3 ways to cast on for Magic Loop 2aat (two at a time) // Technique Tuesday

This video demonstrates how to cast on and get started with 2aat (two at a time) knitting using the Magic Loop technique. Several approaches are demonstrated.
Additional resources:

Needles used in video demonstration:
One Knit Picks interchangeable needle (purple cables), and one fixed length circ from Signature Needle Arts (discontinued).
Yarn used in video demonstration: Brown Sheep Company Nature Spun worsted weight wool.

If you have questions about this video, or suggestions for future videos, please let me know down in the comments or on social media.
0:00 Introduction
1:12 Casting on to 2 needles
5:08 Casting on to 1 needle - open cast on
8:39 Casting on to 1 needle - closed cast on

[nataliealexander]

When this one came up, I went back and rewatched your intro to this series. Then I watched this one! I tried, several months ago to start toe-up 2aat (ty for shorthand) socks in a very dark color. Will try again with lighter color and longer needle!!! Thank you so much; you make it all make so much sense!

[vadec]

Thank you so much. You make it look easy!!

[mhairicameron]

Finally a video that makes sense 😂
Love your channel
Super helpful to someone trying to expand their skillset

[kristad]

For each technique I thought “ how come I didn’t think of that?!” 😅 These will make 2aat sock cast on so much easier!

[dawnkanis]

Thank you for this great demonstration. I had such confusion with a recent pair of two-at-a-time mittens. This would have been much easier. I appreciate all your helpful tutorials.

[RuffTranslation]

I’ve always cast on separately, knit a few rows, then transferred onto the same needle, since I find keeping even tension to be tricky at the very beginning and I didn’t want to add any more complexity. This blew my mind! 😂 Thank you for another clear, informative video.

[mariehansen]

Goodness, these a closed door cast ons with no noise, no distraction. Thank you for your time. Go well and take care.

[hannazientek]

Just in time for the socks and gloves season ❤❤❤

[candygrubisic]

I never really thought to start both socks on separate needles first then put them onto one. I think I like it better for cuff down. GREAT tip for toe up using the sewing clip.

[nicolelafontaine]

Using sewing clips is a very good tip for the closed cast-on, I usually just hold the yarns tails in my left hand as I knit my first round, but it can be fiddly. THanks !

[JADufault]

When doing cuff down socks, I do the 1st one magic loop, 3 rounds. Then I slip those stitches onto 4 bamboo dpn's. Start the second sock magic loop, 3 rounds. When I slip the 1st cuff back onto my circular needles, I turn it so the working yarn is on the back right side and then slip the back needle stitches first, then the front needle. By having the 4 dpn's, you have some flex, making it easier to transfer the stitches.

[lindanewell]

Bravo! Excellent, clear, straight-forward explanation and demonstration. Looking forward to more in this series. Thx!

[sonjanordahl]

When I cast on for socks, I work them toe up, I use Judie's Magic Caston. After the first toe is cast on I take the tale and bring it up between the needles at the beginning of the toe, take the tail across the toe and back down between the needles give it a gentle tug, then across the bottom again and up between the needles at the beginning of the toe a second time. As long as I immediately cast on the next toe this hold just fine. Once the first round is knit everything is solid.

[asemi]

#2 would be perfect except that I like to join in the round by casting on one extra and slipping it over the first stitch, and I could never figure out how to do that with the second item. So my method is to cast on onto dpns and join, and then immediately start knitting both with the circular (no X starting rounds). Which works for me because I also like to cast on to 2.5mm but knitting on 2.25mm needles so I'd be switching either way

[batya]

Your explanations are so clear. Thank you.
I have a challenge in making the stitch after the gap because it wants to ladder. I've seen a technique to pull the yarn tighter in later rounds. Is there something to be done in the beginning to avoid creating a gap?

[theastewart]

Hi Roxanne. This was very helpful and informative. This may sound like a stupid question but to me the stupidest question is the one that’s never asked. So here goes. Why would someone start a project like socks or a sleeve or a mitten casting on using 2 separate needles and then transferring them to one needle? In the first example you showed this. Thanks for your patience, lol.