Socks are still well and truly going strong in the knitting world! With a multitude of patterns, methods and techniques to use, there is a style to suit everyone. Here at TOFT we are loving the Shifting Stripe Socks pattern, as seen in the new TOFT Quarterly Spring magazine (if you do not have your copy yet, it can be found here). These striking two-colour socks are a quick and simple knit, worked from the toe-up. We've recommended using the Turkish cast on; read on for our ten steps to perfecting this technique…
Introducing the Turkish Cast On
The Turkish cast on is an easy method for starting your toe-up socks. It creates a beautiful seamless finish on the toe, and can be done on either DPNs or using the magic loop method for knitting socks. In this example, we have used DPNs, however if you prefer using circular needles simply pull the cords through to orientate the needles as shown in the photos.
The Method
1. Positioning the yarn and needles correctly at the beginning is key to a successful cast on. Begin by holding two of the double-pointed needles in your left hand, as well as your yarn, with the tail of the yarn facing downwards towards your wrist. Pull the working yarn towards the back, so it sits behind the needles.
2. Wrap the yarn anticlockwise around the two needles. You will need to do this for half the amount of the number of stitches needed. For example, the Shifting Stripe Socks require casting on 8 sts, so wrap the yarn around the needles 4 times.
3. Working stitches will be carried out much like continental knitting (attend one of our workshops for more on this technique). Keeping a tight hold on the tail of the yarn (so it doesn't unwind), bring the working yarn around the back of the needles, and over your index finger to tension the yarn. You'll want the tension to be slightly loose, as this will make it easier to manoever the stitches later on.
4. Now it's time to work your first stitch! Pick up a third DPN with your right hand, and insert it between the two needles and underneath your first wrap. We have found that pulling the bottom needle forward slightly will secure the bottom half of the wraps and make the top half of the wraps easier to work.
5. Using the needle in your right hand, catch the working yarn and pull through like a normal knit stitch, and slip it off the left hand needle. This completes your first stitch.
6. Carry on in this way until all stitches from that needle have been worked.
7. Rotate your work so both the working yarn, and the tail of the yarn, are facing away from you. Make sure to keep the tail of the yarn secured.
8. Repeat steps 4-6 for the second needle.
9. You should now have the correct number of stitches divided between the two needles, ready to carry on knitting your sock per the pattern instructions.
10. Sharing your project! If you are knitting the Shifting Stripe Socks, or any other project from the TOFT Quarterly Magazine, we would love to see them. Don't forget to share your projects using the hashtag #TOFTuk
Curious to learn more about Continental Knitting? Attend one of our workshops - these can be booked onto here.
