Top Down Socks – a virtual workshop with Ann Budd

In this session online class, Ann Budd will guide you through knitting a basic top-down sock, following the basic instructions in her book Getting Started Knitting Socks. Beginning with a flexible cast-on at the top of the leg, through a flap-and-gusset heel, and ending with Kitchener stitch at the toe, Ann will demonstrate every step necessary to make a pair of socks that you’ll love to wear.

Homework is required, see below.

Skills needed:

Students should be comfortable knitting small circumferences in rounds on double-pointed needles (the instructions are for using double-pointed needles — they will need to know how to convert to magic-loop, two circs, etc.). They also must have knitted at least one pair of socks before.

Materials:

• Homework swatch (see below)
• Yarn and needles used to get gauge
• Needles one size larger than used to get gauge
• Removable (safety-pin type) stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Optional: Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd

Homework

1. Choose a two- (or more) ply sock or fingering weight yarn. You will need about 400 yards (365 meters).
2. Work a gauge swatch on 40 stitches, worked in rounds, changing needles if necessary until you get a gauge of 16 stitches over 2” (8 stitches per inch).