Knitters: Which kind of sock is easiest to start with?

Question

I'm a practiced knitter, and I want to try my first socks. I have noticed that there are 2 kinds of patterns: the kind that start at the toe and the kind that start at the cuff.

Anyone care to weigh in on which is easier to knit/more comfortable/better wearing?

Thanks!

Answer 1

After trying both, I prefer top-down socks because they start with a traditional cast-on (which I'm more comfortable with).  The casting method was a little daunting for the toe-up version (for me).  I also didn't like the look of the cast-off edge on top as much.

If you decide to move on to the 2-at-once method on the cables, make sure you invest in a good system - the cheap ones that warm and never "lay" like you want them to will only frustrate you.

Answer 2

I prefer to do them from the cuff down on DPNs. To me socks are just too small for me to do on circular needles without getting all confused. Of course, I may be easily confused. ;-)

Answer 3

I learned to do socks on double pointed needles from the cuff down.  I've progressed to 2 circulars, 1 circular, magic loop and 2 at once on magic loop.  I'm glad I learned on dps because that is how most sock patterns are written. Once you know how to read and understand the steps for dps, you can adapt the pattern to circulars.  I started a pair from the toe up and never finished because the heel threw me.  Also the cast on was difficult.  With cuff down you cast on in a way that you already know.

Good Luck,

Momma Ginia

Answer 4

It depends on how comfortable you are with the knitting around on dpns at the toe of a toe up sock.  Many of the Turkish style toe up patterns start out with a provisional or a figure 8 cast on and work on 4 to 6 stitches flat before you pick up on the sides and work around.  There are some that you work short rows to shape the heel cap and then work one of the less common heel turnings, although, again, some have a traditional heel flap in them.  The best thing about these toe ups is that you can bind them off in a fairly stretchy manner.

Top down socks can be cast on with a larger needle or with double the stitches and then decreased around in the first row to get a looser cuff opening, and I think you'll find a larger number of commonly available patterns knit this way.  This can be helpful if you are a sock novice since you have more resources to learn from.

I'd suggest that you ask you library to bring in a copy of Charlotte Schurch's Sensational Knitted Socks and read it as a great primer for all kinds of socks, or visit Socknitters.com for tutorials.  I've knit both ways and I prefer top down because I can knit on autopilot (I don't really need a pattern any more <G>), but comfort in the wearing is a combination of correct sizing, good sock yarn, and measuring the foot carefully for fitting.