Any opinions on the best way to close the toe? The current book that I am knitting socks from says to use the grafting method. Truthfully it seems a bit complicated.
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Have you already knitted the toe? If so, grafting or Kitchener stitch is the best choice.
I kinda like star toes, which are basically the same kind of decrease that’s used on a hat. Divide the number of sts equally by four. Increase or decrease as needed to get a multiple of four. For argument sake let’s say you have 64 sts. Divided by four is 16. So knit 14 sts, and k2tog. Repeat three more times. Then knit one round even. Then knit 13 sts and k2tog around. One round even. Twelve sts and K2 around. One round even. Contine until you have about 8 sts on the needles. Cut your working yarn with a six inch tail. Thread tail end on yarn needle, and run it through the loops of the remaining sts. Pull tight, weave in tail.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
I used that toe for the first time on a pair of socks and really liked it! It made a very nice toe and the finishing was simple. :O) I also finished a pair by using a three needle bind off. Not “correct” I know, but they look fine and are comfy. I figure it might reinforce the toe somewhat too. It does leave a ridge, but I don’t mind. samm
You could cast off and seam those edges but the reason for grafting is that it creates a row of knitting, no seams. It’s only 6 or 8 stitches right? There are clear step-by-step directions (search ‘grafting’ or check out the Knitty article with good pictures) available online. Please try it just once before you give up or decide that it’s not worth the effort, it’s an amazing result!
Redwitch you were right. The video was (as usual) much easier to understand then the written directions that I had. I tried it and it looks good to me. Thanks.