Cat Bordhi-PERSONAL FOOTPRINTS-opening up the leg

Just in case opening up the leg mystifies or frightens you, here is a video to show you how it goes. It's simple and logical and works like a charm. And yes, you can use this method to open up thumbs in mittens, pockets in sweaters, etc.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• socks
• afterthought
• cut
• magical
• Jeny's
• Surprisingly
• Stretchy
• Bind-Off
• knit
• magic
• loop
• circular
• needle
• Cat
• Bordh

[lakiyo78]

Hi cat. I've been knitting for almost 3 years now and I can't get my plain stockinette socks to be without gaps. I use 4 dpns. I have tried using 1 long circular but I feel more comfortable with the dpns. Is there any advice you can give me to get a nice even gauge when knitting stockinette in the round with fingering weight yarn? Thanks so much.

[catbordhi]

@lakiyo78 If you tighten up the second stitch of a new needle, it will hold the first stitch tight. This ought to keep you from having gaps. The first stitch cannot be tightened alone; only the second stitch can hold the first stitch tight.

[catbordhi]

These are the wonderful Addi Lace needles, which I think are the best needles you can buy. They have a tapered point and are sharp, but not too sharp - so they are still comfortable to press a fingertip against. This allows you to get into tight spaces and manipulate your yarn easily.

[catbordhi]

Good question! The loose ends are several inches long, so they are at no risk of unraveling, They spread enough to give way for the leg, and then keep the corner stitches in a strong relationship even if you never do a thing with the ends. You can, of course, weave them in if you wish.

[catbordhi]

I think said "I'm so afraid," but I love your interpretation. You have a fine mind!

[MsKatyDod]

Interesting sock construction! I've done two pairs of top-down socks and am working on my second toe-up pair. I didn't know (and wouldn't have thought of) using a 3 needle bind off on the heel and "steeking" to create an opening for the leg! BTW, thanks for explaining why that was NOT steeking. :-)

[redlexi45]

Great clarity of audio and video. Looking forward to the book and the sock adventure.

[cheesepuppet]

Thank you so much for making these videos! I just got the book today, and I was flipping through it, getting nervous at how many directions I'd have to follow. I'm a very visual thinker! These videos help so much! Now I don't feel so intimidated. I've already got my cut-out and my toe going.

[Khamomil]

This construction method is very clever, congratulations for your inventiveness! Now I want to order your book, please send me a private message for arranging the purchase, thanks alot and Happy Holiday!

[sherryarleen]

I just tried this and it was scary at first but it works wonderful. Thank you for each new idea you come up with.

[mulene]

I love this new way of knitting socks. Book is in the post from you to our lovely Socktopus, can't wait to get my copy! Please come to Knit Nation next year =D Love how your mind works in sock techniques.

[JuanC1965]

Which needle brand are you using in this video?