This chapter is part of our Magic Loop Socks, Toe-Up Socks Video Class. Click here to learn more.
What Is Two-At-A-Time?
Making socks two-at-a-time (abbreviated 2@at) is a fantastic new technique made possible by the discovery of Magic Loop and the 2 Circs methods.
Using a clever cast-on, you simply work alternately from two balls of yarn to make both socks (or two of anything knitted in the round, for that matter) at the same time, on one set of needles.
Why Is Two-at-a-Time So Great?
Never Run Out Of Yarn
With two-at-a-time, you won't ever have to guess how much yarn you'll need for one sock.
Simply wind the yarn into two balls of equal weight, and you'll have the right amount. In a pinch, you can even knit off of both ends of one ball of yarn.
It's Fast
Whether it's because knitting a second sock is less enjoyable than knitting the first or not, knitting socks one at a time feels like it's going slow.
You're just never as excited to knit the second one. On top of skipping the dread that accompanies "second-sock syndrome," you skip all the measuring, counting, thinking, and preparing that you'd have to do all over again on the second sock, and, amazingly, knitting two socks at once takes only about 50% more time than knitting one sock.
Everything Comes Out The Same
In addition, both socks will come out exactly the same - same length, circumference, and shape, without any extra thinking on your part. You won't ever have to measure one cuff and then try to duplicate it on the next sock, which brings me to everyone's favorite reason...
Never Knit A Second Sock Again
With two-at-a-time, when you're done, you're truly done. No more thinking, "Yay! Now all I have to do is do it all over again..." You'll bind of and put the pair of socks directly on your feet, and skip happily to the yarn store to start a new project.
Important: You don't have to knit both socks at the same time if you aren't ready. To knit one sock at a time, just cast on for one sock and follow the directions, ignoring any mention of the other sock.
If you are just a little nervous, however, let me encourage you to try the two-at-a-time method. It's barely any harder than one-at-a-time, and I'll be with you every step of the way.
