How to Kitchener Sock Toes
You’ve made it to the end of your sock nd now you’re staring down the Kitchener stitch.
If the words “grafting” and “Kitchener” make you want to hide your yarn, don’t worry. It’s actually easier than it seems (see what I did there?). Once you get the rhythm, you’ll be breezing through those sock toes like a pro.
Here’s a simple, clear guide to Kitchener stitching the toes of your socks for a smooth, seamless finish that feels great on your feet.
What Is the Kitchener Stitch?
The Kitchener stitch is a way of grafting two sets of live stitches together using a yarn needle and the tail of working yarn. It creates a perfect finish of sock toes without a bulky seam.
What You’ll Need
Your sock, ready to finish (with an equal number of stitches on two needles)
Tapestry or yarn needle
A tail of yarn at least 3x the width of the sock toe
A quiet moment and maybe a little coffee (optional, but helpful)
Setup
Divide the remaining toe stitches evenly across two DPNs (which is the top and bottom of the toe).
Hold the needles parallel to each other.
Measure 3x the width of your sock toe with your working yarn and then cut the tail.
Thread the working yarn tail into your tapestry needle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Setup Stitches (Do These Once)
Front needle: Insert your darning needle knitwise into the first stitch. Pull yarn through and leave the stitch on the DPN.
Back needle: Insert your darning needle purlwise into the first stitch. Pull the yarn through and leave the stitch on the DPN.
Repeat These Four Steps
Front needle: Insert as if to knit, slip the stitch off.
Front needle: Insert as if to purl, pull yarn through, leave stitch on.
Back needle: Insert as if to purl, slip the stitch off.
Back needle: Insert as if to knit, pull yarn through, leave stitch on.
Keep repeating those 4 steps until you’re down to the last two stitches (one on each needle).
Finishing
When you have one stitch left on each needle, knit off the front stitch and purl off the back stitch.
Pull the yarn snug (but not too tight).
Weave in the tail on the inside of the sock.
Video Tutorial Recommendation
Sometimes a visual walkthrough helps! This is the video I used when I initially learned how to kitchener my sock toes.