Learn how to knit two at a time (TAAT) toe up socks by knitting these fun and cozy slippers. They use super bulky weight yarn and come together quickly, which makes them great for learning this method and for knitting slippers as gifts. Once you understand the techniques, you can knit a pair of these slippers in a day. I love them with the Malabrigo Rasta yarn, which makes one pair of slippers. I suggest getting a skein of super bulky yarn and knitting along with me to make your own slippers!
If you haven’t yet knit a practice sock using this method, I strongly recommend doing so before continuing. It only takes about an hour to knit one of those baby socks, and it uses all the same knitting techniques you’ll need for these slippers. The new skills we’ll focus on with this lesson are how to knit socks two at a time using magic loop (including how to set up your yarn), and how to try them on as you’re knitting to make sure they fit like you want.
The benefits of knitting toe up socks (as opposed to cuff down) are that you can try on the socks as you go to make sure they’ll fit like you want and it’s easier to avoid running out of yarn before finishing the toes (which can happen if you’re knitting cuff down.) The main benefits of knitting socks two at a time are you’ll be sure the socks will be the same size and you won’t get second sock syndrome (where you finish the first sock and then aren’t motivated to knit the second, so you don’t end up with a wearable pair.)
Supplies
To knit a pair of these slippers, you’ll need the following supplies:
- 90 yards super-bulky weight yarn. I used Malabrigo Rasta; one skein makes a pair of slippers. Or any other super bulky yarn would also work. As always, it’s easier to learn a new technique with a light color of yarn.
- US size 13 long (32-40-inch, your preference; I use 40”) circular needle, or size required to obtain gauge (2.5 stitches per inch in stockinette when knitting in the round)
- Safety pin
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Small scrap of smooth yarn in contrasting color for lifeline (optional)
- Two stitch markers (optional)
To help keep your yarn organized (as covered during the lesson below), I also suggest the following:
- Two plastic sandwich bags
- A small bag to hold both skeins of yarn (the pattern for my bag is included in the link below for how to wind the yarn into two skeins)
- A safety pin
- If your yarn is not already wound into two balls, you may also want a yarn winder and swift.
How to Knit Two at a Time
You knit two at a time socks by using a long cable (I prefer 40”), magic loop, and two balls of yarn (more information on organizing your yarn is below.) With both needle tips held together and facing the same direction, you cast on the first sock, then slide those stitches to the end of your needles and cast on the second sock using the other ball of yarn. Then you knit each sock in the round using it’s own ball of yarn. Let’s look at the picture below to illustrate.
In the following picture, there are two socks that I’ve started and have knitted the first several rows. The working yarn for the sock on the right is coming off the back needle. I’m about to pull out the back needle and knit across the front stitches of the sock on the right. When I get to the end of the stitches for the right sock, I’ll put down that yarn and pick up the working yarn for the sock on the left, which is currently coming of the back needle for the left sock. I’ll continue knitting in the same direction I was going, now working the stitches on the front needle for the sock on the left with the yarn for that sock. When I get to the end of the row, I’ll turn the work and knit the other side in a similar fashion. In this way you go around and around, working the front of the right sock then the front of the left sock; after turning your work, you’ll knit the back of the sock that’s now on the right, then the back of the sock that’s now on the left.
The result is two socks knit in the round side by side, each with their own ball of yarn. The video on the slipper pattern page demonstrates every step of how to do this so you can knit along and make your slippers.
Learning to Knit Two at a Time
To knit two at a time toe up slippers, start by reviewing the following:
- Learn how to knit socks by making a practice (baby) sock – this lesson includes all of the techniques you need to knit a sock, except for the steps necessary for knitting them two at a time.
- Learn how to wind and organize your yarn for two at a time socks.
Slipper Knit Along with the Instruction Video
Now that you understand all the techniques, download the pattern and watch the two videos on the pattern page that demonstrate how to knit the two at a time slippers.
Feel free to post a question in the comment section or drop me an email. Happy knitting!
Ready for More Practice?
After you finish your slippers, you might be interested in even more sock patterns, which are available in the post below. Or check out all the available knitting lessons!
Cushion of Joy 