Toe Up vs Top Down Socks... What is Difference?

[mom 3]

I learned to make socks top down using dpns. I've since learned magic loop and want to use this great method to make socks. I have The Magic Loop booklet which has a pattern for a top down sock and I know Silver's tutorial teaches toe up.

What are the advantages/disadvantages between toe up and top down when actually kntting the socks? Also, does the toe feel any different in the two methods (I don't like the feel of a seam on my toes).

Thanks!

[fibrenut]

Hiya Mom,
I've made em both ways with dpn's (haven't done circs) I prefer the toe up method because mainly I am lazy I hate finishing and kitchener stitch just makes me wanna scream sometimes. I use the "sherman sock" method for my heels n toes so no seaming whatsoever. Most patterns for sox are written for top down so it's always good to have those skills available. But I like the fact that toe-up sox you can get really creative on how you do the cuff and the instep and not have to worry about a silly gusset (don't yell at me guys, told you I was lazy LOL). And if yer runnin short on yarn ya'll can just make anklets instead . You won't be runnin out of yarn halfway down the instep. But that's just me. It would be very very easy to adjust the "sherman sock" method to circs as you base your toe n heel stitches on half your stitch count anyway.

[dustinac]

It really comes down to what sock you like making the best...some say toe up is easier to try on but I don't think cuff down is that hard to try on... some like it cause they can keep an eye on their yarn and tell if they can make a long cuff or need to go shorter... I like both ways and use both ways...I've used both ways with magic loop and I do think toe up is easier to get started with ML...but either way works...and you can do a short row heel cuff down and not do a gusset... I don't like doing gussets much either not that they are hard...I just find them really boring and time consuming...again that is just a personal prefrences...basically all socks are what you find you like...same with types of toes and heels... you will prolly need to try several and then decide which works best for you and your foot

[leppardess]

I just recently dipped into the world of sock making but anyway... I've tried cuff down and toe up.... so far, I'm really loving toe up socks. I like the idea of trying it on as I go so I know that it'll fit me properly

I have made cuff down (just tube socks...) and those were fine but they ended up too big for me so I gave them to a friend with bigger feet than I have