How I Knit Socks

I believe that everyone has their own special "recipe" for knitting socks. Everyone who knits socks has a particular toe they like better than others, and discussions about what heel is best can get downright heated!

Methods of knitting are varied as well; double pointed needles (DPNs) or two circular needles or Magic Loop? Toe up or cuff down? Decisions, decisions. I've not used the two circular needle method, but I've knit socks cuff down on DPNs and toe up using Magic Loop.

I'm not saying by any means that my preferred method is the best, it's just the one that I like doing the best. So here we go: my preferred method is toe up using Magic Loop. I like using this method because:

1. I can use the toe as a gauge swatch. If I measure the toe and find that I'm way off gauge, it's not a big deal to rip out the little bit of knitting I've done to that point.
2. I can try the sock on as I go, giving it a completely custom fit.
3. When I'm finished, I have two socks ready to wear. No "Second Sock Syndrome"!

Now, as to the rest of my preferences:

Cast On
I love Judy's Magic Cast-On by Judy Becker. If, like me, you need a video to help you learn a new process, click here to see this wonderful cast-on demonstrated by Cat Bordhi.

Toes
I have a short, wide foot, so pointy-toed socks just don't feel right on my "square" foot. So, using Judy's Magic Cast-On, I cast on either 20 or 21 stitches (depending on the pattern I'm going to use for the pretty part of the sock) and increase to either 36 or 37 stitches (again, depending on the pattern I'm using). This number of stitches is based on using a size 1 US needle and fingering weight sock yarn. I work the increases by knitting one round plain and the next round as a K1, M1, K to the next to the last stitch, M1, K1. Here again, everyone has their own favorite method of working a M1; mine is to knit 1 in the front and back of the stitch.

Main Body of the Sock
On the sole of the sock, I just work plain stockinette. I've never worked a pattern on the sole, so I can't speak from experience, but it just doesn't sound like it would be comfortable to walk on a pattern all day, does it? I work the "pretty part" (instep) of the sock in whatever pattern I want to use. If I want just a plain sock, I like to work a K3P1 rib. It's easy to work, just stretchy enough, and can really show off a decorative yarn.

Heel
I've honestly not worked many different kinds of heels, because I was lucky enough to stumble across one early on that I really like that works well with knitting 2-at-a-time, toe-up, Magic Loop. I found it on the KnitPicks website in a free pattern offered here. It has a padded slip-stitch heel that provides a little extra cushioning on the bottom and back of the heel. I like a traditional heel flap and gusset on my socks, and this gives me everything I need. By the way, if you're not familiar with KnitPicks, go check them out. They're wonderful to do business with and offer quality products at a very reasonable price!

Bind-Off
The only problem I've had with knitting socks from the toe up is finding a bind-off that's stretchy enough. I've not tried this one yet, but plan to use it on the pair I'll be finishing up shortly: Jeny's Suprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off. It looks simple enough to do, and folks are raving about it. I'm anxious to see the results.

And so, that's it folks....that's the way I knit socks. Remember that the Yarn Harlot tells us there are no KNITTING POLICE, so always feel free to use any methods that work well for YOU.