Sock Knitting
Knitting socks is one of the most exciting adventures you can have in Knitting! Knitrino gives you everything you need from cast on to bind off, with all the videos and tutorials built right in. This blog post is relevent for some of our favorite patterns, including the Pop Rocks Socks, Dreams of Spring Socks, Funfetti Socks, and more. Click the button below from your phone to get the pattern and find out more!
Overview
This guide contains lots of helpful information for knitting toe-up socks with “Planned” afterthought heels–you can click any of these links to jump to the appropriate section. We use the magic loop method, though you can substitute your favorite method for knitting small circumferences in the round. Those new to reading charts may wish to see How To Read Knitting Charts on our blog.
Getting Started with Knitrino
If you're new to Knitrino, check out the Quick Start guide for short videos that show you how to use Knitrino. Those new to chart knitting may wish to review our blog post on Reading Knitting Charts.
Construction Notes
Most toe-up socks in Knitrino begin with our modified version of Judy’s Magic Cast On that prevents twisted stitches on the sole stitches. The socks are worked in the round one at a time using Magic Loop, though you can easily substitute your favorite sock method. For the planned afterthought heel, waste yarn stitches are inserted, and the leg is worked to the cuff. Note that these socks may be knit two at a time, but you’ll have to manually mark the second sock sections complete in Knitrino.
Those new to reading charts may wish to see How To Read Knitting Charts on our blog.
Measuring Your Foot and Choosing Your Size
If you don't know the details of the foot you're knitting for, you can generally just go from shoe size. If you want to compare with your foot measurements, here’s how to select your size:
If you have access to the foot you’re knitting for, measure foot circumference. If the foot has wide feet, high arches, or large ankles/calves, we suggest adding 0.25” to your foot circumference.
Locate the sock size that is about .5” - 1” (1.5 cm - 2.5 cm) SMALLER than your foot circumference. That’s where you’ll start.
Your sock should be about .5” - 1” SHORTER than your foot length. If you’re in-between sizes, you can generally pick the larger size and still be comfortable. Alternatively, you can add or subtract rows from the foot section to customize to fit your foot.
4 Ways to knit Small Circumferences In The Round
If you’re new to magic loop or want to try some other techniques, this video shows you 4 ways to knit in the round using small circumferences. Jump to 0:54 in the video to get to the good bits.
Knitrino’s Extra Magic Cast On & Magic Loop
This cast on is one we use often. It’s based on Judy’s Magic Cast On but the stitches are wrapped differently so you won’t have twisted stitches on the second half of the stitches.
For Magic Loop, the stitches should be distributed on the long circular with half of the stitches on the front needle, and half on the back needle. You’ll work half of the stitches at a time, drawing your needle through and rotating your work as you go.
Planned Afterthought Heel
These videos show the set up and start of the full “planned” afterthought heel that is carefully placed either in the center of a solid color section or in between stripes or a repeated vertical motif.
The videos below show how to work the afterthought heel.
Grafting Stitch
Once you’ve knit he heel, you’ll close it up with the Grafting Stitch (also called Kitchener Stitch.)
We find Grafting Stitch to be really meditative. There’s a quick setup to get started: first draw your tapestry needle through the first stitch on the front needle purlwise, then draw your needle through the first stitch on the back needle knitwise. Then find your rhythm and repeat these 2 steps to the end:
Step 1: On the front needle, slip 1 knitwise, draw through 1 purlwise
Step 2: On the back needle, slip 1 purlwise, draw through one knitwise.
Stretchier Bind Offs
Some knitters struggle to keep their bind offs loose enough so that the sock cuff stays stretchy. This video shows the standard bind off, plus 2 stretchy alternatives.
Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind off is a popular alternative for sock cuffs. While it IS wonderfully stretchy, the look leaves a lot to be desired. So we also share our modified version, which in our opinion looks a lot tidier and still gives you some extra stretch.
Not sure what we’re talking about? It’s the Pop Rocks Socks Kit, available exclusively in Knitrino. To get this project, open Knitrino or click the button below from your phone. 📱