There are alternatives to Kitchener Stitch

When it comes to sock knitting there's no need to follow the rules unless you want to. So many knitters I know hate doing Kitchener stitch to close the toe of a sock. So much so that some chose only to knit toe-up socks to avoid the dreaded K word.

Whilst that's a perfectly reasonable strategy there are other ways to close the toe of a sock that don't involve our friend Mr Kitchener.

Sock tip #2: You don't have to use Kitchener stitch

Alternative No. 1 is simply to carry on the toe decreases until you have 8 stitches in total. Then cut the yarn, with a tapestry needle draw the yarn through the remaining stitches and pull tight before weaving in the end as normal. This gives a nice rounded, roomy toe that some people prefer - and it's super simple. Worth a shot to see how you like it.

Alternative No 2 is to work a knitted version of the Kitchener stitch. There is a great tutorial on how to do this here.

Both of these are well worth a try if you really can't get on with Kitchener. You never know, you might find a new favourite.