How To Knit a Sock on a 12" Addi Turbo Circular

Below is ONline Supersocke 100 Savanne. Glorious colors! This is what makes sock knitting so much fun for me - great colors and stripes - lots of stripes!

Because of the fabulous colors, I am going to knit a simple sock. I have knit socks on the 12" Addi Turbo for several years now. It makes the most sense to me. What could possibly be easier? No long cable to deal with as in Magic Loop, no confusion about which needles to knit with as with 2 Socks on 2 Circulars and very little double point use. This project is so easy to pop into my purse, a zip bag, my sock-knitting bag or even a coat pocket. Remember, you can double click on any picture for a close up look!

Casting On

From my personal experience, 60 sts is the least amount of stitches you can cast on and still join to knit in the round on the 12" circular. (I just used 60 sts for a cast on in a sock design I am working on. I did have to push the stitches around the cable knowing that once I got to the actual pattern which has lots of yos ; it would be very, very loose) A 64 stitch cast on is okay, but you have to make certain you don't cast on too tight or you will have to work the sts around the cable. A 68 stitch cast on or more is a breeze. For my sock, I am using a 72 st cast on. I used 64 sts for a couple of years but realized I didn't like the ribbing of my sock stretched too much while I had it on. So, I began to cast on more sts settling on 68 - 72 sts depending on the yarn.


Begin to cast on. Notice that the stitches are not too tight nor too loose. If your stitches are too tight; you won't be able to join. This could take a bit of practice; maybe one or two tries.

Now, you can see that I have cast on all my stitches. Markers have been placed where the needle breaks would be if I were using double points with 18 sts between markers. I have done a cross-over join. Notice that the stitches are NOT stretched taut around the circular.

One row of K2, P2 ribbing has been completed. You will have to move your stitches around the cable at this point. It isn't difficult; it's not "stretching" them around; it's moving them around. A little sheep marker has been added to note BOR (beginning of round).

I have knit approximately 1 inch of ribbing. (a cute picture of the little sheep) At this point, continue on with ribbing until you are ready to start the heel flap.

Starting the heel flap - Knit 1/2 of the sock stitches off the circular onto a double point. For my sock, that would be 36 sts. You are now going to knit back and forth on the heel flap with two double point needles. The circ acts as a stitch holder for the top of the foot stitches. There are two views below, so you can get a good look.

I knit my heel flap 2.5 inches in length. Below, I am ready to turn the heel. This isn't hard; so don't let it intimidate you. It's actually fun - it's just little short rows knit back and forth in the middle of your heel flap.

I know this looks a bit weird, but it's the side view of the heel flap. (Ohhh, now, I see.....)

A simple turned heel is pictured below. Pretty neat, huh?

A little different view of the turned heel -

Picking up gusset stitches - following the pattern, you should finish the heel turn ready to pick up gusset stitches as pictured below. With another double point, insert your needle catching both threads of the edge (slipped) stitch, wrap the yarn and pull it back through. (a pick up and knit completed) You can do this with a small crochet hook until you master the technique.

Gusset stitches have been picked up down one side of the heel flap.

The next step is to knit the stitches left on the circ onto another double point.

With a fourth double point, pick up the stitches across the other side of the heel flap in the same manner as before.

You now have picked up (and knit) the gusset stitches on both sides of the heel flap. You also have your sock on FOUR double point needles. Yikes!! Did you say you didn't like double points?

Looking at your sock from this point of view, with the needle to the right of the turned heel, knit 1/2 of the turned heel stitches onto that same needle (the same one you used to pick up the last set of gusset stitches.) So, I have taken the needle to the right and knit 10 of my turned heel stitches onto it. (it's a good thing I took a picture of this, right?) When you are comfortable with this technique, this step and the one above will be completed at the same time.

Take your Addi and knit the other 1/2 of the stitches(10 for my sock). You are now ready to knit one complete row "back in the round". As you knit the gusset stitches, knit into the back loop! This gives them a little twist making a great looking gusset! (do this only for the gusset stitches) Place a marker here. Continue knitting across the next double point (these are the top of the foot stitches and you can divide these stitches in 1/2 placing a marker between them). Place a marker here. You are back at the gusset stitches for the other side of the heel flap. Remember, knit in the back loop only, and only for these stitches. Knit the last 1/2 of the turned heel stitches. Place a BOR marker here.

You now have your sock back onto the 12" Addi. Knit your sock in the usual manner until you are ready for toe decreases. You will knit the stitches off onto double points to be able to decrease the toe.

I think most sock knitters will be able to do the toes without a tutorial. If you have questions, email me.

(the pattern for this sock on the 12" circular is available as a free download on Ravelry. My Ravelry ID is Dlhaymark.

Memories of Tugley

Last Tuesday, I lost a cherished friend and companion. Tugley was a part of every minute of my day. He was a constant joy and always comical; making every step I made. His very favorite thing to do was nap beside me while I knitted. He knew when I sat down with yarn, it was time for him to get on the sofa too! Tug ran with the grandchildren; because he was one of them. He proudly wore every t-shirt and sweater I put on him. He loved Nacho Doritos and many times we shared a big bag!


Below are some of my favorite pictures of Tug

Tug napping with Alexis. I could tell him Alexis was coming and he would get beside himself with excitement. When we went to pick him up, at six weeks old, he bonded with Alexis on the ride home. After that, Alexis was always special to him.

He preferred Joe take him for his morning walk.

Tug loved napping on plastic bags - this one happens to be full of yarn! I finally had to put it in a box as he kept going back to it. We were packing to move.

Relaxed and warming his backside in front of the fireplace. On a cold day, he would do this repeatedly throughout the day. I was concerned that he would singe his fur.

Tugley wearing his rugby shirt from Old Navy! This was his favorite. He strutted around in this shirt.

Matthew and Tug. This was taken the last time Matthew was here during Easter. When Matthew was about 3 yrs old, he always wanted to bite Tug's tail. We couldn't leave them alone together for even a minute.

Not one but TWO beds and he's thinking someone has his OTHER chew bone.

My favorite picture of Tugley napping.

Another napping picture. He napped quite a lot but if Joe or I got up or moved around; he was up and going with us.

Can't a guy take a bath without having his picture taken?

Tugley added to my life in more ways than I ever imagined. He will always be loved and remembered in my heart.

What's More Fun Than -

Meeting a girlfriend (that's as obsessive as you) at your favorite yarn shop is one of those really fun things that only knitters understand. That's what I did this morning! Debyknits and husband, from Lake Charles, are in Houston for the weekend. We met at Twisted Yarns for a bit of shopping. Being Saturday, she got to meet TwistedKnitter! Isn't Ravelry just the absolute BEST thing ever?

I needed the Noni pattern for Camellias to go on a purse I am ready to knit. Then, we went for the sock yarn. We both LOVE sock yarn; okay, we obsess about sock yarn. I came home with another skein of Noro Kureyon sock yarn. I found Manos Silk Blend. Once you touch Manos, you can't leave the shop without it! It will haunt your thoughts and you have to go back the next day and get it. Saved myself the trip! Saving the best for last, a stitch book to get lost in - Lace and Eyelets - one of the Harmony Guides. Not forgetting about Joe, I bought 2 skeins of Noro Kureyon for him. He just started knitting Saartje's Noro hat pattern in ArtYarns. It is pretty but not as pretty as it would be knitted in Noro. So, he has a second hat in queue, thanks to me! He seemed excited.....

Manos Silk Blend - I am thinking handwarmers with an open lace pattern on the top of the hand. Aren't those gorgeous colors? I may have to swatch the Manos tonight.

Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn

I finished Todd's Birthday Socks! Yea! They need to be washed and blocked, then get another picture. Kim, don't tell him they're on the blog! I will be delivering them to him this coming weekend.

I will be finishing the second sock of the first pair of Noro socks. I am working through the pattern for errors as I knit the second sock. The pattern will be a free download on Ravelry.

Debby Ware Workshop

This is the cover of Debby Ware's book entitled "Too Cute"! That is exactly what you say when you flip through and see all the cute patterns for children.

We had quite a group of knitters in attendance. Debby Ware is truly a most delightful lady. As you can see, she kept us busy! We were so inspired by the knitted displays she brought from her new book, Scrumptious Toppers for Tots and Toddlers: 30 Hats and Caps from Debby Ware, that will be out September 30th.

I can't believe it's Me and Debby Ware!

Debby is definitely a "hands on" instructor! We all had THE best time!

She walked around the room giving each one of us individual attention.

At left is the booklet she gave each of us. It is full of fun stuff along with two knitted examples of 2 color ribbing. The Tutti Frutti Beret is the pattern I started. It is at the top right along with a bootie I made in the workshop.

And a good time was had by all!

First Noro Sock

I have completed the first Noro sock. The colors are pretty fantastic and they are photoing pretty true to color today in the sunlight. As you can see, the toe still needs to be kitchenered. Isn't that an incredible color at the toe? This is the mock cable pattern that I mentioned in a previous post. I like it; it's fun to knit and it does knit up quickly. You can see how I continued a cable down the side of the heel flap. There is some of the "thick and thin" business going on - the same as in the Silk Garden I am knitting entrelac. It doesn't really affect the look of the sock in any way that I can see.

This is just a different view of the leg of the sock to be able to see the colors.

This is about the best full shot that I could get. I am anxious to wash and block them when the second sock is completed. I know they soften some but I want to see for myself.

Close up of heel flap detail. More pictures will follow of the two socks washed and blocked.

Okay, on to the second sock. (I have been cheating on this sock and knitting another pair of socks from Trekking XXL for Todd. No pictures of that sock will be posted here as Todd sometimes checks out MIL's blog. You will be able to see them soon on Ravelry at Dhaymark.

I have a few things in queue to knit. When I do that, I find that I struggle to enjoy the knitting I am working on because I am so anxious to get to the next project. Since I really have no time constraints, I am trying not to do that to myself. Weirdness.

More Noro

I have been working on the Noro sock along with a couple other knitting projects. The colors changing are absolutely addictive! I am pleased with this picture. Although the colors are not absolutely true; they are well represented. The stickiness of the yarn that I mentioned previously actually has a plus. It keeps dropped stitches from running! They pretty much stay right where they are!

I have turned the sock onto it's side to try and photograph the little mock cable going down the sides of the heel flap. This adds just a bit of detail if you wear shoes that have no back as many of us do these days. You can see it fairly well from this view. The cables are going to continue down the top of the foot to the toes. In this photo, the colors look washed out. In reality, they are rich, jeweled tones.

Along with this sock, I have been working on an entrelac project. Once you get your head into the pattern, it is a fun knit. That project is also in Noro yarn - Silk Garden.

I have started SIL, Todd's, socks; twice actually. The first sock yarn just didn't look like Todd. So, I chose another yarn and started again. I think he will like this yarn better. His bday is mid-March so I have awhile but wanted to get started and have it finished in time to put it into the mail, if necessary. I don't usually have this many projects going at one time! It makes it seem like you never get anything completed.

We are watching the weather closely this afternoon. Our area has a potential for a severe weather outbreak late this evening. The weather channel has put a meteorologist in College Station; sorta half way between here and Dallas, I guess. I am wondering where Jim Cantori is! He is always in the middle of the worst weather! We have put the car in the garage and secured everything on the front and back porches. It is getting pretty windy outside! I am going to go watch the Weather Channel and knit on a sock; Joe is watching golf.

Noro Socks Started

Finally, I am starting socks with the Noro Kureyon sock yarn. I have really been looking forward to this because the colors are so much fun to work with. This is colorway #S185. I noticed immediately that this yarn feels stiff and almost sticky with NO stretch at all; it sticks to itself almost like spider webbing. I know this must be a sizing on the yarn. Once you begin to knit and it passes through your hands; it softens. It knits like a dream with color transitions that are spectacular and completely addictive; I don't want to put it down. That's why we love Noro yarns. In total honesty, the yarns themselves are only so- so. We all have favorite yarns that are better quality but they can't compete with the Noro colors. Noro is just kinda scratchy. I will let you know how it feels after washing as I will wash it ASAP.

I have rolled the Noro into a ball and it has looked fabulous sitting about waiting to be knit.

I had a hard time deciding what pattern to use for my socks. I knew that a pattern, for me, would get lost in the colors; but I didn't want to just knit 2 X 2 ribbing and go into a sock foot. I searched through my stitch books looking for something fairly simple since I had knit group coming up Saturday (yesterday). I found the mock cable and thought it looked nice having a bit of vertical interest and a nifty little stitch maneuver to keep boredom from setting in.


I had no idea how fast this would knit up! I am amazed! I had the ribbing completed and started the mock cable stitch pattern Saturday morning before leaving for Sit and Knit at Panera's. As you can see, it has progressed quickly with 6 inches of cuff before starting the heel flap. I have several pictures here - sadly, the colors are not quite true. The top of this sock is deep purple, going into a lavender, then an army green, paler green, and into a burgundy brown beginning to show on the heel flap. As I watched this sock grow, I really liked the way the stitch pattern looked. So, I went and got my notebook to take notes as I knit. This sock began with a CO of 72 stitches because of the lack of stretch in the yarn. I am getting 9 sts to an inch on 2.5mm needles.

I am really enjoying knitting with this yarn. I think it would make great handwarmers, hats, scarves, and baby things.

I have elected to work the heel flap over 40 stitches (that's 4 more sts than I would normally use meaning almost half an inch larger) so I could keep the mock cable running down each side of the heel flap. Once I get the heel completed and try it on, I will decide if it is too large) I have done this before on a previous design and like the way it looks. You can kind of see the mock cable here at the edge of the heel flap.

This pattern will be written up using a CO of 64 (72, 84, 96). Not all the heel flaps will incorporate the mock cable down the sides of the heel flap.

Shhhhh..... My SIL, Todd, has a birthday coming up in about a month. I was told he wants another pair of handknit socks. If I thought he would like these colors, I would give him these. Kim picked out some sock yarn for him when they were here. They are definitely more sedate.

Lakeview Handwarmers (Kim's) are Finished

Kim's handwarmers are finished! I would have had them done sooner if I could have skipped the dizzy head bug! Every time I tried to focus on my knitting; my head would really take a whirl! I am so glad that is gone! Okay, the yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, size #1 US needles and a simple pattern that was created as I knit. I did the crocheted beaded edging! Crochet is at it's best for this kind of stuff!

A picture of them both together. Kim, I will mail them Monday. I want to take them to my knit group on Saturday to show them.


Now, I can play with the Noro sock yarn! I knew if I started with that I would be forever finishing these! Pictures will soon follow. I think I am going to use a knot stitch pattern.