Before getting into some of the socks I’ve made, if there are any of you who want to make a pair of socks using Sockmatician’s Toe Up pattern, leave a comment on this post and I’ll make a pair along with you. I would propose that we start on February 17. That will give you time to get yarn, needles, etc.
I will not be giving step by step directions because that would be a violation of copyright. I will share my progress with pictures and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Just thinking through it, I’ll probably do posts as follows:
- Casting on and increasing stitches from the toe to the desired number of stitches
- Gusset knitting
- Heel flap
- Leg/Ribbing
- Bind off
There will be a few days between posts. Once you get the cast on done and the increase from the toe done, you’re almost to the point of knitting the gusset. That goes really quickly, then you’re at the heel flap and ready to turn the heel. From there, you’ll be just knitting the leg . . mindless knitting for however long you want the leg to be, then the ribbed cuff, then the bind off and your sock will be done! You can do this!
If this is your first pair of socks, you may want to make one at a time.
The sock on the left is the sock finished last night using the Sockmatician Toe Up pattern. The sock on the right is my very first sock. I’m not even going to mention the name of the pattern because I was so excited to finish and wear them that I made the foot a bit short. Those socks have accidentally gone through the washer and dryer quite a few times and they’ve faded through the years but I made those sock in 2006 (I think) so I’ve been wearing them 14 years. At first, I wore them really often because I didn’t have many handmade socks but now I probably wear them twice a month or more. I have a habit of wearing the same socks over and over because once I get 10 or 12 pairs dirty, I’ll wash them and since I get dressed in the bathroom, I keep my clothes that I’m wearing in there so there’s a sock drawer in the bathroom and once the 10 or 12 pairs are dry, I stick them back in the bathroom instead of putting them back in the real sock drawer and rotating everything.
If you’ll use sock yarn that has nylon in it, knit at a tight gauge and take care of your socks, they will last a long time.
I think these were made with Opal yarn and they’re about 10 years old.
These were started in 2008 and finished in 2009. The yarn is Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock and I’m still wearing them.
I do sometimes make socks with patterns but, for the most part, sock knitting is my relaxing knitting. I can put it down and pick it up much later and usually not have any problem starting without having to remember where I left off. I can do them while chatting or watching a movie. Every now and then a patterned sock catches my attention but, for the most part, no one ever sees the design so why bother? 🙂
The above socks are made from the Diamondback pattern and the yarn is Blue Moon’s Tigger Targhee (now discontinued). I actually liked the pattern so much that I made it twice (these are the second ones) and seeing how pretty they are, I may make that pattern a third time!
This pattern is Twist & Turn and the yarn is a Dragon Fly Fibers yarn. These were made in 2016.
These socks are from the pattern Two Thanksgivings Ago. The yarn is Invictus Master of my Feet, also made in 2016.
Looking back, I’ve made some really pretty socks! 🙂
Cheryl says
I’d love to participate in a Sock KAL using Sockmatician’s formula. I have plenty of yarn to choose from ?. Just need to decide on a design, I know the legs are hidden by my britches but I prefer socks with a design.
Toni Macomb says
After reading your post on this pattern I purchased and downloaded it. I’ve made about 3 pairs of socks in the last 5 years all top down. I’ve thought about trying two at a time and toe up….so this might be fun to do along with others and try new techniques. Fun idea!
Rebecca says
Yes, you have made some pretty socks!
I know you recommend a blend yarn instead of pure wool. Have you made pure wool socks and know from first-hand sad experience how they wear?
Judy Laquidara says
Yes, I think I mentioned it in one of the posts – a pair I made for my mom and she only wore them a few times before wearing a hole in the heel. She’s a tiny lady and I know she took care of them but they didn’t hold up at all.
Susan Nixon says
You have made some pretty socks. Is there such a thing as knitting tube socks with no heel?
Judy Laquidara says
Yes. You can even go back in and add a heel later, if desired.
Janet Autrey says
A KAL would be fun. I’ve had the pattern for a couple of years and have lots of yarn to choose from so I’m ready to go. Socks were the reason I wanted to learn how to knit but I can’t seem to make a pair that fit. Here’s hoping this pattern makes the difference.
Judy Laquidara says
Great. Hope you will join us.
Elizabeth Cunningham says
Count me in. Love all of your socks, Judy.
Karrin Hurd says
I’d be interested in joining you
Judy Laquidara says
Great. I hope you will.
Kathleen says
Does the pattern use double pointed needles? I struggled with those. The socks I’ve made use 2 circular needles. I have sock yarn. I’d love to do this but I have a grand baby due 2/27 and a quilting class 2/19-20. Debating….
Judy Laquidara says
You can use any method you’d like. I use circular needles and make two at a time.
Theresa says
I would like to join, am determined to learn & enjoy knitting them. Thanks, Judy!
Judy S says
Would like to try. Thank you for doing this. Maybe I’ll actually finish. Have had my first pair (tube socks) on needles for several years but never finished because I decided to add a heel and have a mental block. What size circulars are you using?
Teri says
Count me in….I’ve never had a pair of socks fit well…so this might be the time….
Jenny Moss says
I will be joining the sock knitting, I have done one pair, two at a time and didn’t like it. Hoping to find out what I was doing wrong.