Rectangular Toe for Toe Up SocksI'd heard of using a rectangle to begin a toe up sock but had never seen a pattern, so I came up with my own method. It uses a set of 4 dpns, but could easily be adapted to 5 dpn's if needed.
Knit a rectangle 8 sts wide and 6 rows long (stocking stitch)
1. With ndl 1 k8 (along the 'working' edge of the rectangle),
2. with ndl 2 pickup 4 sts along side of rectangle (ends of the six rows) and 4 more sts from other end (halfway across the cast on edge), on 3rd ndl pick up 4 sts from other end (other half of the cast on edge) and 4 more sts from other side (other end of the 6 rows) - you'll have 8 + 8 + 8 = 24 stitches in total
3. Knit one round even
4Move first 2 sts from ndl 2 and last 2 sts from ndl 3 to your first ndl. You'll have 12 on first ndl and 6 on each of the other ndls (with the picked up sts)
5. On ndl 1 k1 m1 k10 m1 k1, on ndl 2 k1 m1 k5, on ndl 3 k5 m1 k1
6. Work one round even
7. On ndl 1 k1 m1 k12 m1 k1, on ndl 2 k1 m1 k6, on ndl 3 k6 m1 k1
8. Work one round even
9. Continue increasing in this manner til you have the number of sts you need for the foot of the sock
You could change the frequency of the increase rounds, the number of sts picked up, and / or the size of the rectangle if you like.
Knitting instructions
Knitting instructions, all you need to know about knitting. Instructions for knitting hat, instructions for knitting scarf, instructions for knitting socks and other...
May 05, 2008
From Barbara Breiter,
Getting Started
Before you begin, you'll need to go shopping. All you'll need is yarn and knitting needles. Visit a yarn shop, where there will be experts on staff to help you in your selection.
Yarn is available in many fibers and weights (from very thin to very thick). Select a worsted weight yarn (a medium weight) spun from wool. Wool is the most elastic fiber and very forgiving. You'll find it much easier to knit with than a fancy yarn with a lot of loops and eyelashes, which make it difficult to see what you're doing.
Needles are made from a variety of materials. What you select is a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong. Aluminum needles are heavy and slippery; some yarns "stick" on needles and you might find aluminum needles easier to knit with for these type of yarns. Bamboo needles are light and warm to the touch. Bamboo tends to grip the yarn so you'll be less likely to have problems with your stitches falling off the needles. They come in a variety of sizes that are used with various thicknesses of yarns. Select a size 8 US (5 MM, 6 UK) needle for practice.
Pick a time when you can be alone and concentrate. A chair with no arms (or very low arms) and a good light are essential.
Like many things in life, it takes practice. It will feel awkward at first, as if you were all thumbs. This is normal and something we all experience. Soon, it will become second nature and you won't need to think about each maneuver.
Holding The Yarn And Needles
There is no right or wrong way to hold the needles or the yarn as it flows from the ball. Find the way that is most comfortable for you. Remember it will feel awkward in the beginning, regardless of how you hold the yarn and needles.
We are going to learn what is called Continental Knitting, where the yarn is held in the left hand. You can use either the outside or the inside end of the ball of yarn. Using the inside end is generally best as this keeps the yarn from rolling around and getting away from you; if you use the outside end, contain it in a plastic bag, box, or other means. You can wrap the end of the yarn around your index finger or loop it around your fingers; this is what controls the yarn. Again, there is no right or wrong way.
You will hold one needle in your left hand. You begin by casting on (next step) stitches on to this needle. Later, when you knit or purl, you will work into the stitches on the left needle, transferring them to the right needle as you complete each stitch. When you knit all of the stitches on the left needle, the left needle will be empty and the right needle will be full. Transfer the right needle to your left hand and the empty needle to your right hand. You will be ready to begin the next row.
Knitting instructions
Getting Started
Before you begin, you'll need to go shopping. All you'll need is yarn and knitting needles. Visit a yarn shop, where there will be experts on staff to help you in your selection.
Yarn is available in many fibers and weights (from very thin to very thick). Select a worsted weight yarn (a medium weight) spun from wool. Wool is the most elastic fiber and very forgiving. You'll find it much easier to knit with than a fancy yarn with a lot of loops and eyelashes, which make it difficult to see what you're doing.
Needles are made from a variety of materials. What you select is a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong. Aluminum needles are heavy and slippery; some yarns "stick" on needles and you might find aluminum needles easier to knit with for these type of yarns. Bamboo needles are light and warm to the touch. Bamboo tends to grip the yarn so you'll be less likely to have problems with your stitches falling off the needles. They come in a variety of sizes that are used with various thicknesses of yarns. Select a size 8 US (5 MM, 6 UK) needle for practice.
Pick a time when you can be alone and concentrate. A chair with no arms (or very low arms) and a good light are essential.
Like many things in life, it takes practice. It will feel awkward at first, as if you were all thumbs. This is normal and something we all experience. Soon, it will become second nature and you won't need to think about each maneuver.
Holding The Yarn And Needles
There is no right or wrong way to hold the needles or the yarn as it flows from the ball. Find the way that is most comfortable for you. Remember it will feel awkward in the beginning, regardless of how you hold the yarn and needles.
We are going to learn what is called Continental Knitting, where the yarn is held in the left hand. You can use either the outside or the inside end of the ball of yarn. Using the inside end is generally best as this keeps the yarn from rolling around and getting away from you; if you use the outside end, contain it in a plastic bag, box, or other means. You can wrap the end of the yarn around your index finger or loop it around your fingers; this is what controls the yarn. Again, there is no right or wrong way.
You will hold one needle in your left hand. You begin by casting on (next step) stitches on to this needle. Later, when you knit or purl, you will work into the stitches on the left needle, transferring them to the right needle as you complete each stitch. When you knit all of the stitches on the left needle, the left needle will be empty and the right needle will be full. Transfer the right needle to your left hand and the empty needle to your right hand. You will be ready to begin the next row.
Knitting instructions