The other day, as I was working on some baby socks for our new grand daughter due on Valentine’s Day, I caught myself pulling the cord of my circle needle around the corner as I started the transition to the back needle tip, of my Magic loop. I do this to prevent ladders, where the cords of my 47 inch circle needle form loops on each side. The trick is to pull your cord through long enough so that you can bring it to the left under the left needle tip, then swing it down and around and up over the top to start the first purl stitch of the last section of the round. That is why I always opt for the 47 inch cord.
Here you see cord being pulled to the left and under the needle. This move takes the stress off the gap between the left needle tip and the cord.
The right tip of the needle is then brought around and over the top, then inserted under the yarn in preparation to be purled.
Once the stitch is purled, I make sure to release it, allowing the right hand needle to lie parallel to the stitches riding on the cord to the right. If need be, I take up any slack.
In the above photo, you can observe how I accomplish this on the knit side. Here again, I swing my cord around to the left and secure it with my thumb before knitting the next stitch.
Once the new stitch is complete I allow the right needle to lie parallel to the cord, then take up any slack that remains before proceeding to the next stitch.
In both cases I continue holding the cord around the corner for a few more stitches before releasing it to finish my round.
Just passing it on!!
KT
Creative Knitting - Beyond Knit and Purl 