Leg, Ribbing, and Bind-Off
I only got one heel question last week, so I'm going to go ahead and walk you through the rest of the sock.
Remember that the step-by-step video instructions for how to knit these socks can be found in your Toe-Up Socks class.
I'm also here to answer any questions you have - just leave a comment on any knitalong post.
It's Time To Knit The Legs Of Your Socks
This should be relatively straightforward as the leg will be a straight tube. If you would like to make knee-high socks, you can.
To Make Knee-High Socks
If you are making socks with a cuff longer than 7 or 8 inches, try on the sock at one-to-two-inch intervals, working the following increase round when the cuff feels snug:
Needle 1 (heel needle): K1, M1L, K to end of needle.
Needle 2 (instep needle): K1, M1L, K to end of needle.
Finish With an Inch of Ribbing
Finish your socks with at least one inch of 1x1 or 2x2 rib. Giving it a quick Google, I see that the Internet sort of agrees that 1x1 rib is a bit stretchier.
The most important factor in making sure your ribbed cuffs fit well will be your bind-off.
Recommended Bind-Off: JSSBO
You can do JSSBO for 1x1 or 2x2 rib, and you will get great results.
For invisible ribbed bind-offs, you can use the aptly-named Invisible Ribbed Bind-Off, the Tubular Bind-Off for 1x1 Rib, or the Kitchener Double-Rib Bind-Off for 2x2 Rib. But for your beginner socks JSSBO is hands-down the easiest choice.
Remember to Block Your Socks
Blocking your socks is the last and crucial step in making them look their best.
After all that knitting, your socks need some soap and water to help the fibers relax into their new shape. Read about how to block socks and why here.
Post Photos of Your Finished Socks
It gives us a chance to add a little "Woo hoo! You did it!" to your day.
By the way, this is the next-to-last knitalong lessson in our series. The last one will just be celebrating your finished socks.
If you've gotten this far, congratulations! You have finished the hardest part of your socks and it's all downhill from here.
Below, two more students who have recently finished their toe-up socks write in:
More Student Successes
It’s Like a Little Light Bulb Came On
I have knitted 6 pairs of socks, 4 in worsted weight and 2 in fingering weight yarn. I feel like finally I can do any pattern of socks. It’s like a little light bulb came on and I now understand how to make socks. Thank you for your help.
– Rose Mary G.
I Learned So Much With This Class!!
– Louise V.
Keep going on those socks, you're nearing the finish line! Happy knitting,
Liat
Liat,
I finished my toe up socks last week! I’m probably the last to finish, but life happens! I learned so much and am getting ready to start another pair soon. I have a couple of questions that I’d like to ask when you do your next members zoom call. I loved how you broke everything down into easy sections with awesome videos and the exceptional handouts. I would love to try a sweater – do you have a class for that?
This was so much fun! Thank you for a great class!
Barb
Hi Barb,
I’m going to be passing your comment along to Liat, but I want to let you know that she is currently on maternity leave (she is expecting her baby very soon) and will be taking up to 1-2 weeks to answer.
Here you can find all the classes that we have at this moment https://www.knitfreedom.com/shop/
Thanks so much for your patience and understanding!
Best,
Elias
Hi Barbara,
Hooray, that’s great news! I’m delighted that the format of the videos plus handouts etc worked well for you. It’s how I like to learn as well. I’m terribly sorry that I’ve just cancelled this month’s Zoom as I am getting too close to my due date to focus much on work right now. I have been caring for Milo and getting things ready for the baby (and my mom’s visit).
But we will start up the monthly Zoom sessions again as soon as I can after baby is born.
I do not yet have a class on sweaters although that is probably my most-requested class. I haven’t quite figured out how I would teach sweaters, given that they are so complex and everyone seems to need something different. I do teach most of the techniques you would use to knit sweaters, so if you’d like to try approaching a pattern on your own I would be happy to support you.
Hugs and congratulations on your socks!!
Cheers,
Liat
Hi Liat,
I’ve finally finished my sox! Just need to block them. 😃
Decided a 3/4” 2×2 rib would match the sox best. Used JSSBO. I had a hard time deciding where to position the ribs in relation to the cables. In hindsight, I would swap the Ks & Ps.
Is there any rule of thumb for positioning ribs at the end of a cable?