Toe Up or Cuff Down?
So. Supposing I was going to make my first pair of socks, would you suggest I make them from the toe up, or the cuff down? What are the pros and cons? I'm ignorant on all things sock. Enlighten me, please!!
posted by Annie at 10:00 AM
12 Comments:
I think for general easiness of knitting, I'd grab some worsted yarn and make a pair of Thuja as a first pair. They are top-down, the pattern is clearly written and gives very detailed instructions for turning the heel, and at 44 stitches they are hard to get tired of and a quick knit.
Toe-up socks aren't better or worse, just different. A lot of people like them because you can use up all your yarn without having to guess at leg length. The heels are way different, though, and you have to learn specific cast-ons. If you are going to make a toe up, make Wendy Johnson's generic toe-up sock pattern. You know, from Wendy Knits. It's a good basic.
You rock. Thank you!! Running off to look at Thuja....
How do you feel about short row shaping? I think that's the main difference between toe up versus cuff down. (I prefer cuff down.)
Knitting up a pair in worsted weight is a great idea. You'll learn the principles with bigger yarn and needles.
Yes to big yarn and top-down. I made my first pair that way (no pattern--just a ribbed leg, a basic heel, and then a stockinette foot, toe decreases, and some botched kitchener) and they went super fast, and were very fun and informative. And my feet were warm and happy within no time.
if you start off with toe up and conquer that first, cuff down will seem like cake after that.
personally, i prefer toe up. i like short row heels better than weird gusset heels. and i like that i can make the sock the perfect length by trying it on while it's on the needles.
I have only ever made top down socks. Toe up scare me (casting on for them anyway.)
That being said, I would love to be able to make a pair of socks w/ very little leftover yarn. And toe up socks might be the way to go.
I would probably say go with toe up so you don't get stuck like me in fear of doing a toe up cast on. :)
Do Fuzzy Feet first. You'll get the sock anatomy down, knit on big needles (10.5) and any mistakes are felted away. Play around. I did fuzzy feet, then a couple pair cuff down, then I tried toe. Once I tried toe-up, that was it. Me likey long time. But it'll be up to you. YOu never know until you try it if you'll like it.
I picked up the book: Quenn Kahuna's Crazy Toes and Heels so I could knit socks two at a time, toe up and, while I still haven't finished my first pair of socks, it's not because I got completely lost. It really helped tons and tons. :)
Oh! And Marty and I LOVED your comment about what the commercial in our podcast left out. Too funny!
I've only done cuff-down, but plan to do some toe-up ones soon. I think cuff-down are pretty easy. =)
You guys are amazing! I've been wanting to do Fuzzy Feet, and I'm wondering if 2 skeins of Karaoke held together would be too thick... hmmm...
Oh, and short row shaping is wrap and turning, right? If so, I'm ok with it, if not, then I have no idea!!
Post a Comment
<< Home