Pattern Overview and Check-In
We're almost ready to cast on! Here's a quick checklist to make sure you're ready to continue:
To be ready to cast on for your two-at-a-time toe-up socks, you'll need to have...
- Chosen your pattern type: basic Fleegle heel or toe-up heel-flap.
- Chosen the weight of yarn you'd like to use, and ordered it in the yardage called for in your pattern.
- Procured one set of long circular needles, 47 inches or longer.
- Knit a test swatch in the round on Magic Loop using your chosen yarn and needles, and
- Checked the gauge on your swatch to confirm that it is the gauge required in the pattern.
- Measured around the ball of your foot and chosen the size of pattern that corresponds with your foot, and circled the numbers in your pattern corresponding to that size.
If you have done all these things, congratulations! If you need more time or have questions or need help on any of this, please post a comment on today's lesson and let me know.
To get an idea of how we will be constructing the basic Fleegle heel sock, click here for our Pattern Walk-Through video.
If you will be doing our toe-up heel-flap sock, the process is almost exactly the same, but you'll start increasing for your heel a little sooner, according to the directions in your pattern.
Some frequently asked questions so far:
Q: Do I measure around the ball of my foot while standing on it?
A: No. Measure around your foot with no pressure on it.
Q: I'm an in-between size (say 8.5 inches) - what size pattern should I choose?
A: Choose the smaller of the two options. 8.5 inches would be a Medium.
When starting the gusset, it’s saying to k1, m1l knit to the last stitch on needle, m1r, k1, the increase is made on the last stitch and knit the last
stitch, is that correct
The top needle is the top of foot, and the needle closes to me is the heel needle is that correct.
Linda
Hi Linda,
Yes, that is correct! The second increase is made right before the last stitch on the heel needle.
Liat
Liat
I know this sound crazy, when casting on and knit the first round , does the right side of the knitting goes on the inside of the needles, that the way my is doing and the wrong side on the out side.
Linda Myers
Hi Linda,
I’m glad you came here and asked! No, the right side of knitting should be on the outside. It’s not a big deal and it’s easy to fix. Here’s the video: https://www.knitfreedom.com/blog/magic-loop-inside-out
Let me know if that helps!
Cheers,
Liat
So, the working yarn need to be on the top needle, my was on the bottom needle how to I prevent that happen
Linda Myers
Hi Linda,
Great question. Here is the video that will help you orient your needles correctly and make sure you are knitting right-side out:
JMCO: Bottom Needle/Back Needle
Let me know if this helps!
Liat
I am doing the TAAT Aran socks with fleegle heel size medium-large.The ball of my foot measures 9 inches relaxed. I am getting 4.5 stitches with a US #9 needle. Watched the pattern overview and ready for JMCO.
Cat
Hi Cat,
Perfect! Glad to know you are all set to go. Thanks for the check-in!
Liat
Hi Liat, Well we’ve had some crazy stuff going on. My husband and I both came down with COVID so we have been off the grid as they say for a few days. We are still checking positive so laying very low. However, it has interrupted my practice sessions. So…I decided to take a radical approach. Because I haven’t done this before with Magic Loop, and I was having trouble getting the confused with the two at a time… So…I decided that it would be better for me to try to done ONE sock on magic loop on worsted weight yarn and size 6 needles. I am not as worried about seeing if this sock fits me, just more interested in learning the process. I hope this will not mess me up in the lessons. Think this modification will work for me?
Hi Deb,
I got your comment and I will answer you on the other comment you left.
Thanks!
Liat
Hi Liat, thank you so much. I really don’t do well with computers. Yes, I am getting a consistent 4.5 stitches to an inch on a size 7 needle I am thinking of changing my wool to Aran weight do you have a suggestion for another needle? Once again thank you. Betty Anne
Hi Betty Anne,
I would not change the yarn or needles if you are getting a gauge of 4.5 sts/in. You have the right pattern and yarn and needles.
Hi Liat,
I had my pattern up earlier this morning and had to leave for a few minutes and it disappeared, I have spent the rest of the morning looking for it and am hoping you can give me a few hints on how to find it again. Thanks
Hi Betty-Anne,
I’m so sorry you lost the pattern! Here it is: https://www.knitfreedom.com/free-pattern/aran-socks/
This pattern calls for a gauge of 4.5 sts/in. Is that what you were getting? Just to confirm that I’m sending you the right pattern.
Thanks,
Liat