4 Ways to Cast-On Cuff-Down Socks
Last week we talked about ways to cast-on socks from the toe-up, but this week we're starting from the other end of the sock! When casting-on socks from the cuff-down, it's important to have a stretchy cast-on so the socks fit over your calves. We're covering four ways to cast-on socks from the cuff-down, including a brand-new method – Kelley's Tubular Cast-On!
German Twisted Cast-On
The German Twisted Cast-On (Also called the Old Norwegian Cast On) gives just enough stretch without being too stretchy. It's similar to the long-tail cast-on and gives a great finished edge for ribbing.
Casting-On Two-at-a-Time Socks for Cuff-Down
Instead of casting on all the stitches for both socks at once, like with toe-up, to do two-at-a-time cuff-down socks you cast-on half the stitches for sock 1 first. Then slide it to the end of the needle, and cast-on all the stitches for sock 2. Slide sock 2 down the needle to the cable, and split them in half on the cable using Magic Loop. Then pick up the sock 1 skein again and cast-on the remaining stitches on the left needle.
Cable Cast-On for Cuff-Down Socks
The Cable Cast-On gives a stretchy & substantial cuff without needing a long tail! Kelley recommends doing the cable cast-on with one needle size larger than you will be knitting with.
Cuff-Down Socks with the Tubular Cast-On
The Tubular Cast-On gives a double knit edge to the top of the sock cuff. It isn't flexible, but it gives a nice edge to the sock cuff. The join of the round is very noticeable with the traditional Tubular Cast-On – but Kelley's method below hides it!
Kelley's Tubular Cast-On without Waste Yarn
Kelley came up with her own version of the Tubular Cast-On that doesn't use waste yarn, is a bit more flexible, and it has a better join for the round. It begins in a similar way, cast-on half the number of stitches using Judy's Magic Cast-On. Watch the video at the top of this article to see how to do this brand-new cast-on!
Are you ready to cast-on some socks now? Which method will you use – cuff-down or toe-up?
Sock yarn to look at: Cascade Heritage Sock Yarn and HiKoo CoBaSi fingering weight yarn.
