As a knitter, there’s something so satisfying about taking a beloved pattern and giving it a fresh twist. That’s exactly what I’ve done with the Toe-Up September Socks, a new version of the original September Socks pattern that you all know and love. If you’re familiar with the classic top-down version, you’ll find this toe-up approach just as delightful—perhaps even more so if you enjoy working from the toes up!
Why Toe-Up?
One of the biggest advantages of knitting socks from the toe up is that it allows for easy adjustments. If you’re unsure how much yarn you’ll need or want to make the most of a special skein, knitting toe-up lets you decide on the leg length as you go, ensuring you never run out of yarn mid-sock. Plus, for those who struggle with getting the fit just right, this method offers more flexibility, especially around the toe and heel.
The Yarn: A Bittersweet Farewell
Before we dive into the details, I must mention that the yarn I originally used for the September Socks is, unfortunately, discontinued. It’s always a little bittersweet when a favorite yarn is no longer available, but this also gives us an opportunity to explore new options. While you can’t get your hands on the exact yarn I used, there’s a fantastic selection of sock yarns available at Hobbii. I’ve found that their range offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for vibrant colors, classic neutrals, virgin wool, all vegan, or a touch of luxury in your hand-knit socks.
Judy’s Magic Cast-On: A Game-Changer for Toe-Up Socks
If you’ve never tried knitting socks from the toe up, or if this is your first time using Judy’s Magic Cast-On, don’t worry! It’s a technique that might feel a bit tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. I’ve even created a tutorial to help guide you through the process step by step. You can find that tutorial right here: Judy’s Magic Cast-On Tutorial.
Judy’s Magic Cast-On is truly a game-changer. It creates a seamless, almost invisible toe that’s as sturdy as it is beautiful. Whether you’re new to toe-up socks or a seasoned pro, mastering this cast-on will elevate your sock-knitting game.
The Design: A Familiar Friend with a New Beginning
For those of you who have knitted the original September Socks, the Toe-Up version will feel like reuniting with an old friend. The pattern features the same lovely texture and snug fit, but with the added benefit of working from the toe up. This approach also allows for a more customizable fit, especially in the foot and leg length.
One of the things I love most about this pattern is its versatility. Whether you’re knitting for yourself or someone else, these socks make a thoughtful, handmade gift that’s sure to be cherished. And because they’re knit from the toe up, you can easily adjust the size as you go, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
My Favorite Tips for Toe-Up Success
- Swatch, Swatch, Swatch!
I can’t stress enough how important it is to swatch before starting your socks. This helps ensure that your gauge is spot on, which is crucial for getting the right fit. For socks, I usually recommend using the same needles you plan to use for the socks and knitting a small swatch in the round. It might seem like an extra step, but trust me, it’s worth it! - Choose the Right Yarn
While the original yarn is no longer available, the right yarn can make or break your project. Look for a yarn with a good balance of elasticity and strength—after all, socks take a lot of wear and tear! I’ve had great success with yarns from Hobbii, and I think you will too. - Fit as You Go
One of the beauties of toe-up socks is that you can try them on as you knit. This allows you to make adjustments on the fly, ensuring the perfect fit. Pay special attention to the length of the foot and leg, and don’t be afraid to rip back a few rows if needed—it’s all part of the process! - Mind Your Bind-Off
When you reach the cuff, it’s important to choose a stretchy bind-off that won’t cut into your leg. My go-to is the Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off, which provides plenty of stretch without sacrificing structure. If you haven’t tried it before, I highly recommend giving it a go.
Bringing It All Together
As I worked on the Toe-Up September Socks, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. There’s something so satisfying about reimagining a pattern, especially one as beloved as the September Socks. I hope that you’ll enjoy knitting this version as much as I enjoyed creating it.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original pattern or new to the world of toe-up socks, I encourage you to give this pattern a try. The combination of Judy’s Magic Cast-On, customizable fit, and the opportunity to work with some fantastic sock yarns from Hobbii makes this a project that’s both rewarding and fun.
And don’t forget—if you’re new to Judy’s Magic Cast-On or just need a refresher, my tutorial is there to guide you through the process. You can find it here: Judy’s Magic Cast-On Tutorial.
A Knitting Journey
Knitting, for me, is more than just creating something beautiful and functional. It’s a journey—a process of learning, adapting, and enjoying each stitch along the way. The Toe-Up September Socks are a testament to that journey, blending the familiar with the new, and offering a fresh perspective on a classic design.
So grab your needles, choose your yarn, and let’s get started on this new adventure together. I can’t wait to see how your Toe-Up September Socks turn out! Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Yarn: 120 (180, 240), 300, 320, (380, 480) yards fingering / sock weight yarn
Needles: US #1 / 2.25mm DPNs (or circular for magic loop)
Notions: stitch markers, needle
Gauge: 8sts x 11rows per inch
sizing:
baby (toddler, child,) lg child, adult S, (M, L)
Finished measurements (unstretched):
Cuff (around): 5 (5.5, 6.5) 7, 7.5, (8, 9)”
Leg Length (adjustable): 2.5 (3.5, 4) 4.5, 5, (6, 7)”
Foot Length (adjustable): 4 (6, 7.25), 8, 9, (10, 11.25)”
ABBREVIATIONS
k – knit
P – purl
sm – slip maker
pm – place marker
sl – slip stitch
st – stich
sts – stitches
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, place stitches back onto left needle, knit both slipped sts together
w&t – wrap and turn
kfb – knit front and back
pfb – purl front and back
Toe-up September Socks Pattern
Toe
Cast on using Judy’s magic cast on 16 (16, 20) 20, 20, (24, 24) sts
Knit around
Inc round – k1, m1l, knit to 1 st before end of needle, m1r, k1, repeat on second needle.
Repeat the above 2 rounds until there are 40 (44, 52) 56, 60, (64, 72) sts on your needles. If using dpn it may be wise to separate the bottom of foot onto 2 needles as necessary to make working easier. The beginning of round is the start of the top of foot.
When using dpn: Needle 1 is the top of foot, needles 2&3 are the bottom of foot. I will be using this distribution of stitches for the remainder of the pattern for descriptive purposes.
Foot
Continue working in the round, keeping the top of foot in pattern, until the piece measures 2.5 (3, 3.5) 5, 6, (6.5, 7) inches from back of heel, or 1.5 (2, 2.5) 3, 3, (3.5, 4) inches short of desired foot length.
Gusset
Round 1 – Knit across needle 1, k1, m1l, knit across to last st on needle 3, m1r, k1
Round 2 knit around
Repeat these 2 rounds until you have increased a total of 8 (9, 10) 11, 11 (12, 13) times which will give you 56 (62, 72) 78, 82 (88, 98) sts
Heel Turn
Knit across needle 1 and 2
You will now be working back & forth, not in the round, turning at the end of each row.
Row 1 – k 5 (6, 7) 8, 8 (9, 10) sts, kfb, k1, w&t
Row 2 – purl across needle 3, p 5 (6, 7) 8, 8 (9, 10) sts on needle 2, pfb, w&t
Row 3 – Knit across needle 3, k 3 (4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 8) sts, kfb, k1, w&t
Row 4 – purl across needle 3, p 3 (4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 8) sts on needle 2, pfb, w&t
Continue in this pattern working 2 fewer sts each time until you have 2 sts left on each needle yet to be worked in short rows, ending with a row 2
Heel Flap
Row 1 – Knit across needle 2, knit to first w&t worked, working wraps as you go, turn,
Row 2 – sl1, purl across to first w&t worked, working wraps as you go, turn
Row 3 – sl1, knit to 1 st before gap, ssk, turn
Row 4 – sl1, purl to 1 st before gap p2tog, turn
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have 40 (44, 52) 56, 60, (64, 72) sts total with 10 (11, 13) 14, 15 (16, 18) sts on each of needle 2 and 3, ending with a row 2.
Sl1 and knit across needle 2 and 3.
Leg
Work in stockinette until piece measures 2.5 (3.5, 4) 4.5, 5, (6, 7) inches from the top of the heel.
Cuff
Work in 1×1 rib (k1, p1) for 8 (8, 10) 10, 12, (12, 14) rounds.
Bind off using your favorite stretchy bind off. I like to use a sewn or Italian bind off. You can always add a thread of elastic in the bind off to help it from getting stretched out from repeated use.
Weave in all ends
Toe-up September Socks PDF
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