On the sixth day of sock yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...
a Bird Leg Bag and Simply Sock Yarn Solids!
To have a chance at this gnome-yTall Skinny bag and coodinating skeins of Cherry Red yarn, simply answer the following question in the comments below:
What's your preferred method for knitting socks? Do you prefer double points? Or are you a die hard magic looper? Or do you use different methods for different reasons? Do tell!
I'm double points all the way all the time. I've given a try to both magic loop and socks on two circulars, but they were brief affairs that didn't take. Heather knits hers on double points and Rachael says she would just prefer to have them knit themselves (but really she's a magic looper). Now wouldn't that be nice? If you just did the Bewitched nod and your socks were done? Or at least that second sock that seems to take twice as long as the first?
Want to read the rules of this contest? Find 'em here.
I am a Magic loop girl for socks and everything else that needs to be done in the round. DPs were way too unorganized for me!!
Posted by: bernie | December 18, 2014 at 09:27 AM
2 circulars!
Posted by: Linda | December 18, 2014 at 09:28 AM
I prefer double points. That's how I learned and it's stuck with me. No pun intended!
Posted by: Lisa p | December 18, 2014 at 09:29 AM
Definitely double points! I tried 2 circular needles and that was ok (but one time I started going the wrong way and that was not ok!) There is something about the rhythm of the double points that is soothing to me. I have never tried the magic loop but I will someday.
Posted by: Renee' Sawyer | December 18, 2014 at 09:31 AM
H mmm.. My preferred method is actually crochet. I know a lot of people say no but new techniques make them very stretchy and soft. Check out my instagram- jmcconnell24
Posted by: Jessica mcconnell | December 18, 2014 at 09:34 AM
I use double points and top down! I can't seem to break out of that mold! Cute cute bag!
Posted by: Cyndy Landers | December 18, 2014 at 09:36 AM
Always double points. I prefer bamboo although I've tried other materials including wood and the new synthetics and I like them. Being a collector by nature, I'm crazy about the color coded sets..each size a different color.
Posted by: mary | December 18, 2014 at 09:38 AM
I greatly prefer using DPNs for socks. I will occasionally use Magice loop to knit socks for little kids (a round or 2 difference is noticeable in those tiny sizes) but for mine I just like the feel of using DPNs. Right now I'm trying a tiny (9") circ & that is my least favorite of all - I think I might even prefer 2 circs to it (I find that method way too fiddly). I'm not especially adverse to magic loop & often use it for hats or sleeves but for socks I like my DPN's preferably in bamboo.
Posted by: Donna | December 18, 2014 at 09:38 AM
2 circs, 16" cables, always.
Posted by: Sherryn | December 18, 2014 at 09:38 AM
I'm a two at the time on 2 circulars, top down. Recently tried magic loop and may try again.
Posted by: Lisa Viviano | December 18, 2014 at 09:40 AM
I've only knit 2 pairs of socks and used double pointed needles. I used magic loop for knitting stuffed toys so I might try it for socks. Right know I'm focused on knitting scarves with sock yarn.
Posted by: Anne G | December 18, 2014 at 09:45 AM
I am a Looper. Just works best for me. I use it for most any circular type project. The Addi sock rockets you carry are fabulous for this purpose.
Posted by: Jan | December 18, 2014 at 09:48 AM
I am a magic looper diehard. I used to knit them on double points but love Magic Lop. I also am a top down girl. Goal this year to do a toe up pair.
Posted by: Natalie | December 18, 2014 at 09:48 AM
I'm currently knitting my very first pair of socks and it's Magic Loop. The first sock is finished but that 2nd sock really does seem to take at least twice as long LOL!
I've only used DPN on a sleeve on a sweater and it seemed like those needles were sticking me everywhere! I may give them a try again though.
I'm not familiar with the 2 circular needle method - maybe I'll have to give that a try.
But first, I have to finish that 2nd sock!!
Posted by: Barb | December 18, 2014 at 09:50 AM
I have only done socks once and it was on DPN and I was frightened that the stitches would come off.
Posted by: Maureen | December 18, 2014 at 09:54 AM
DPNs and the sharper the point the better. Also, top down. I can't get the toe up to be the right size. My daughter appreciates that because they always end up too big for me, but they fit her.
Posted by: Ann | December 18, 2014 at 09:55 AM
I was taught the magic loop , but switching to DPN"s to do the heel ,
and then back to circular .
Also top down . I make the same pattern , plain vanilla ? ,
but with all the awesome sock yarn , a wonderful variety of socks !
Posted by: Barbara Huffman | December 18, 2014 at 09:55 AM
I prefer double points. My favorite needles are Crystal Palace bamboo. Have tried the 2 circs. method. Just not for me.
Posted by: Paula | December 18, 2014 at 09:57 AM
Once you get over the awkwardness of managing multiple needles, working with double points is easy peasy! And top down for me, too. Took a class on magic loop but it didn't stick.
Posted by: Alecia Helton | December 18, 2014 at 09:59 AM
I'm a magic loop sock knitter but recently purchased some 9" circulars and will be trying that method on my next pair. One of these days I'm going to try 2 circulars. I've tried DPN's and found them too fiddly.
Posted by: Vickie | December 18, 2014 at 10:00 AM
I started on double points but have slowly switched to magic loop. I held out because I dislike having to slide my stitches onto the needles. Eventually though being able to get all the heel or pattern stitches onto one needle won me over. Except when starting toe-up socks.
Posted by: Caroline | December 18, 2014 at 10:01 AM
I love DPN's working with 5. I have tried the 9" circular but don't like that and haven't tried anything else. Am quite content to use my skinny sticks. I love Kollage squares but am now trying the Signatures. Love them too.
Posted by: Rhonda Atkinson | December 18, 2014 at 10:02 AM
I am still trying to decide between DPN and circulars. There are pros and cons for each. I still get some laddering with circulars ( can't seem to get the tension quite right), but I am having a great time figuring it out!
Posted by: Lynn | December 18, 2014 at 10:03 AM
I like to use 2 circs. For me it reduces laddering and I seem to drop less stitches. Love the sharp tips on the Addi needles.
Posted by: Anne | December 18, 2014 at 10:07 AM
5 double point needles. I did learn how to use 2 circular needles and promptly forgot how to do it.
Posted by: Judy | December 18, 2014 at 10:10 AM
Toe-up-two-at-a-time-magic-loop for me!
Posted by: Geraldine Scott | December 18, 2014 at 10:12 AM
I'm definitely a double points girl. I've tried the magic loop, but didn't really like it. I make my socks toe up and the double points seem to make it much easier.
Posted by: Bev | December 18, 2014 at 10:14 AM
I love using short circs (8" or 9") for socks (with DPNs for heel & toe)! They're so much less fiddly than DPNs or magic loop, and faster too, since I don't have to rearrange needles/stitches that I'm holding. (Hiya hiya sharps are my fave.)
Posted by: Heather | December 18, 2014 at 10:16 AM
I haven't been knitting socks for very long, but it has only been on DPNs and I can't see that changing anytime soon.
Posted by: Sophie | December 18, 2014 at 10:19 AM
I use double points, although I just started using Chai Goo circulars in size 1 for socks. Takes awhile to get used to them, but I am hanging in there. The yarn and bag are gorgeous! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Posted by: Deborah Graham | December 18, 2014 at 10:19 AM
DPN's along with a 9' circ.
Posted by: Dana Timmerman | December 18, 2014 at 10:20 AM
I prefer dpns cuff-down , but I have just learned to do two at a time, toe up, magic loop.
Posted by: Ruth | December 18, 2014 at 10:21 AM
I started using two circulars when I learned to knit socks. Now I use them all the time no matter what I knit. For some reason, my arthritic hands can handle them better than any other method.
Posted by: Mary | December 18, 2014 at 10:25 AM
5 double pointed needles. I was an entrenched top down sock knitter until recently; now, I'm really liking the toe up technique!
Posted by: Nancy | December 18, 2014 at 10:25 AM
I prefer 2 circulars, 2 at a time, toe up...I love the shortest Addi Turbos...
Posted by: Sheila | December 18, 2014 at 10:31 AM
I don't know if it's the magic loop, but I use 1 circular needles, 36 to 40 in length. I used to use dp needles but I kept losing one of them.
Posted by: Judi Kennedy | December 18, 2014 at 10:32 AM
I am two circs all the way. That's how I learned and I still love it best. I don't have to worry about any stitches falling off the needles while they aren't in my hands, and I find I don't have a problem with ladders at the needle joins that way that I do when I use dpns.
I also prefer top-down, but I can deal with toe-up if I need to.
I HATE two-at-a-time. Too much yarn tangling.
Posted by: Janelle | December 18, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Toe-up, two at a time, magic loop
Posted by: emily | December 18, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Double points all the way. I did knit one pair on tiny little circulars, but had to switch needles for the heel and toe, so it seemed more trouble. On my list of things to try—two at a time, maybe magic loop, but I do like my dpn's.
Posted by: Sue | December 18, 2014 at 10:33 AM
I like to work with 2 circulars, but I am learning how to knit with double points right now!
Posted by: PatW | December 18, 2014 at 10:33 AM
I am definitely a Magic Looper and one at a time.
Posted by: Jean | December 18, 2014 at 10:35 AM
For socks, two circulars! One - because that's how I was taught. And two - because I always laugh thinking about Cat Bordhi and the "udder" needle.
Posted by: Holly Waldrop | December 18, 2014 at 10:35 AM
I always use double points. I tried two circulars on a hat when I didn't have the correct size 9 dpn and it was ok but I don't think I would like it for socks. I will someday try magic loop.
Posted by: Diane | December 18, 2014 at 10:37 AM
Double points! I do not like magic loop at all. I have thought about trying two circulars but haven't yet, mostly because it means buying another needle.
Love, love, love that project bag... Fingers crossed!
Posted by: Rebekah | December 18, 2014 at 10:41 AM
Hiya Hiya 9 inch circ's and dpn's for heels and toes, but only for adult socks. Have to use dpn's for childrens socks. Love the 9 inch circ's though because I knit so much faster with them it compensates for the 'slow down' of changing to dpn's at heel and toe.
BTW- I almost never post on blogs, just lurk:O) THIS is such a great idea!
Posted by: Andrea Fogg | December 18, 2014 at 10:43 AM
I prefer magic loop or to use 2 circulars if all my long needles are spoken for.
Posted by: Iris | December 18, 2014 at 10:43 AM
Two-at-a-time Magic Loop all the way! I like DPNs, just not for socks. I used to use the 2 circ method before I learned the loop, and now that just seems too fiddly. I do both top-down and toe-up, although I always short change the foot on toe-ups!
Posted by: Michelle | December 18, 2014 at 10:45 AM
While I have knit socks both ways I prefer toe up on 2 circulars
Posted by: Holly | December 18, 2014 at 10:45 AM
I'm all about the double points. They make me feel so clever. And I knit socks top down, although I do have a Craftsy class waiting for me to learn the toe-up method. Maybe that should be a New Year's resolution.
Posted by: Maureen | December 18, 2014 at 10:47 AM
I do 2 socks on 2 needles. No second sock syndrome. Both come out even. No row counting.
The project bag and yarn were made for each other.
Posted by: Joan Grahlfs | December 18, 2014 at 10:48 AM
I like to knit my socks toe-up on magic loop.
Posted by: Annfran25 | December 18, 2014 at 10:48 AM
I like DPN's. I have done the magic loop method and used two circulars on different projects but I prefer DPN's. A gifted designer will split the stitches so they fit logically on separate needles and then you don't have to think so hard to remember where you are in the pattern.
Posted by: Judy | December 18, 2014 at 10:51 AM
DPN all the way, although the second sock takes forever to finish!
Posted by: Kass Black | December 18, 2014 at 10:51 AM
I knit socks on DPN's as well as anything knit in the round like hats or sweater sleeves. The project bag is cute and good yarn is like oxygen to me!
Posted by: Karen Pettyjohn | December 18, 2014 at 10:54 AM
While I learned to knit socks on DPNs, cuff down, I prefer to knit toe up using 2 circulars. In a pinch, I do use magic loop (that's what I am using right now).
Posted by: Linda | December 18, 2014 at 10:54 AM
I learned on dpn and they worked fine. But, took a class on magic loop and am hooked!
Posted by: Lynn | December 18, 2014 at 10:56 AM
Love, love, LOVE! My short wooden douple points for socks and really anything in the round.
Posted by: Kaia | December 18, 2014 at 10:57 AM
I always use double pointed needles to do socks or mittens. Love the bag!!
Posted by: Dottie Myers | December 18, 2014 at 10:58 AM
Two circulars or dpn's :)
Posted by: Catherine Murzyn | December 18, 2014 at 10:58 AM
My preferred method is one-at-a-time toe-up on two cirs, but working two socks in tandem on two sets of needles. I also enjoy working with DPNs and I don't mind top-down either!
Posted by: Andy B. | December 18, 2014 at 10:58 AM
Magic Loop whenever possible...if I don't have the right needle available, I use 2 circulars.
Posted by: Suzy | December 18, 2014 at 10:59 AM
For most socks, 9 inch circulars! Switching to ML at heels and toes. ML for TAAT socks.
Posted by: jeanne | December 18, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Traditional double points for me! I don't know the other methods.
Posted by: Barb Thompson | December 18, 2014 at 10:59 AM
I am a die-hard magic loop! DP drive me crazy! I either lose stitches or end up with ladders where the stitches aren't tight enough.
Posted by: Tammee Gardiner | December 18, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Always DPNs. Always :)
Posted by: Beth L. | December 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM
I've not quite figured out magic loop so I do double points.
Posted by: Debbie Hammer | December 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM
I am definitely a hard-core magic looper. I used to knit socks strictly cuff-down with the heel flap and gusset, but I am recently expanded my horizons to different after-thought heels and toe-up construction. Thank you for the opportunity.
Posted by: Sharon Edmondson | December 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM
I love doing Magic Loop because if I didn't do 2aat, I may never have a completed pair of socks. AND after learning toe up, that's all I've done as well, so I can use more of my yarn. But, since I have size 10 (us) feet, I don't get a very long leg, anyway.
Posted by: Angie | December 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM
Definitely Magic Loop! I basically use my circular needles for everything!
Posted by: Diane True | December 18, 2014 at 11:01 AM
I use a combination of 9" circulars and DPNs for my socks. I get a better tension for the leg and foot portions on the circular and the DPNs make short work of the heel flap and turning the heel and then finishing the toe. I find it easier to follow a special pattern for the sock top when using the circular needle. I'm a HiyaHiya needle lover.
Posted by: Leslie Fehr | December 18, 2014 at 11:01 AM
I haven't learned to do to much,, DPN's and thats about it...would love to learn the magic way!!!
Posted by: Phyllis Howard | December 18, 2014 at 11:02 AM
I love the comfort of bamboo DPN's but if I ever want a completed pair, 2@AT on 2 circulars gets the job done.
Posted by: Deanna | December 18, 2014 at 11:02 AM
I prefer magic loop. I've done DPNs but like magic loop best. Cute bag, would love to win it and red socks, yum
Posted by: Jan | December 18, 2014 at 11:04 AM
I use 9 inch circulars for socks. I don't like dpn's and the couple of times I've tried magic loop were a failure. I haven't given up on magic loop though but right now I'm happy with my tiny circulars.
Posted by: Kelly Heck | December 18, 2014 at 11:05 AM
I use magic loop because I'm to clumsy with double points.
Posted by: Renee | December 18, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Definitely DPNs. I like the rhythm and it just seems easier to me. I would like to try a pair of toe up socks in 2015. The cherry red yarn would be perfect!
Posted by: Susie | December 18, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Double points, top down. Always!
Posted by: Nancy | December 18, 2014 at 11:06 AM
I used to use dpns, but now I only use Magic Loop. No more dropping needles!
Posted by: Sara Oldenburg | December 18, 2014 at 11:06 AM
Magic looper!
Posted by: KathyS | December 18, 2014 at 11:06 AM
I wish I could knit with double points, when I try they just feel like a handful of kittens… very little control. I do use them for the toe and heel but use 9" circular needles for the rest (top down). This was how I was taught to do socks… maybe it's time to take another class, I hear the magic loop is great. p.s. love today's bag! I have one with the mushroom pattern, love the size and flat bottom.
Posted by: Lori | December 18, 2014 at 11:06 AM
I use 9" Hiya Hiya's - I don't like the ladders I get from using double points.
Posted by: Andrea B | December 18, 2014 at 11:06 AM
DPNs all the way! I've tried magic loop but it's just too fidgety for me. I will admit that I'm currently flirting with using two circs but I'm still undecided if I'll make it a regular thing.
Posted by: Deb Holbrook | December 18, 2014 at 11:07 AM
I've always preferred the fit on top-down socks. Used to be exclusively DPNs until I picked up magic loop for a Hexipuff afghan.
Posted by: Tracy Hite | December 18, 2014 at 11:07 AM
Magic loop 2 at a time:)
Posted by: amanda white | December 18, 2014 at 11:08 AM
I usually use the little short circulars, but the pair I'm knitting right now are on dpn,s because they were an in between size I needed for this yarn. I do admit that the short circulars are harder on my hands, but I like not having to keep track of the dpn's.
Posted by: Debby | December 18, 2014 at 11:08 AM
DPNs, top down. I wish I could do two at a time on two circs, but that way just never felt comfortable to me.
Posted by: Bonny | December 18, 2014 at 11:08 AM
I am a die-hard double point needle fan. I have tried using the magic loop and just wasn't that impressed with it. I have also used the 2 circular needles, but I always seem to keep coming back to the double points. That is all my mom used to use back in the day. I guess I am just a bit old fashioned.
Posted by: Pam | December 18, 2014 at 11:09 AM
I'm a steadfast fan of dpns! I used to use exclusively bamboo or wood, but I recent bought a set of Karbonz in size 0 that were great to work with!
Posted by: MaryEllen | December 18, 2014 at 11:09 AM
I use DPs and a small circular needle. I'm not sure which one I prefer.
Posted by: Joanne Christman | December 18, 2014 at 11:09 AM
Hi Allison - I love knitting with my double pointed needles (one is bent) and from the top down. I love the sound they make !
Posted by: Denise | December 18, 2014 at 11:09 AM
Double points for the 3 socks I have knit! Yes 3. Still need to knit the 4th for the complete pair!!
Posted by: Lisa | December 18, 2014 at 11:09 AM
I'm a double pointer!
Posted by: Kathy Housley | December 18, 2014 at 11:10 AM
I am a top-down, one at a time, knitting on 2 circulars kind of girl. I will occasionally go toe-up if I want to get every last bit out of that yarn.
Posted by: Niki | December 18, 2014 at 11:10 AM
Magic loop 2atca time.
Posted by: Jill | December 18, 2014 at 11:10 AM
I am a straight up DPN's all the way, the whole sock!
Posted by: Harmony G. | December 18, 2014 at 11:11 AM
I prefer double pointed needles to knit socks, and if the pattern states toe-up, even better!
Posted by: Sheri | December 18, 2014 at 11:11 AM
Double pointed, but would love to learn magic loop
Posted by: Dana | December 18, 2014 at 11:12 AM
I think I like magic loop the best, but it depends on the sock pattern!
Karbonz or Signature since the wooden ones break.... Do I have stories!
Posted by: Karen | December 18, 2014 at 11:13 AM
Die hard magic looper!!
Posted by: Danielle K | December 18, 2014 at 11:13 AM
I use Magic Loop when I'm traveling so I don't have to search the floor of the car for a needle dropped...otherwise, I prefer doublepoints. I'm not a big fan of "hurry up and finish it." The process is soothing for me, so I tend to use nice hardwood doublepoints and just enjoy the feel in my hands.
Posted by: Kathie Abel | December 18, 2014 at 11:13 AM