You knitters who have made many a toe-up sock are encouraged to skip this little blog. But those who are new to knitting socks may find the following somewhat interesting. It’s time. After ten years of knitting I am finally making a pair of socks knitted from the toe up.
My inability to learn toe-up sock knitting is 100% the fault of Judy’s Magic Cast On.
Judy, I am sure that you are a fabulous knitter and a wonderful person. But I just couldn’t get my head or my hands around this technique. All the talk of top and bottom needles, wrap the tail end of the yarn around the top and the ball end around the bottom, (being careful not to let go of your needles or wrap the yarn too tight or too loose) it was just awkward and more than a little confusing. So sorry about that. My fault entirely, I am sure. But I ask, why not start with a crochet chain?
Starting with a slip knot and using a hook close in size to your sock needles, chain the number of cast on stitches specified in your pattern plus one. In my example I chained nine stitches. If you study the image above, you will see a top set of loops and a bottom set of loops. Now replace the crochet hook with your first needle. Pick up the loop next to your needle and knit it, then pick up and knit all of the others loops along the upper edge. Rotate your work clockwise until the bottom loops are now on top and to the left of your working yarn. Using another needle, pick up and knit all of the bottom loops (Ignore the slip knot. It will be hidden inside the toe.) When you get to the end of the round your work will look like this.
Divide the stitches over four needles so that there are an equal number of stitches on each needle. Continue with your pattern.
I know some of you are already pointing out that the toe seam created by this method seems to have purl bumps. I say have courage and knit on. Your seam will not look perfect, but it will smooth out somewhat.
And, by the way, the toe seam will be hidden inside the shoe during wearing, so no one will see. And I promise not to tell.
Daily Fiber 
Great way to start a toe up sock! Thanks for sharing:) Maybe I’ll try a few of the many toe up patterns I’ve favorited.
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I can’t believe that I am the only one who has thought of this. Surely someone invented it already.
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Probably but no one has said it out loud and publicly so we’ll credit you with the idea:)
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I love knitting socks toe up and I am soooo going to try this. It’s terrific. Thanks.
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I’m pleased. Let me know how it works for you.
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