Magic loop (for knitting)
Hi all. I’m a crochet-er but have thrown myself recently into knitting. I can’t do DPNs because I’m just not smooth enough so I found a method called Magic Loop using a circular needle. The problem is I get laddering/wide spaces at the ends. What am I doing wrong???
= new reply since forum marked as read
One, your circular needle isn’t long enough to give you a true loop to knit with. Depending on what you’re making, the needles plus cable should measure at least 32” from tip to tip. I normally use 40” - 48” long needles for magic loop, but 32” is still useable.
Two, it’s important to let the just-worked stitches slide off the needle before you start the second half of the round. They should be resting on the cable, allowing you to gently tug on the working yarn before your next stitch.
It will take practice to master the technique, so don’t be too hard on yourself while you’re learning. 
Socks aren’t as easy as they look!
It’s a balancing act on the tension. My first couple of pairs of socks had stitches that were too tight at the corners. I was yanking the yarn to avoid ladders, and well, I went a bit too far. 
