Grafting Sock Toes
May 9th, 2006
I just finished my first pair of socks. Along with the normal beginner mistakes, I totally messed up grafting the goes. Most of the sock was pretty easy, and I figured out the complicated parts in the end. Except for the grafting.
I followed the directions in the pattern exactly, except there were many things left unanswered! For example, do I do everything below or underneath the knitting needles? Which one is the front and back needle? Which way is supposed to be purlwise and knitwise? How do I hold the needles to determine what’s purlwise and knitwise?
In my impatience I didn’t bother to consult my knitting handbook, or look online for help. I wasn’t home or near easy access to a computer. I basically followed the instructions and totally botched it up. The toes are secure and the sock won’t come unravelling anytime soon. However, there is a visible seam.
I’m knitting another pair of socks, and I want to do it right this time. This afternoon I found the greatest website, and it really helped to explain a lot about grafting toes. This site has the very thing I needed, pictures! It goes through the process of grafting sock toes, with a picture for every step! I get it now!!
Sock Class – Grafting the toes
The rest of the site seems to have a pretty good tutorial for knitting socks in general as well. The best part about it is that pictures abound! No more guessing.
I get into a little rythem when I’m grafting (Kitchner stitch) that goes something like this:
Front (needle), as if to knit; take it off (the needle).
Front, as if to purl; leave it on… pull it through.
Back, as if to purl; take it off.
Back, as if to knit; leave it on… pull it through.
Though, these instructions are a bit abbreviated, you might find them helpful when you sit down to do it… when you pull it through, just pull it snug, not too tight or too loose. After a few socks, you’ll get used to it =)
Yeah, and that totally makes sense. I think what didn’t make sense was the direction I should hold the needles (which determined what was knit, and what was purl), and if the needle should be going under or over the knitting needles. I think when I make Corey’s socks I’ll do it right.