Heads up! This post contains affiliate links which means I get may get a commission if you purchase something based on my recommendations here.
Earlier this year, I celebrated knitting my 100th pair of socks, and I can count on one hand how many of those were knitted from the toe-up. Yes, I’m definitely a member of Team Cuff-Down, but it’s good to mix things up every once in a while, right? When I spotted these toe-up Soda Water Socks by Yucca, I fell in love with the double-cuff and decided to give it a go.
Knitting the Double-Cuff
The number one reason why I don’t like toe-up socks is because I’m 10x more confident in my ability to knit a stretchy cast-on vs. a stretchy bind-off. So, it’s funny to me that the thing that drew me to these socks – the double cuff – means I was signing up to do two stretchy bind-offs! 😂 (I guess it was a good chance to get in some extra practice!?) I ended up doing Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off using a slightly larger needle and it worked out well. Still, not my favorite thing.
The technique for working the double-cuff was surprisingly simple. I enjoyed this pattern because the designer included short videos demonstrating the various techniques, including the double cuff. And it turns out that you could totally use this method with a cuff-down sock, too – it’s not exclusive to toe-up construction, so plan to see more of these in my future projects!
Soda Water is A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Pattern!
The other cool thing about the Soda Water pattern is that it contains instructions for a few variations, so it’s kind of like 5 patterns in one! You can do a tabi toe or a round toe (using a Turkish cast on – my first one!) There are three cuff options and guidance for knitting the socks ankle length or crew length.
Excellent Form, Shaky Landing
Unfortunately, as well done as this pattern was, it didn’t save me from the second reason I avoid toe-up socks: I can never get the foot length right! I always end up knitting the foot too short, and, true to form, I did that with these socks too. Many knitters have the opposite problem – they struggle getting the size right with cuff-down socks. To each her own, I guess.
In the end, these socks turned out gorgeous and I learned a few new skills, which is always fun! Now, I just need to make a small-footed friend to gift these to! Or, I’ve been considering selling some of my knits and donating the proceeds to charity. What do you all think? How much would these be worth?
yarn details
Knit Picks Stroll in Wonderland Heather and Paisley Heather
Fingering Weight
75% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon
Machine wash gentle, tumble dry low or lay flat to dry
50 g/ 231 yd ball
project details
pattern: “Soda Water” by Yucca (purchase downloadable pattern on Ravelry)
size knit: Size 2
needles: US size 1 (2.25 mm), nickel-plated fixed circular needles
gauge: 35 stitches and 49 rows = 4 inches in stockinette
yarn used: 268 yards (58 grams) of main color (Wonderland Heather) (didn’t measure how much Paisley I used, but it was just a few yards)
finished size: Top of Cuff to Bottom of Heel Flap: 7”’; Heel Flap: 1.8”; Back of heel flap to tip of toe: 9”; leg circumference: 7” (would likely fit someone who wears a US women’s size 5.5 or 6 shoe)
duration: August – November 2024
Leave a Comment