Review: Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks

Want to knit socks from the toe up? In Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks, Melissa Morgan-Oakes shows how to knit toe-up socks and how to knit both socks in the pair at the same time.

Full of detailed instructions, Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks has a variety of patterns for children, women and adults. The spiral bound hardback stays open to the page you’re viewing making it easy to view the instructions as you knit. If you are new to knitting toe-up socks, you will love the clear instructions.

The book is divided into 3 chapters covering basic information, detailed sock knitting instructions and sock patterns.

Chapter 1, Needles, Yarn and Other Basics, includes cast ons, bind offs and adapting toe-up 2-at-a-time socks to fit the recipient. The chapter begins with a discussion of the major brands of circular knitting needles, covering the pros and cons, to help you choose your needles. The book features Judy's Magic Cast-On, my personal favorite. You can also use the figure-eight or Turkish cast-on.

Chapter 2, Step-by-Step 2-at-a-Time, tells you everything you need to know to start knitting socks toe-up. The chapter begins with an overview of sock anatomy, followed by toe-up math. Don't be afraid of the math; it's simple and you only need 3 numbers:

• desired length of the the foot of the sock
• number of rows in gusset and heel cup (provided in each pattern)
• your row gauge (The foot of your sock is your swatch to determine your row gauge.)

A simple forumla guarantees your sock will be the right length, no matter what your row gauge.

Most of the second chapter is instructions for the sample socks, child sized socks knitted in worsted weight yarn. The detailed step by step instructions are accompanied by lots of color photos showing exactly what to do.

Chapter 3, Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Patterns, contains 15 patterns with detailed instructions that echo the steps in the sample socks. Each pattern is written in two sizes. Designs include lace, cables, twists, a bit of colorwork and some with just knits and purls.

Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks has nice assortment of patterns with varying levels of complexity. There is the simplicity of "Kid Stuff" and "Simplicity," the glitz of "On the Town," the elegance of "Ballet," and the warm textures of "Tuscany," "Twisted Baskets," and "Peppercorn," to name a few. You'll find something for almost everyone you know; child or adult; man or woman.