Sock knitting is a super fun, portable, awesome activity, but there’s one decision you’ll need to make before you even start—who knew?! Are you going to knit your socks from the top down? Or the toe up? If there’s anything that gets a knitter into a passionate discussion, it’s the top-down vs. toe-up debate. The great news is that there is no wrong way!
Of course, there are a lot of other sock decisions you’ll eventually make, too, but let’s just start here with sock construction so you can find your next sock knitting pattern. I’m going to break down the differences so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
Kelias socks knit in Watershed on Tough Love Sock.
Top-Down Socks
Top-down socks are knit from the cuff to the toe. They are ideal for learning the basics of sock construction and a wide variety of techniques in one small package, making it an ideal direction for new sock knitters.
Pros:
- Easier cast-on method (a Long-Tail Cast On works, but I also recommend the German Twisted Cast On)
- A little more flexible to adjust for fit as you go
- Teaches a lot of techniques, such as picking up stitches, grafting, elastic cast-ons, and shaping
- Offers a lot of heel flap variety to suit different insteps
Cons:
- Can be tricky to get a stretchy enough cuff
- Some people find grafting the toes to be annoying
- Harder to maximize the yardage of your yarn
Choose top-down if you’re new to sock knitting, want to explore new heel flap constructions, want a quick-start project, or need to check your fit as you go.
Notebook Doodles by Carolyn Lisle, knit in Snowfall Tough Love Sock and Aurora Party of Five.
Toe-Up Socks
Toe-up socks are knit up from the toe to the cuff. They allow for relatively easy customization of toe and foot length, and you can use up all yarn without fear of running out. I always suggest becoming familiar with sock construction before working toe-up socks.
Pros:
- No fiddly grafting or picking up stitches
- Allows max usage of your yarn (ie: no yarn chicken)
- Easier to try on as you go to ensure the right fit
Cons:
- Fiddly cast-on method for the toes (worthwhile to learn, though!)
- Difficult to get a stretchy cuff because of tight bind-off tendencies
- Harder to calculate exactly where to start your heel
Choose toe-up if you just can’t stomach the idea of picking up stitches or grafting, if you need to maximize your yarn, enjoy short-row heels, or need to try on as you go.
Top-Down vs. Toe-Up Discovery
Of course, the best way for you to discover the right construction for you is by trying them both! If you’re ready to start with the basics, check out the Custom Top-Down Socks for Beginners course over at the School of SweetGeorgia. We also have a Custom Toe-Up Socks course and a brand new Two-at-a-Time Socks course that’ll whet your sock knitting appetite.
From here, you have a wide world of sock options to discover!
