Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™

Toe-Up Socks

Toe-up socks are a great technique to increase your skills as an intermediate knitter. At KnitFreedom we specialize in teaching toe-up socks, two-at-a-time, on Magic Loop. Specific skills include Judy’s Magic Cast-On, the Fleegle heel and the faux heel-flap heel, and bind-offs like Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy bind-off.

Knitting Topics » Toe-Up Socks
Toe-up socks are a great technique to increase your skills as an intermediate knitter. At KnitFreedom we specialize in teaching toe-up socks, two-at-a-time, on Magic Loop. Specific skills include Judy's Magic Cast-On, the Fleegle heel and the faux heel-flap heel, and bind-offs like Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy bind-off.

Video Knitting Course: August 2022 Toe-Up Socks Knitalong – Free With Purchase!

August 2022 Toe Up Socks Knitalong cover


Video Knitting Course: Mastering Magic Loop Socks

Most sock patterns are very hard for beginners, especially if they are written for double-pointed needles. Our classes teach you the simplest techniques so you get great results.


Video Knitting Course: Toe-Up, Two-at-a-Time Socks

Toe Up Socks 1 or 2 at a Time on Magic Loop - Video Class

Most sock patterns are very hard for beginners, especially if they are written for double-pointed needles. Our classes teach you the easiest techniques so you get great results.


Frequently Asked Question: What Is The Difference Between Your Toe-Up Sock Patterns?

Many Baby Socks Generic pattern square crop

We have a basic toe-up sock pattern with a Fleegle Heel which we recommend for absolute beginners. Our Faux-Heel-Flap toe-up socks are perfect for those who want to add a contrasting-color or textured heel or have high insteps. Our generic Fleegle Heel pattern works when your yarn or foot size differs from the basic patterns we offer.


Live Knitalong: Aug. '22 Toe-Up Socks

Starts: August 1, 2022   Ends: October 31, 2022   Signups Open: NO
August 2022 Toe Up Socks Free KAL class cover 6 13 22

Socks can be scary to knit on your own. This video class and group knitalong is the perfect way to get support while learning many fantastic new techniques and making a complete pair of toe-up socks you can be proud of.


Live Knitalong: Toe-Up, Two-at-a-Time Socks - FREE

Starts: June 1, 2020   Ends: September 25, 2020   Signups Open: NO
Toe up socks Malabrigo worsted rios rbg sm

Our first KnitFreedom knitalong. We will be knitting a pair of worsted-weight toe-up socks, two-at-a-time on Magic Loop. One lucky knitter will get live Zoom sessions with me to answer all their questions. Six lucky knitters will get to participate in the live weekly Q&A. Learn more here.


Featured Videos

Judy’s Magic Cast-On (JMCO) for Two-at-a-Time Knitting

Judy’s Magic Cast-On (JMCO) for Two-at-a-Time Knitting
Judy’s Magic Cast-On (JMCO) for Two-at-a-Time Knitting

Two-at-a-time toe-up socks are one of my favorite uses of Judy’s Magic Cast-On. Combine JMCO with Magic Loop to cast on for two-at-a-time socks.


Judy’s Magic Cast-On – Basic

Judy’s Magic Cast-On – Basic
Judy’s Magic Cast-On – Basic


Turn a Heel on Toe-Up Socks: The Fleegle Heel

Turn a Heel on Toe-Up Socks: The Fleegle Heel
Turn a Heel on Toe-Up Socks: The Fleegle Heel

The Fleegle Heel is an easy, beginner toe-up heel with no holes at the sides. You will have great success with the Fleegle Heel if this is your first time doing toe-up socks. Bonus: No wrap-and-turn needed!


Faux Heel Flap for Toe-Up Socks

Faux Heel Flap for Toe-Up Socks
Faux Heel Flap for Toe-Up Socks

This integrated “faux” heel flap for toe-up socks is useful when you want to add a heel-stitch pattern, make the heel in contrasting color, or adjust for high insteps. There is no picking up stitches, no seams, and no holes.



Blog Post: Everything You Need To Know About The Fleegle Heel

A closeup of the Fleegle HeelBy Liat Gat – Founder / Heels, Socks, Toe-Up Socks / August 24, 2012 / 125 Comments

In December of 2006, a blogger known as Fleegle changed the knitting world when she published a no-holes toe-up heel formula on her blog. Since I discovered the Fleegle Heel, I’ve been making videos showing how to do it, writing patterns that use it, and helping the whole world learn to knit it.

Read Post »


Blog Post: Heel Flaps Are BACK – The New “Faux-Heel-Flap” Toe-Up Sock

Faux heel flap for toe-up socksBy Liat Gat – Founder / Heels, Socks, Toe-Up Socks, World Travels / July 20, 2012 / 118 Comments

Wait – heel flaps are BACK? Yes, and better than ever. This integrated “faux” heel flap for toe-up socks lets you adjust for high insteps and more.

Read Post »


Blog Post: What To Do When You Have A High Instep – Tips for Using KnitFreedom’s Faux Heel Flap Toe-Up Sock Pattern

By Liat Gat – Founder / Heels, Socks, Toe-Up Socks / June 20, 2017 / 54 Comments

This tip is for sock-knitters who are following my high-instep toe-up sock pattern. It explains how to easily use my pattern for Toe-Up Faux-Heel-Flap Socks to make a bigger instep than you normally can with basic Fleegle-heel or other toe-up sock patterns.

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Blog Post: FREE Toe-Up Sock Knitalong – June 2020

By Liat Gat – Founder / Knitalongs, Toe-Up Socks, Two-at-a-Time Knitting / May 20, 2020 / 27 Comments

Our first KnitFreedom knitalong. We will be knitting a pair of worsted-weight toe-up socks, two-at-a-time on Magic Loop. One lucky knitter will get live Zoom sessions with me to answer all their questions. Learn more and join here.

Read Post »


Blog Post: When To Start Your Fleegle Heel Increases (Where is the “Front of Your Ankle?”)

When to start your Fleegle HeelBy Liat Gat – Founder / Heels, Socks, Toe-Up Socks / April 29, 2011 / 18 Comments

A big issue for first-time knitters of toe-up socks is knowing when to start increasing for the Fleegle heel. Where exactly is “the front of your ankle?” Here’s how to tell.

Read Post »


Blog Post: The Best Stretchy Bind-Off for Toe-Up Socks: Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off (JSSBO)

Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off on Super-Bulky Pink Knit SocksBy Liat Gat – Founder / Bind-Offs, Liat Interviews Others, Socks, Stretchy/Ribbed Bind-Offs, Toe-Up Socks / May 19, 2019 / 17 Comments

I recommend Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off (JSSBO) for binding off on toe-up socks. It is easy to memorize, easy to do, stretchy, and fast. JSSBO works with any rib pattern (1×1, 2×2, etc.). Includes an interview with JSSBO inventor Jeny Staiman.

Read Post »


Blog Post: How to Knit Toe-Up Socks

By Liat Gat – Founder / Toe-Up Socks / September 9, 2010 / 14 Comments

Toe-up socks are the hottest thing in knitting right now. You have to learn a lot of new skills in order to do them, and that can be hard to do on your own.

Read Post »


Blog Post: How To Avoid Tangling Yarn On 2@aTime Socks

By Liat Gat – Founder / Socks, Toe-Up Socks, Top-Down Socks, Two-at-a-Time Knitting / September 14, 2010 / 13 Comments

Prevent your yarn from EVER tangling again when knitting two-at-a-time socks. Make sure you place your balls of yarn on either side of you. The key moment for keeping the yarns from tangling is during “the switch.”

Read Post »


Blog Post: NEW: Free Super-Bulky Sock Pattern for Magic Loop, Toe-Up or Top-Down

Super-Bulky Magic Loop Socks - Malabrigo RastaBy Liat Gat – Founder / New Patterns, Socks, Toe-Up Socks, Top-Down Socks / December 23, 2011 / 7 Comments

In case you are madly trying to finish Christmas gifts, here is the gift that I fall back on year after year: super-bulky slipper-socks. Knit with one skein of super-bulky yarn, these toe-up socks can be made in about 5 hours.

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Blog Post: When You Forget Increases On Your Fleegle Heel

When you forget to increase fleegle heelBy Liat Gat – Founder / Heels, Toe-Up Socks / February 22, 2011 / 5 Comments

Many people forget to increase on the left side of their knitting when doing the gusset for the Fleegle Heel. All of a sudden you’ve got 19 stitches on one toe-up Fleegle heel and 20 on the other.
It usually happens right when you start saying,”Yeah, I think I’ve got the hang of it!” You start getting in the groove, and you forget to increase. Here’s how to recognize it, and how to fix it.

Read Post »


Blog Post: Now Open for Signups! Toe-Up Sock Knitalong August 2022

August 2022 Toe Up Socks class Free KAL square 7 12 22By Liat Gat – Founder / Knitalongs, Toe-Up Socks / July 19, 2022 / No Comments

We are starting a beginner toe-up sock knitalong in August that will get you all the support you need in knitting your first pair of socks. Get a 15% discount on yarn and needles from Imagiknit when you sign up here.

Read Post »


Free Pattern: Any-Size Toe-Up Socks with a Fleegle Heel

A free basic beginner generic sock pattern for toe-up socks, one– or two-at-a-time, using Magic Loop and the Fleegle Heel. Following Fleegle’s famous sock formula, written out in my own words. Design your own toe-up socks in any size, for any weight or gauge of yarn.


Free Pattern: Beginner Toe-Up Sock with a Fleegle Heel – Aran Weight

ShiBui Worsted Toe-Up Socks

A free basic worsted weight sock pattern for toe-up socks, knit one– or two-at-a-time, using Magic Loop and the Fleegle heel. This is the pattern I use to teach sock-knitting to first-time sock-knitters, and they always get great results.


Free Pattern: Beginner Toe-Up Sock with a Fleegle Heel – Fingering Weight

Here is a free basic beginner pattern for fingering weight socks, toe-up socks, one– or two-at a time, using Magic Loop and the Fleegle heel. It’s the one I use in all my classes, and my students always get great results.


Free Pattern: Beginner Toe-Up Sock with a Fleegle Heel – Worsted Weight

ShiBui Worsted Toe-Up Socks

A free basic worsted weight sock pattern for toe-up socks, knit one– or two-at-a-time, using Magic Loop. Features the Fleegle heel. This is the pattern I use to teach sock-knitting to first-time sock-knitters, and they always get great results.


Free Pattern: Super-Bulky Toe-Up Socks – A Fast, One-Skein Project

Super-Bulky Magic Loop Socks - Malabrigo Rasta - white background - side view

Here is a free basic beginner super bulky sock pattern for toe-up socks, one– or two-at a time, using Magic Loop. You can seriously knit these socks in one day, and one skein of Malabrigo Rasta will just be enough!


Free Pattern: Toe-Up Faux Heel Flap Socks – Worsted Weight

Purple toe-up socks with heel flap, shown out of car window

By popular demand! A basic toe-up sock pattern with a knitted-in heel flap that fits your heel snugly and that you can adjust for a high instep.


Free Pattern: Toe-Up Faux-Heel-Flap Socks – Fingering Weight

This “Faux Heel Flap” Toe-Up Sock pattern is an easy intermediate sock pattern written for Magic Loop. It has a fake heel “flap” that is knit in one piece with the rest of the toe-up sock. It also includes adjustments for high insteps or arches.


Free Pattern: Toe-Up Socks – Baby – Aran Weight

Toe-Up Baby Sock

A beginner toe up baby sock pattern for Magic Loop. This is a great way to learn all the parts of knitting a toe-up sock, in a two-hour project.


Free Pattern: Toe-Up Socks – Beginner Magic Loop – Bulky Weight

Bulky beginner socks for magic loop

Here is a free basic beginner pattern for toe-up bulky weight socks, one– or two-at a time, using Magic Loop. Make a pair of socks in a day!


Free and Premium Videos

Stop Losing Cast-On Stitches – 1st Round of Toe-Up Socks

Free Video for Subscribers

The trick to not losing your JMCO (Judy’s Magic Cast-On) stitches on toe-up socks is to twist the tail and working yarn of the second sock together a few times so that the stitches don’t fall off.


Forgot Increases on Fleegle Heel Gusset

Free Video
Forgot Increases on Fleegle Heel Gusset
Forgot Increases on Fleegle Heel Gusset

Many people forget to increase on the left side of their knitting when doing the gusset for the Fleegle Heel. All of a sudden you’ve got 19 stitches on one toe-up Fleegle heel and 20 on the other.
To fix it, drop your stitch down and re-add the M1. You can do it!


Judy’s Magic Cast-On (JMCO) for Two-at-a-Time Knitting

Free Video
Judy’s Magic Cast-On (JMCO) for Two-at-a-Time Knitting
Judy’s Magic Cast-On (JMCO) for Two-at-a-Time Knitting

Two-at-a-time toe-up socks are one of my favorite uses of Judy’s Magic Cast-On. Combine JMCO with Magic Loop to cast on for two-at-a-time socks.


Walk-Through of Toe-Up Sock Pattern

Premium Video


Judy’s Magic Cast-On – Basic

Free Video
Judy’s Magic Cast-On – Basic
Judy’s Magic Cast-On – Basic


Cast On For Both Socks and Knit 1st Round

Premium Video


How to Fix a Loose Toe-Up Cast-On

Premium Video


How Increases Work on Toe-Up Socks

Premium Video


1st Increase Round: M1L and M1R Increases

Premium Video


Read Your Work for Increases on Toe-Up Socks

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Keep Yarn from Tangling on Two-at-a-Time Socks

Premium Video

You’ve just learned the awesome technique of knitting two-at-a-time. Congratulations! This video shows you how you can avoid your yarn EVER tangling again.


Avoiding Gaps and Ladders in Two-at-a-Time Socks on Magic Loop

Free Video
Avoiding Gaps and Ladders in Two-at-a-Time Socks on Magic Loop
Avoiding Gaps and Ladders in Two-at-a-Time Socks on Magic Loop


Socks Not Joined On One Side

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When To Start Increasing For the Fleegle Heel (Gusset)

Premium Video

A big issue for first-time knitters of toe-up socks is knowing when to start increasing for the Fleegle heel. Where exactly is “the front of your ankle?” Here’s how to tell.


Turn a Heel on Toe-Up Socks: The Fleegle Heel

Free Video
Turn a Heel on Toe-Up Socks: The Fleegle Heel
Turn a Heel on Toe-Up Socks: The Fleegle Heel

The Fleegle Heel is an easy, beginner toe-up heel with no holes at the sides. You will have great success with the Fleegle Heel if this is your first time doing toe-up socks. Bonus: No wrap-and-turn needed!


Knitting into Judy’s Magic Cast-On (JMCO) – Bottom Needle/Back Needle

Free Video for Subscribers

The instructions for Judy’s Magic Cast-On have you using the bottom needle, not the back needle, to pull and knit with. On the first round, rotate your needles so that the bottom needle becomes the back needle.


Purl Backwards

Free Video
Purl Backwards
Purl Backwards

To purl backwards, insert the left-hand needle from front to back through the first stitch on your right-hand needle. Wrap the yarn around the left-hand needle counter-clockwise (towards you), and then pull the stitch on the right-hand needle over the wrap and off the needle.


Final Decreases on Fleegle Heel

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Invisible Ribbed Bind-Off for 1×1 Rib – Toe-Up Socks

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Binding Off on Two at a Time Socks – JSSBO

Free Video for Subscribers

To bind off on two-at-a-time socks, you’ll need to save the very last stitch of the first half of the first sock. Reserve it on the needle. Then bind off the second sock. Then resume binding off the first sock.


How to Weave in Ends on Toe-Up Socks

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Faux Heel Flap for Toe-Up Socks

Free Video
Faux Heel Flap for Toe-Up Socks
Faux Heel Flap for Toe-Up Socks

This integrated “faux” heel flap for toe-up socks is useful when you want to add a heel-stitch pattern, make the heel in contrasting color, or adjust for high insteps. There is no picking up stitches, no seams, and no holes.


Slip-Stitch Heel Pattern

Free Video
Slip-Stitch Heel Pattern
Slip-Stitch Heel Pattern

Adding a textured heel flap is an easy way to make the socks more interesting AND to make the heel more durable at the same time.

The slip-stitch heel is super-easy, and it is also nice and stretchy – great if you’re not sure how big the sock-recipient’s ankle is.


Eye-of-the-Partridge Heel Pattern

Free Video
Eye-of-the-Partridge Heel Pattern
Eye-of-the-Partridge Heel Pattern

The Eye-of-the-Partridge heel pattern adds durability and a lovely textured look to your sock’s heel flap. Knit using a combination of slipped and knit stitches, you can knit this on top-down or toe-up socks.


KFB Instead of M1R on Toe Up Socks – Easier Toe-Up Sock Increases

Free Video for Subscribers

How to do easier increases on your toe-up socks: KFB (Knit Front-and-Back) instead of M1 (Make One)



Recommended Circular Needles: Addi Turbo by Skacel

Addi Turbo Needles - Closeup of Tips

My favorite circular needles for knitting FAST. The blunt tips don’t hurt your fingertips, and the joins are smooth as silk.

My recommended needle lengths are:
– 47″ for two-at-a-time knitting
– 40″ for anything else on Magic Loop
– 30-47″ for Moebius knitting

Buy Addi Turbo online


Recommended Fabric Care: Soak by Soak Wash

Soak Wool Wash Celebration Scent square sm

My favorite no-rinse wool wash for blocking your knit garments. Comes in lovely scents and also unscented. Just squirt some in cold water and add your garment (or gauge swatch) and let soak for 15-20 minutes. Squeeze to remove water and lay flat to dry or block.

Buy Soak online


Recommended Fabric Care: Sock Blockers by Knitter's Pride

Aqua Sock Blockers Medium Knitters Pride square

Sock blockers are the perfect way to make your finished socks look their best. Whether you are going to keep them for yourself or give the socks as a gift, the last step before you wear your knit socks is always to block them. The even and smooth shape persists even after machine washing and drying.

Buy Sock Blockers online


Recommended Book: The Magic Loop by Bev Galeskas

The Magic Loop Booklet by Bev Galeskas cover

This amazing book is what started it all for me. In it, Beverly Galeskas clearly explains how to use Sarah Hauschka’s ingenious technique of knitting in the round on one long circular needle.

“Socks and more” is right! Anything you can knit in the round, you can knit on Magic Loop, with no laddering, quickly, easily, and without using DPNs. Hooray! Thanks, Bev and Sarah!

Buy The Magic Loop online


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