Toe-up Sock Tutorials to knit Reliable Toe Up Sock Pattern
Reliable Toe Up Socks is a knitting pattern designed to be your first pair of toe-up socks. This basic sock design may look like many other sock patterns that use stockinette stitch however the pattern is written to guide you through any new skills you'll need to work toe-up construction for the first time. In the pattern you'll find clear instructions, four adult sizes, helpful images and row trackers with the number of stitches for each section with increases or decreases. This is a great pattern to use as a blank canvas to customize with different stitch patterns and design elements.
Get Started
Tools, materials and measurements you’ll need before beginning your first sock.
Knitting Needles for Toe Up Socks
Reliable Toe Up Socks is written for magic loop with each round split between Needle 1 (top needle) and Needle 2 (bottom needle). This is particularly helpful in the heel section where you'll work only across the Needle 2.
Choosing the right knitting needles for toe-up socks using magic loop can make all the difference in your knitting experience. For best results, select circular needles that meet the following criteria:
A minimum 32" cable to reduce pulling on the sides that could cause ladders.
A flexible cable that can be pinched together easily without a lot of pressure.
Sharp tips to easily pick up the bar for make 1 stitches.
My personal preference is Chiao Goo Red Lace circulars, which are widely available at local yarn stores such as YarnCom in St. Louis, MO.
Magic Loop may not be your preferred method but traditional double-pointed needles can be difficult to get the needle tips into the tight stitches of the first few rows. A great alternative are, double-pointed needles with a flexible cord center.
Hiya Hiya Flyers are an excellent option for sock knitting, as they provide sharp tips that are ideal for this type of project.
Yarn to knit socks
Wool, or a wool blend with nylon or silk, is the gold standard for knitting socks. Wool is antimicrobial and has moisture-wicking properties that keep your feet dry and odor-free. Adding nylon or silk to the wool or plying multiple small strands of yarn provides durability.
The Reliable Toe Up Socks sample was knit with Neighborhood Fiber Company's Organic Studio Sock, which has 100% organic merino wool with 8 plies, 100g/400 yds per skein.
A Bee in the Bonnet has a helpful article to assist you in finding your favorite fingering-weight sock yarn.
Gauge for Sock Knitting
If you want a pattern to turn out the size you expect, gauge is crucial. When knitting a Fleegle Heel, row gauge is just as important as stitch gauge. The gusset is the last section knit in the foot and determines the final length of the sock. When your row gauge is larger than the pattern, you can end up with a sock that is too long and need to rip back to before the gusset was started.
Getting the pattern gauge is ideal, but if you'd rather do some math over knitting another gauge swatch, that works too. I've created an in-depth article on checking gauge and some basic math to know when to start your Fleegle Heel when you don't match the pattern's gauge. Learn how to Hack a Fleegle Heel when your gauge is different.
Measuring feet for socks
Reliable Toe Up Socks provides sizing guidance based on shoe size, as well as actual measurements to ensure you choose the right size. The socks are knit with negative ease, which means the finished sock is slightly smaller than the foot. This negative ease helps keep the sock in place and prevents it from sliding down into your shoe.
Knowing your exact foot measurements will allow you to easily adjust the pattern for a perfect fit. Choose the size closest to your foot circumference, if you have a longer foot than that size the socks foot length can be easily adjusted.
Check out this article from Learn Knitting Online to measure your foot circumference and foot length.
Reliable is a toe-up sock pattern designed to be your first toe up socks or blank canvas to customize. You'll learn Judy's Magic Cast On, Fleegle Heel, and Italian Sewn Bind Off with linked tutorials. This pattern includes written instructions, row trackers for all sections with stitch counts and a construction blueprint.
Techniques for Toe Up Socks
Knitting Reliable Toe Up Socks provides an opportunity to practice and learn magic loop with Judy's Magic Cast On and the remainder of the sock. You'll also get a taste of short row knitting with the Fleegle Heel and experience fine finishing with the Italian Sewn Bind-Off.
Magic Loop
The magic loop method is used in knitting to work small circumferences of knitting, such as socks on a long circular needle.
Learn the Magic Loop method with Tin Can Knits
Judy’s Magic Cast On
Judy's Magic Cast On is a technique used in toe-up sock knitting to create a seamless and closed-toe cast on. This cast-on method is an alternative to the turkish cast-on and does not require a slip knot.
Learn Judy’s Magic Cast-on
Fleegle Heel
A Fleegle Heel is a type of short-row heel used in sock knitting. This heel is a betting fitting alternative to the common afterthought heel and provides a similar fit to cuff-down socks with a heel flap. The Fleegle Heel is worked in two parts: the gusset accommodates the arch of the foot, while the heel turn uses short rows to shape the back of the heel. No picking up of stitches is required.
Italian Sewn Bind Off
An Italian Sewn Bind-Off is a finishing technique used in knitting to create a stretchy and fine finish that wraps around the edge. This technique is commonly used for ribbing and brioche stitch patterns. The technique has similar steps to kitchener stitch. Remembering the steps can be the most frustrating part when learning new techniques. I created a mnemonic (memory tool) that you'll find in both the linked pictorial and video tutorial.
Jeny’s Stretchy Bind Off
If a sewn bind off doesn't work for you, Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off offers a stretchy and flexible alternative.
