Last week we talked about ways to cast-on socks from the toe-up, but this week we're starting from the other end of the sock! When casting-on socks from the cuff-down, it's important to have a stretchy cast-on so the socks fit over your calves. We're covering four ways to cast-on socks from the cuff-down, including a brand-new method – Kelley's Tubular Cast-On!
German Twisted Cast-On
The German Twisted Cast-On (Also called the Old Norwegian Cast On) gives just enough stretch without being too stretchy. It'ssimilar to the long-tail cast-on and gives a great finished edge for ribbing.
Casting-On Two-at-a-Time Socks for Cuff-Down
Instead of casting on all the stitches for both socks at once, like with toe-up, to do two-at-a-time cuff-down socks you cast-on half the stitches for sock 1 first. Then slide it to the end of the needle, and cast-on all the stitches for sock 2. Slide sock 2 down the needle to the cable, and split them in half on the cable using Magic Loop. Then pick up the sock 1 skein again and cast-on the remaining stitches on the left needle.
Cable Cast-On for Cuff-Down Socks
The Cable Cast-On gives a stretchy & substantial cuff without needing a long tail! Kelley recommends doing the cable cast-on with one needle size larger than you will be knitting with.
Cuff-Down Socks with the Tubular Cast-On
The Tubular Cast-On gives a doubleknit edge to the top of the sock cuff. It isn't flexible, but it gives a nice edge to the sock cuff. The join of the round is very noticeable with the traditional Tubular Cast-On – but Kelley's method below hides it!
Kelley's Tubular Cast-On without Waste Yarn
Kelley came up with her own version of the Tubular Cast-On that doesn't use waste yarn, is a bit more flexible, and it has a better join for the round. It begins in a similar way, cast-on half the number of stitches using Judy's Magic Cast-On. Watch the video at the top of this article to see how to do this brand-new cast-on!
Are you ready to cast-on some socks now? Which method will you use – cuff-down or toe-up?
Kelley's Favorite Free Knit Sweater Patterns
by Meg Bateman January 02, 2022 1 min read
Do you feel lost when it comes to picking out your first knit sweater pattern? This week, Kelley shared her favorite sweater patterns during Technique Tuesday. These patterns all feature minimal seaming, have detailed instructions, and have lots of completed projects on Ravelry!
Free Beginner Sweater Patterns to Try
- Ausable by Amy Christoffers
- The Perfect Knit T-Shirt by Kaitlin Barthold
- Sunday Morning Rib Stitch Sweater by Kaitlin Barthold
- Casual T Shirt by Vera Sanon
- Brick Sweater by Clare Lee
Kelley has knit the Brick Sweater several times, and has decided to knit it again with all our Technique Tuesday viewers! Grab some worsted weight yarn and join us for this informal knit along.
Christmas Gifts for Knitters & Loved Ones
by Meg Bateman January 02, 2022 1 min read
Do you have a knitter in your life that you would love to give a gift to? Not only do knitters love receiving knitted items, but you can get them some essential knitting supplies and tools as well!
How to Use the Fix-A-Stitch
by Meg Bateman January 02, 2022 1 min read
Do you struggle with fixing your knitting mistakes or dropped stitches? Kelley loves theFix-A-Stitch tools! They're uniquely made to make it very easy to quickly fix your knitting mistakes. Here, Kelley demonstrates how to use theFix-A-Stitch to fix stockinette, purl stitches, and garter stitch using theFix-A-Stitch tools.
