Last time we finished off with knitting the foot. Now we need to shape the toe. The toe section for adults is around 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length. The toe is shaped by decreasing on all needles every other row.
Pattern Instructions: There still should be 16 stitches on needles 1 and 3, and 32 stitches on needle 2. The round still begins at the center of the heel. Do not continue in rib pattern on needle 2; now working in stockinette stitch.
Round 1: Needle 1 – knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Needle 2 – k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Needle 3 – k1, ssk, knit to end.
Round 2: Knit across on all needles. Repeat these 2 rounds until 24 stitches are left, 6 stitches on needles 1 and 3, 12 stitches on needle 2. Finish by knitting 6 stitches off needle 1 onto needle 3. You now have 2 needles, each with 12 stitches.
Most pattern instructions use kitchener stitch (grafting) for the sock toe. I prefer a bind off method that leaves no inside seam, and is secure and even, The Bind Off Seam.
I hope these lessons have given you a better understanding of the basic steps to knitting a cuff down sock, and the confidence to attempt a new sock pattern, or even create your own design. To finish off a small project like socks, I block by washing the socks and laying them flat to dry. Happy Knitting!
(Within the next week, I will have the basic instructions and visuals for this series available for download)
