Recreating a Coptic Egyptian Toe Toed Sock

Materials : 100 gm ball of Ashford Tekapo Pure New Zealand Wool (Double Knit 8 ply)
Blunt, large eyed needle – Milwards “Knitters Needles” are ideal

Size : To fit a size 5 (UK) shoe

Tension : 12 stitches and 10 rows over 1 inch – using “blanket stitch”

Note : The sock in constructed from the toes towards the instep. It might be useful to “try it on” as you go along

Step 1 – Big toe

Make a loop and work 7 blanket stitches into the loop
Tighten the loop by pulling the end thread
Work 1 row
Increase by working 2 stitches into every loop (14 stitches)
Work in the round until measuring 2¼ inches

Step 2 – Four Toe Section

Make a loop and work 13 blanket stitches into the loop
Tighten the loop by pulling the end thread
Work 1 row
Increase by working 2 stitches into every loop (26 stitches)
Work in the round until measuring 2¼ inches

Step 3 – Body of Sock

With the 2 toe sections side by side, slip stitch two stitches from each section
Work across the big toe to the join, pick up one of the stitches and then work across the four toe section and round until reaching the join on the other side, pick up one stitch and then continue working across the remainder of the big toe to complete the join

Work in the round on these stitches until work measures 5 inches from the toe joins

Step 4 – Under Heel Flap

Make a flap to go under the heel – identify the centre of the underside of the tube and joining thread work on 14 stitches, turn and work back and forth on these 14 stitches until flap measures 2 ½ inches

Step 5 – Ankle Section

Rejoin thread and pick up and work on 14 stitches down one side of the heel flap, 14 stitches across back of heel flap and 14 stitches down the last side of the flap.
Work back and forth on these stitches picking up one stitch from the instep at the beginning of each row
Work for 1½ inches
Work across the instep stitches and then continue working across the ankle section to work once again in the round
Continue in the round until ankle section measures 4 inches from the back of the heel
Fasten off


Carol Lathwell
March 2010