Question.

WebTV-Mail-171-14240

The folks over on rec.crafts.textiles.yarn would probably be better people to ask. However....

There's a method called the Magic Loop which is supposed to work for socks or any small tube. ,

I don't know if you'll consider it 'easy to understand' though. I think it's one of those things that you have to try--it's easier to figure it out when you've got a needle in front of you.

Nearly all sock patterns can be knitted on 4 dpns. Divide the sock tube into thirds, not quarters, and knit away. It may take extra effort to keep the corners from 'laddering', and I really find it easier to use five, but if you've only got four....

hth jenn

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net WIP: Oriental Butterfly, Floral Sampler, Carousel (TW) Most recently Finished: Insect Sampler, TicTacToe Sampler

I did magic loop knitting when I took some class in Icelandic knitting, and brought needles that were too long. It's not difficult to do, but I think helps if someone shows you. There are some people that love doing it. Kind of fun, but, for me, I'd rather do socks on dpn. I have a book that is great, lots of sock patterns and she gives charts with the directions for 4 dpn, 5 dpn, or 2 circular. The book is: Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch

I'm with you on the 5. I'm happiest doing that. For some reason, the 2 circulars just doesn't do it for me - I seem to get turned about - even though I knit on circulars for other things quite a lot. Oh, well.

Ellice