Monica Knits

The Kitchener Stitch is an invisible, strong method of closing the toe opening. This method is also called "Weaving the Toe" or "Grafting the Toe." In preparation for joining the top and bottom halves of the toe section, the ten (10) stitches on each of the 2.0 mm circular needles have been transfered to two 1.75 mm dpns, to provide additional ease for guiding the darning needle through the loops. The yarn was cut, leaving a 10" tail (1" per stitch) which is sufficient for completing the Kitchener stitch and weaving the yarn end in.

This article is one segment of the "Basic Sock" series. The demonstration sock, a woman's medium size, is based on 64 leg sts. To link to other articles in this series, either: a) click on the index hyperlink in the masthead, then socks and select the desired article or, b) click on the Basic Socks link at the bottom of this article, then click on the desired topic.

KITCHENER STITCH INSTRUCTIONS

1. There are 10 stitches on each needle and there is a 10" yarn tail. Thread this yarn on a darning needle (blunt ended needle).
2. To prevent boxy edges from forming at the right and left corners of the toe, slip the first stitch over the second stitch on each needle. This is similar to a PSSO (pass slipped stitch over), without knitting the second stitch. Repeat the process at the opposite end of each needle. Eight (8) stitches remain on each needle.
3. Kitchener Stitch Set-up
   Purlwise
   1. Position the needles so that the yarn tail comes out to the right, from the rear needle. The needles are held close together, parallel to each other and the table.
   2. Insert the darning needle purlwise in the first stitch of the front needle and draw the yarn through. Leave the stitch on the needle.

   Knitwise

   3. Insert the darning needle knitwise in the first stitch of the rear needle and draw the yarn through. Leave the stitch on the needle.

4. Kitchener Stitch Repeat Pattern
   Knitwise
   1. Insert the darning needle knitwise in the first stitch of the front needle, draw the yarn through, and slip the stitch off the knitting needle.
   2. Insert the darning needle purlwise in the next stitch of the front needle. Draw the yarn through, but leave the stitch on the knitting needle.

   Purlwise

   3. Insert the darning needle purlwise in the first stitch of the rear needle, draw the yarn through, and slip the stitch off the knitting needle.
   4. Insert the darning needle knitwise in the next stitch of the rear needle. Draw the yarn through, but leave the stitch on the knitting needle.

   Done

5. Repeat the 4 steps of the Kitchener Stitch Repeat Pattern until all stitches have been worked and no stitches remain on the knitting needles. Tighten the stitches as you go, matching the tension of the knitting.
6. Using the darning needle, pull the yarn tail through to the inside and weave in the end.

Quality Control Tips

1. By passing the first stitch over on each end, the sock decrease pattern towards the center continues and boxy toe corners are prevented.
2. Use a darning needle (blunt nosed) to avoid fraying the yarn.
3. Adjust the tension after each stitch, so that the Kitchener stitches match the appearance of the stockinette stitch.
4. The 4 step repeat mnemonic is k k p p, with front stitches slipped off on the knit and rear stitches slipped off on the purl.

NEXT STEP - Finishing
Yarn ends are woven in and elastic (optional) is added.
Click here to transfer to the Basic Socks article.