Abstract: An air blast is utilized to close the latch of a dial needle carrying a loose loop of yarn on its shank portion. Such latch closing precludes possible snagging of the needle hook on the loose loop as it is cast off. The air blast does not directly impinge the needle or its latch but, rather, is directed away from the hook end of the needle along the longitudinal axis of the needle, wherein a low pressure area is created generally at the hook of the needle, an inrush of air to fill such low pressure area flipping the latch of the needle to a closed position. Such method of latch closing finds particular use in the circular rib knitting of cotton or wool yarn during the transfer of a loose loop from a dial needle to an associated cylinder needle.