Top-Down Socks – Measurements
So, you’ve swatched and measured and done some math (stitches ÷ inches = sts/in). Now what?
Well, now you measure the foot and do some more math. Start by tracing the foot in question, holding the pencil perpendicular to the floor (betcha thought you’d never have to do that again after 3rd grade, huh?). Now measure the foot from the tip of the biggest toe to the back of the heel. Why trace instead of just measuring? Two reasons: 1) it’s easier to measure a flat piece of paper than a foot held awkwardly at a decent measuring angle; and 2) tracing automatically adds a tad to the length of the foot which will make for a better fit lengthwise.
Now the circumference measurements – you want to measure snugly just behind the ball of the foot and around the ankle, just above the ankle bone. For most people, these two measurements are nearly the same, varying only by about ½ inch. (Occasionally, there will be a larger difference, usually because of an injury or edema. In that case, you’ll have to fit the foot and ankle separately)
Those are all the measurements you need. If you want further refinement, you can do one more – a heel height measurement. To do this, hold a ruler behind the heel while standing and measure from the floor to the place where the heel and ankle join (where the back of the heel bends). It may help to put a wee mark on the bendy spot first and get a helper to do the measuring, as this one is quite difficult to do on your own foot.
So, your measurements are complete: Ankle circumference, foot circumference, foot length, heel height (that last is optional).
Next: Casting On!
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