So, when Socktoberfest began Lolly asked if anyone was interested in having tutorials on their blogs. Since I had recently started knitting socks from the toe-up, rather than the cuff down, and have found that it isn’t as complicated as it might seem, I thought I’d help others out.
When I first started knitting socks, one of my big problems was not being able to knit 2 socks from one skein without having a weird amount of yarn leftover. I want to use all my yarn! I also don’t want to buy a scale, which I know will make it all easier. When knitting the leg, it’s always hard for me to estimate how long to make it in order to have enough yarn for the appropriate sized foot. I went on a quest to figure out how to knit socks the other way.
I’m a double pointed needles person. I tried magic loop once and found it too fiddly. I’ll probably try it again at some point, but really, I just love dpn’s for socks. When searching for information on how to knit toe-up, it seemed as though all the information was for magic loop and short row heels. Short row heels are tough. Granted, I only tried twice, but the heels had to be ripped out and reworked as heel flaps. Anyone with a great tutorial or info on short row heels out there? Leave a comment. I’d love to learn!
Anyways. So here enters the toe-up socks, with a heel flap, on double pointed needles. I wrote out the basic instructions from information that I uncovered from various sources all across the web in terms of basic sock construction and toe-up knitting. (When the tutorial is finished, I’ll post a list of helpful resources I found along my way, that you might like to see) I hope this is of use to you, and that you, too, can successfully make these socks. Let me know if you come across any problems!
I included stitch count for 2 sizes — the basic 64 stitch sock and the basic 72 stitch sock, in parentheses. This part of the tutorial will show the toe.
I am knitting the 72 stitch sock in my pictures, since these socks will eventually be finished and given to my boyfriend, Kasy.
Materials used:
-Knit Picks merino fingering weight Bare yarn, kettle dyed with Jacquard, using Eunny Jang’s self-striping tutorial
-size 2 bamboo double pointed needles
Toe-up Socks on DPN: The Toe
Step 1: Cast on 12 stitches using your preferred cast on method. Here I used the long-tail cast on.
Step 2: Knit all 12 stitches.
Step 3: Pick up 12 stitches from the cast on edge.
Step 4: Knit around, knitting all 24 stitches. Mark the beginning of the round. I use the tail of my cast on as a marker, instead of using a stitch marker.
Step 5:
row 1: *K1, KFB, K to last 2 stitches of needle, KFB, K1* repeat *to* for second needle
row 2: K all stitches
Repeat these 2 rows until you reach 64 (72) stitches in total, ending with row 2. There will be 32 (36) stitches on each needle.
Step 6: Work foot by knitting all stitches, or using a ribbed pattern, or charted pattern on the top of the foot (pick one side as the top). Try on the sock as you work, stopping when you reach the end of your arch. See photo for clarification. This is roughly 2 inches from the end of your heel.
[Next post I will show you how to increase for the gusset, do a heel extension, and knit the heel flap]
this is terrific. i’m going to attempt my first toe-up socks very soon, with your help!
If I wanted to use your tutorial but employ the Magic Loop method, would that work? I like to work my socks two-at-a-time.
I’m going to respond to this in the comments, in case others wonder too.
I think you can. I mean, wouldn’t that just mean instead of 4 needles, or 5 needles, you do it on magic loop? You would need to fiddle a little with the configuration of stitches on needles but other than that I think it should work.
you and I need to chit chat about this ml thing. cause i am still intrigued…even though you’ll need to wrestle my dpns from my cold dead hands.
Thank you so much for the tutorial! It’s very clear! I have the same problem with sock yarn — I don’t want any leftovers. And, like you, I like dpns for socks. I’m so excited to try your method!
This is great. I haven’t seen this method before. I usually use figure 8 cast-on. I often use magic loop or circulars, and I think you can get the same results with dpns. I first learned on dpns, but never use them now. This time I am going to try dpns again to see how it feels. I am looking forward to you doing the gusset. It poses the most challenges for me. I am taking a class at Stitches for cast-ons and short row toes. I am planning on video taping it if they will let me, so I will be glad to share. Your photos are great. I love the close ups, and the colors. thanks:D
I can’t wait to see how you do a heel flap on a toe-up sock; the rest of the process I get, but the heel flap…
Thanks! I saved this page to my computer, cause I know I’m going to need it soon!
hi there, thank you for writing up/taking the pics! They are great.
I will be using “Soles and More” from Joann’s, which is a super fine yarn. So, picking up stitches as you mentioned in step 3 is a real challenge. Any suggestions how this can be done easily?
Try doing the cast on with needles a size bigger than the ones you plan on knitting the socks with. The stitch loops should be a bit bigger, thus easier to pick up.
I found this site during a search. I am also on raverly as KnittyAJ. After eight attempts, this method has been successful through step six!!! Where can I find the remainder of the tutorial????
Hi AJ. The rest of the tutorial is written out and under the Patterns tab on the blog! I hope to have photos taken eventually to finish up the photo tutorial.
I’m so excited about this! Ironically I just posted my facebook status as being flustered I couldn’t find an easy toe-up pattern on dpns…and then I found this! I’m excited about trying this. Thanks for the pattern and photos!