How to Knit a Toe Up Sock Without a Gusset Using One Needle

Socks without heel gussets are usually tube socks, which don't have any shaping for the heel and foot area. After an initial cast on, tube socks are increased to the width they will remain for the rest of the sock. Knitting with one needle is referred to as the magic loop method, which many knitters find is easier to manage than double pointed needles or using two circular needles at one time. Toe up socks are convenient, as they can be tried on in progress to check for length and fit.

Instructions

• 1

  Knit a gauge swatch. By doing this, you will be able to determine how many stitches you need to increase after you get past the initial cast on and toe area.

• 2

  Measure the foot circumference and leg length. After you have obtained measurements and gauge, multiply the number of stitches per inch in your gauge by the circumference of your foot at its widest part. This will be the number of stitches you need to increase for the tube portion of the sock.

• 3

  Cast on eight stitches, using Judy's Magic Cast-On method; a tutorial to this cast-on method is found in the References section below. Fold the magic loop technique and move all the stitches to the center of the circular needle cable. Fold the cable in half and place half of your stitches on one side and half on the other. Pull the cable through the stitches until both sides are at the base of the needle areas. Slide the half of the stitches without the working yarn up to the end of the needle closest to you, and pull the needle furthest from you through the stitches until they are resting mostly on the cable and there is enough slack to use both needles. Join for knitting in the round, taking care not to twist your stitches. You will use this same method when it comes time to turn your work. A magic loop video tutorial is included in the References section below.

• 4

  Begin increasing immediately. Increase four stitches in the first round by using the method you prefer. Knit two stitches, increase, place a stitch marker, knit two, increase, turn your work, knit two, increase, place a stitch marker, knit two, increase. Knit one round, repeat the increase round, increasing before the stitch marker, at the halfway point of your knitting (as divided by the needles) and at the end of the round. Continue increasing until you have reached the number of stitches you determined in Step 2. Remove the stitch markers.

• 5

  Knit until you have reached at least two inches prior to your desired length. Knit two inches of two by two ribbing to prevent the sock from rolling. To complete the ribbing, knit two stitches, purl two stitches, repeat. Cast off, using Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off or other elastic cast off of your choice. A link to the tutorial for Jeny's Bind-Off is located in the References section below. Cut yarn and weave in ends using a tapestry needle. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 for second sock.