Here’s a quick, step by step photo tutorial showing you how to graft the toe of your socks. This is a really handy technique for sock knitting and once you get used to the direction of the darning needle, you’ll be ready to cast on your next pair of socks!
Did you know?
This method is also known as Kitchener stitch but knitters nowadays prefer to call it grafting. You can find out why here.
Grafting, step by step.
To start, you have to end your toe knitting with an even number of stitches and they have to be divided between two needles. You can use any needles for this part but they have to sit parallel. Make sure that the two wrong sides of your work are facing.
To set up, you first need to have your darning needle to hand with your yarn tail threaded through it.
- Put your darning needle through the first stitch on the front needle (the one closest to you) as if to purl and pull your yarn through. Leave the stitch on the needle.
2. Put your darning needle through the first stitch on the back needle as if to knit and pull your yarn through. You also need to leave that stitch on the needle.
The next 4 parts of this will be repeated to the end and they are as follows:
3. Put your darning needle through the first stitch on the front needle knitwise, thread the yarn through and slip that stitch off the needle.
4. Put your darning needle through the first stitch on the front needle purlwise, thread the yarn through and keep that stitch on the needle.
5. Put your darning needle through the first stitch on the back needle purlwise, thread the yarn through and slip that stitch off the needle.
6. Put your darning needle through the first stitch on the back needle knitwise, thread the yarn through. Leave that stitch on the needle.
Now repeat the last 4 steps (3-6) until you’ve closed your toe. Weave in ends and wear with pride!
Video demonstrating the grafted toe.
Do you still need help with grafting? Here’s a handy video from my youtube channel demonstrating how to graft the toe of a sock. The instructions are at the end of this video.
Tip: Why not try making a series of mini socks to practise your grafting technique? They make a fun decoration for advent, too.
I’ve put the instructions together here for you too for a Pinterest pin. Pin it for safe keeping!
Sock knitting patterns to try:
Easy 2 needle flat knit socks patternSimple two needle flat knit sock pattern.
Flock socks knitting pattern. Cuff down sock knitting pattern.
The Andalusian socks. Free textured sock knitting pattern.
Other learning resources for knitters
- Learn how to make a head warmer (headband) with garter stitch and worsted weight yarn. This tutorial shows you how to knit a garter stitch headband in several sizes. Beginners can complete this tutorial, either using the written instructions or the accompanying video. Visit the blog post here.
- Learn how to knit a flat knit sock. Did you know that you don’t have to knit your socks with circular needles? You can also knit them flat on two straight needles. This is my best selling sock knitting pattern that I also added as a free pattern on the blog. Click here to read it.
- Yarn weight and why it matters. This article explores the significance of tension, gauge and why you should always test it before starting out on a knitting project. Yarn thicknesses and needles don’t always match, so I show you what to watch out for and how to get it right every time. Read the post here.