Knitting Techniques: Magic Ball Knitting
How to Turn Yarn Scraps
into a Bold, Vibrant Project with the Easy-to-learn Magic Ball Method
by Wanda Leibowitz
Magic ball knitting is a vibrant,
frugal way to turn your yarn scraps into a beautiful finished project. From
wearable knits like scarves and hats to objects for the home like pillows and
afghans, the magic ball technique is as versatile as your imagination and skill
set: anything that you can knit, you can knit with a magic ball! Simple enough
for beginning knitters, yet attractive enough to appeal to experienced needle
smiths, magic ball knitting is a knitting technique that makes a fun addition to
any crafter's repertoire. Read on to discover a step by step guide to getting
started with magic ball knitting, plus some specific tips and tricks that will
help you create the visual effect you want, and master a consistent gauge while
magic ball knitting.
Getting Started
The basic idea behind magic ball knitting is that you'll tie a bunch of short
lengths of varied yarns together to create a single long string of bold, vibrant
yarn that will yield a new surprise with every row. Before you head into a magic
ball knitting project, you've got to make a magic ball! To get started, go into
your yarn stash and grab all of the odds and ends of yarn; anything from a stray
ball to a few stray inches can become a part of your magic ball. Then, throw all
of it into an opaque bag or box. Close your eyes, and pull something out at
random. Snip off a length of yarn, and wind it into the start of a new "magic"
ball of yarn. Then, grab a new skein from your box or bag, snip off a length of
that yarn. Tie it to your first snippet, and continue to roll your "magic ball"
as though there were no join in the yarns. Keep going, adding lengths of new
random colors to your magic ball, until your magic ball is the size of a regular
ball of yarn. Then, start all over again with a new magic ball! Repeat until
your box or bag is empty. Now, use your magic balls of yarn the same way that
you would any other balls of yarn!
What Lengths To Add
The more varied the lengths of yarn you add to your magic ball are, the more
bold and busy your finished magic ball knitting project will be. If you'd rather
have something a bit more sedate, cut all the lengths of yarn to be the same
size: that way, you'll end up with a pattern of even stripes. In general, it's
easiest to aim for a length of two to three feet per segment. That way, it will
be simple to tie and wind the ball. If you go for more variable lengths, it may
be a little more work to make your magic ball, but your final magic ball
knitting project will be quite eye-catching. Magic ball knitting that's very
busy is often best for small items like a hat or a pair of mittens, whereas
subtler magic ball knitting is well-suited to large projects like blankets or
sweaters, where the sum total of the details creates a feast for the eyes.
What Stitches To Use
Regardless of whether you choose randomized or consistent lengths of yarn,
simple stockinette stitch will best show off your magic ball knitting color
choices. Plus, stockinette makes it simple to disguise the ends of the ties on
the "wrong side," so that you have one smooth face of your work where the colors
seem to magically change from one to another.
A Few Words About Gauge
When it comes to making sure that your magic ball knitting has a consistent
gauge, you have two options. You can either start with yarns that are all of the
same weight and thickness, guaranteeing that your finished magic ball will have
even gauge throughout, or you can work from varied yarns and compensate for the
different weights while you're working. If you decide to compensate for
different thicknesses, there are a few techniques that you can employ. One is to
work on very large needles, creating a lacy, airy fabric that won't be as
sensitive to changes in the thickness of the yarn. Another is to work with two
magic balls at once! Working double-stranded will help to balance out the quirks
of your magic ball knitting yarn.