Socks on knitting needles using the Turkish style!

Absolutely! I can give you a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to knit socks using Turkish-style (or Turkish cast-on) knitting. This method is often used for a seamless, toe-up sock, where you start from the toe and work your way up to the cuff. It’s neat, stretchy, and comfortable. I’ll break it down clearly.

Materials You’ll Need

• Yarn: Fingering or sock-weight yarn (usually 75% wool, 25% nylon is great)

• Knitting needles: Double-pointed needles (DPNs), circular needles, or magic loop method, usually size US 1–3 (2.25–3.25 mm) depending on your yarn

• Stitch markers

• Tapestry needle

• Scissors

Step 1: Turkish Cast-On (Toe-Up Start)

The Turkish cast-on is perfect for toe-up socks because it creates a neat, flexible start for the toe.

1. Hold two needles together:

   • You’ll use two circular needles or two double-pointed needles for this method.

2. Start the cast-on:

   • Leave a short tail of yarn (about 6–8 inches for small sizes, longer for bigger socks).

   • Wrap the yarn around the tip of the two needles to form a loop.

   • Insert one needle into the loop and pull yarn through to create the first stitch.

   • Repeat until you have the correct number of stitches for your toe (usually 8–16 stitches depending on foot size).

3. Join for knitting in the round:

   • Carefully ensure the stitches aren’t twisted on the needles.

   • Place a stitch marker to indicate the start of the round.

✅ At this stage, you have a small ring of stitches that will become the toe.

Step 2: Increase for the Toe

Turkish-style toes are usually worked with gradual increases on either side of the toe for a nice, rounded shape.

1. Divide stitches:

   • Half the stitches go on one needle (top of the foot), half on the other (sole of the foot).

2. Round 1 (Increase Round):

   • Knit to one stitch before the end of the top needle, then do make one (M1) increase.

   • Knit the first stitch on the sole needle, then do M1.

3. Round 2 (Plain Round):

   • Knit all stitches.

4. Repeat:

   • Continue one increase round, one plain round until the toe reaches the desired width.

Step 3: Knit the Foot

1. Divide for the foot:

   • Continue knitting all stitches in the round.

   • The number of stitches stays the same; no more increases.

2. Try for length:

   • Measure the foot from toe to heel.

   • Knit until the sock reaches the beginning of the heel.

Step 4: Heel Construction (Turkish or Short Row Heel)

For Turkish-style socks, you can do a short-row heel, which is seamless and smooth:

1. Divide stitches:

   • Place half the stitches on one needle (heel stitches), the other half on the foot.

2. Work short rows:

   • Knit across part of the heel stitches.

   • Turn work, leave the rest unworked.

   • Continue knitting back and forth, wrapping the edges to avoid holes.

3. Pick up stitches:

   • Once the heel is done, pick up stitches along the sides of the heel flap and continue knitting in the round for the leg.

Step 5: Knit the Leg

1. Plain knitting:

   • Continue knitting in the round until the sock reaches the desired height.

2. Add patterns (optional):

   • You can add ribbing (K1, P1 or K2, P2), cables, or colorwork.

Step 6: Bind Off (Turkish Cuff or Standard)

1. Elastic bind-off:

   • Use a stretchy bind-off like Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off.

2. Weave in ends:

   • Use a tapestry needle to hide yarn tails.

Tips for Success

• Use stitch markers at key points like increases and heel turns.

• Try the sock on as you go for perfect fit.

• Practice the Turkish cast-on on scrap yarn first—it can feel tricky but is very smooth once you get it.

• Adjust needle size if your fabric is too tight or too loose.

If you want, I can draw a step-by-step diagram showing the Turkish cast-on and the first few rounds of increases—it’s much easier to visualize than just words.

Do you want me to make that diagram?

Watch video: