or shorter than the pattern, at least the 2 socks match!

Note: Kerrie (above) doesn't have this advantage, since she is knitting 1 sock from 1 pair & 1 sock from another pair at the same time. Then she does it again, and has to make sure she makes the 2nd two the same as the first. She does this so that she can use 2 different colored yarns which makes it easier not to mix them up.

Permalink Reply by wendy on July 26, 2011 at 10:55pm

I found this pattern on ravelry, and have found it to be very easy. Her directions are very clear AND she shows you how to combat the problem of tangled yarns. It is very portable - you never lose a needle, and it is easy to see exactly where you are. This is my take with project whenever I know I'm going to be waiting and can only work on something in short bits and pieces. Love, love, love her detailed explainations and pictures.

Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on July 30, 2011 at 3:43pm

Carole, the only way to really know if you like it is to try it. You can guess from what others say, but you never really know until you try it. Sorry, I know this isn't really any help, but we each need to use the method we are most comfortable with.