As far as socks go I have always been a “cuff down” sort of girl. This has of course led to me avoiding certain designs due to the direction of the pattern. I realized this was just annoying so attempted my first pair of “toe ups” 3-4 months ago. Now that I understand the way they are structured the world is my oyster!

Why “Here Be Dragons”. Well firstly I think the texture of the pattern looks very much like a scaly reptilian skin. Secondly, when explorers were mapping the world the unknown was often marked “here be dragons” – pretty much as I felt when I attempted my first pair of “toe ups”.

But don’t let the name phase you! This is a step by step pattern which will guide you through the troubled waters of your first “toe up” sock.

NOTE: key for pattern symbols can be found at the end of chart 2 for each size.