One Toe-Up Socks on Two Circular Needles
Tutorial
This is an intermediate level sock knitting tutorial. It is best suited for the confident and adventurous beginner or anyone with prior sock knitting experience. In this tutorial, I will encourage you to design your own socks. You can, of course knit a basic sock, but I hope you will see how easy it is to become the master of your own knitting and do whatever you want!! |
Supplies Needed
Sock weight yarn - approx 350 - 400 yards
Amount of yarn needed depends on how long you want the leg portion. Choose two complimentary colors if you want contrasting heels and toes. Or get many colors and make stripes!
(I used Knit Picks Risata in Buttermilk)
TWO Size 1 or 2 circular needles
The length of the needles is not important, however if they're too long, they'll only get in the way. I like 16 or 24 inch needles. Also, two different colored needles will be helpful to quickly see which needle to use next, although it's not necessary.
(I used two Knit Picks Harmony Circulars in size 1)
You will also need
one split ring stitch marker, saftey pin or scrap of yarn
a tapestry or yarn needle
a ruler or measuring tape
and of course, PATIENCE
Step One - Cast On
Before you even begin this tutorial, GO HERE and watch Amy's video on knitting on two circular needles. Scroll down to "Small Diameter Circular Knitting" and watch the video titled "On Two Circular Needles" Special Thanks to Amy & Sheldon at KnittingHelp.com for all their wonderful FREE knitting videos!
Now, after you've watched the video, we can begin.
First things first, hold one needle and the cable from the second needle in one hand together. You will cast onto the needle tip and a cable at the same time.
Tie a slip knot in the end of your yarn, leaving a tail 8-10 inches long. This slip knot is only to anchor the yarn while you cast on and will NOT count as a stitch.
Note: If you're planning to knit contrasting toes and heels, begin with your contrast color now.
Slide the slip knot on to the tip of your needle.
Begin a figure 8 cast on:
Bring the working yarn (not the tail of the slip knot) under then over the cable as shown, then under and over the top needle as shown. Be careful to make sure you're wrapping your needle exactly as pictured.
Pull the yarn snug. Repeat these wraps under the cable and over the needle until you have 12 wraps on the needle and 12 on the cable. Do not count the slip knot! There will be a total of 24 stitches, plus the slip knot.
When wrapping, remember to go down between the needle and cable, and then up and over the needle and/or cable. This is a "figure 8" cast on, because the yarn is wrapped in a figure 8 pattern. Also, when pulling the yarn snug, pull it so that it is snug around the needle and cable, and pulls the two close together.
Note: You may be tempted to slide the other needle tip and wrap around it instead of the cable. Please do not do this. Wrapping the cable will result in a much more even cast on that will become evident a little later in the tutorial.
Count your wraps to double check you have wrapped enough times, then double check again. Leave the working yarn going down and between the needle and the cable.
That's all there is to a figure 8 cast on. That was easy, wasn't it? Ok, it was a little awkward, but you're doing great. You're now ready to begin knitting!
Or skip ahead to: Foot | Heel | Heel 2 | Cuff | Bind Off
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