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Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks
Knit two socks at a time, while working from the toe up! In this delightful guide, Melissa Morgan-Oakes shares her revolutionary knitting technique that allows you to try on the socks as you work, avoid running out of yarn, and steer clear of the dreaded Kitchener stitch to finish off the toes. You can apply this exciting new technique to absolutely any sock pattern to help you to knit fabulous, perfectly formed pairs of socks for the whole family.
176 pages, Spiral-bound
First published January 1, 2010
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217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 17, 2010
When I started this book my thought was, "no way is this going to work." THEN when I came to the heel - which I just mis-typed as Hell - I was really thinking, "This is never going to work." BUT...I kept following the instructions and the very well done photographs and voila - I now have a pair of freaking lime green socks that fit my size 14 feet (for those of you who don't know me - no, I'm not an Amazonian woman but a guy who has taken up knitting as self-defense - I like to think of circular needles as stylized nun-chucks - but I digress). The subtle color choice should go well with my executive power suits.
Thanks to the author for her extremely well done book.
Thanks to the author for her extremely well done book.
July 20, 2010
I learned to do 2-at-a-Time Socks with Melissa's first book and learned Toe Up method elsewhere. Even before purchasing this book, I had devised my own process for combining the two methods. I got this book to see if there were steps I hadn't figured out. Only Casting on process was new idea. Nevertheless, even if you already know this technique Melissa gives you the key for figuring out the "secret" math for several different heel types to make the perfect fit. Great pictures on how-to, and just as in first book, spiral type binding to make it project-use-friendly.
June 8, 2023
I grabbed a kindle copy of this book because it has several sock patterns that I want to knit. (And having the pattern on my kindle app is more convenient than lugging around a physical book—been there, done that, do not recommend.)
While this book taught me to knit socks (toe-up, 2-at-a-time)… the basic sock pattern in itself doesn't work for me (because I have to do everything the hard way and learn by doing and what is row gauge, anyway?) and I've frankensteined myself a basic pattern that I more or less adhere to. The pretty lace and cables and whatnot on the instep and leg, though? Totally worth the book!
While this book taught me to knit socks (toe-up, 2-at-a-time)… the basic sock pattern in itself doesn't work for me (because I have to do everything the hard way and learn by doing and what is row gauge, anyway?) and I've frankensteined myself a basic pattern that I more or less adhere to. The pretty lace and cables and whatnot on the instep and leg, though? Totally worth the book!
March 27, 2018
Toe-Up Two at a Time Socks I like to make socks and frequently look at sock patterns to make socks. I also recently received two very nice skeins of sock yarn from a friend that I am excited to make socks with. She uses sock yarns to make some very beautiful lacework shawls (she is very talented). This book was very discounted a couple of weeks ago and I bought it as it has some skills that I want to learn. I will practice with the new yarns and make some two at a time socks for me and my girls.
February 28, 2025
3.5⭐️
(28FEB25) okay new take I hate this book a bit more. I kept frogging the heels of a sock pattern, and I thought it was a me-problem. Ends up it's not. I shouldn't have to look up a completely different sock pattern to finish the heel, realize what she was actually asking for by seeing a note on a completely different pattern, and frogging the heels AGAIN to do it her way. The socks are cute, but they're not beginner friendly... not due to difficulty, but due to clarity -1⭐️
(Original review 13Aug24) I completed one pattern from this book (as well as the practice projects), looking at the other projects and seeing what's the same vs different, I feel that I have enough background knowledge to review the book.
So the real gem of this book is walking you through making multiple socks at a time, and as most knitters know, each sock is its own project. When you do them seperately, your tension could vary (resulting in two different sized socks), you might lose the willpower to make the second sock, etc. so having a pattern that helps guide you through making socks the same size is incredible!
The patterns are all different enough that it feels like you're buying a complete pattern book, rather than two patterns and 10 other patterns that are basically the first two patterns. How she has you size the socks is fairly accurate, and the socks look great at the end!
My biggest issue with the book is the directions themselves. She uses the same name to refer to different things in a few places, and there were quite a few points that really needed more clarity. The amount of times I showed other knitters directions and they were just as lost as I was, or I ended up saying out loud "OOH THAT's what she meant!" Was far too many imo.
(28FEB25) okay new take I hate this book a bit more. I kept frogging the heels of a sock pattern, and I thought it was a me-problem. Ends up it's not. I shouldn't have to look up a completely different sock pattern to finish the heel, realize what she was actually asking for by seeing a note on a completely different pattern, and frogging the heels AGAIN to do it her way. The socks are cute, but they're not beginner friendly... not due to difficulty, but due to clarity -1⭐️
(Original review 13Aug24) I completed one pattern from this book (as well as the practice projects), looking at the other projects and seeing what's the same vs different, I feel that I have enough background knowledge to review the book.
So the real gem of this book is walking you through making multiple socks at a time, and as most knitters know, each sock is its own project. When you do them seperately, your tension could vary (resulting in two different sized socks), you might lose the willpower to make the second sock, etc. so having a pattern that helps guide you through making socks the same size is incredible!
The patterns are all different enough that it feels like you're buying a complete pattern book, rather than two patterns and 10 other patterns that are basically the first two patterns. How she has you size the socks is fairly accurate, and the socks look great at the end!
My biggest issue with the book is the directions themselves. She uses the same name to refer to different things in a few places, and there were quite a few points that really needed more clarity. The amount of times I showed other knitters directions and they were just as lost as I was, or I ended up saying out loud "OOH THAT's what she meant!" Was far too many imo.
October 10, 2011
While I personally have never understand the fascination with sock knitting, in this book, Melissa Morgan-Oakes has come the closest to inspiring within me the motivation to make many pairs of socks. First of all, there are no double pointed needles - just looking at the configurations of those things makes me want to run screaming from the room. Second, the book is jam packed with pictures and the woman is an entertaining writer. I was literally sucked in by her introduction and found myself reading through half the book in one sitting. The step-by-step photographs are incredible and would absolutely walk any beginner through the process of making socks using her method. I actually did get pretty far into a pair of her sample socks while chaperoning a bus trip with 30+ teenagers - if that doesn't tell you that the method is clear and easy to follow, I don't know what will! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, for doing its very best to convert me into a sock knitter, and for, at the very least, providing me with the tools for making my own pair of socks on circular needles.
November 2, 2018
I'm giving this a 3.5 rating because though excited to try the socks in this book, was very disappointed in my first pair, Tuscany Socks, when they wouldn't fit over my foot. Going to Ravelry and looking at comments from others who made this pattern, I found that because the leg pattern had no give you needed to go up two needle sizes for that part. I wish the book had mentioned it in the directions. Going up the two needle sizes worked and the socks are great with lots of comments, but I shouldn't have had to go elsewhere for that information.
January 27, 2015
this is a book I pick up almost weekly-----I love knitting socks.
February 8, 2019
i wish the instructions were a bit clearer, especially in the heel flap/cup area. hopefully i'll find it easier once i try making a real pair and not just a sample pair, because i basically had to rework the instructions into something that made sense by using youtube and google as extra resources. oh well! i got there anyways, even if it was my own way!
September 8, 2019
Makes Knitting Socks Fun!
Gave five out of five stars because Melissa keeps her writing voice upbeat, happy, and positive. That's important for someone like me who will be attempting socks for the first time and is feeling a little overwhelmed. I love the gorgeous colors and patterns too. Can hardly wait to get started!
Gave five out of five stars because Melissa keeps her writing voice upbeat, happy, and positive. That's important for someone like me who will be attempting socks for the first time and is feeling a little overwhelmed. I love the gorgeous colors and patterns too. Can hardly wait to get started!
November 4, 2025
Well explained and presented, but probably best for an audience very familiar with the conventional knit construction of socks. Otherwise it might feel like an instruction course on backing a car or truck without ever learned to drive it forward. 😋 As an experienced sock knitter, I am curious and have the urge to try this method.
May 11, 2018
Great book
I have this book in book form and e book form. The pictures and diagrams make knitting 2 socks at a time less intimidating. This is a good addition to any knitters library
I have this book in book form and e book form. The pictures and diagrams make knitting 2 socks at a time less intimidating. This is a good addition to any knitters library
March 23, 2019
Good
Explanations are clear and it is nice to have the explanations before the patterns. There is a pattern for every member of the family and for every level el of knitter. This book promises many hours of pleasure.
Explanations are clear and it is nice to have the explanations before the patterns. There is a pattern for every member of the family and for every level el of knitter. This book promises many hours of pleasure.
December 31, 2017
Interesting book
I really like the pattern in this knitting book and look forward to giving two at a time a try soon.
I really like the pattern in this knitting book and look forward to giving two at a time a try soon.
February 21, 2020
Great instructions. Makes knitting the second sock much easier!
October 20, 2021
My favorite sock pattern is in here!
April 23, 2025
I was missing some key skills when I bought this book. had to put it down and watch some videos. now it works great and I will never make my socks one at a time again
July 24, 2017
I've finished my sample socks, yay!
This is the first time I've knitted socks (or heels*), let alone KNITTED USING DIRECTIONS IN ENGLISH. I found the instructions, photographs and diagrams clear and easy to follow, as well as well thought-out and generally excellent. The sample socks turned out nice enough that if I knew anyone with small enough feet, I'd give them as gifts (even though they aren't a matching pair). Now it's time to try making some adult sized socks…*nervous swallow*
*I really thought the heel would be much more complicated to make. Not with these directions!
This is the first time I've knitted socks (or heels*), let alone KNITTED USING DIRECTIONS IN ENGLISH. I found the instructions, photographs and diagrams clear and easy to follow, as well as well thought-out and generally excellent. The sample socks turned out nice enough that if I knew anyone with small enough feet, I'd give them as gifts (even though they aren't a matching pair). Now it's time to try making some adult sized socks…*nervous swallow*
*I really thought the heel would be much more complicated to make. Not with these directions!
August 29, 2011
Finished my sample socks, and it looks like they will fit a small set of feet. I think I will put them in a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.
When I'm a little more organized and work up the courage perhaps I will try a pair of adult socks.
Good pictures & pretty clear directions. I'm not sure if I can wrap my head around modifying other patterns into this particular technique but I'm still pretty new to socks so hopefully it will make sense eventually.
When I'm a little more organized and work up the courage perhaps I will try a pair of adult socks.
Good pictures & pretty clear directions. I'm not sure if I can wrap my head around modifying other patterns into this particular technique but I'm still pretty new to socks so hopefully it will make sense eventually.
March 27, 2011
Amazing looking socks (again!). I may have to buy this one to have since I don't have time to knit at the moment, but when I get a chance to fit it back in, I'd love to do more socks. I tried one from her other book toe-up and it worked nicely, so I'm glad I'll be able to follow the instructions exactly now. And it has the Magic Cast-on I used from the internet too which was very easy to do!
December 18, 2010
Great book. I made the sample socks and like the way they turned out. Toe up - two at a time is the way to go!
May 10, 2011
This is my new bible for knitting socks. I've been working on the same pair for about nine months now, off and on.
March 8, 2012
I'm trying to remember what I didn't like about this book! I just know that I didn't want to finish it. It was a library e-book, and I returned it early.
April 3, 2013
new technique, and a whole lot of socks for gifts lol, warm feet this holiday season. =)
March 8, 2013
Love this book and technique has turned me into a sock knitter
February 9, 2014
Great book for beginning sock knitting!
Want to read
February 15, 2014Purchased this at Madrona 2014
February 4, 2015
Great book !
April 5, 2016
This book has some great sock patterns and tips for knitting toe-up socks. I've already chosen three pair to knit.
April 10, 2021
This did what it said it would do -taught me how to knit toe-up two at a time socks. I knit the plains ones. Great method and book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews