Toe Shaping
Toe shaping is the gradual decreasing of stitches toward the end of a sock or mitten, rounding off the tip and giving it its characteristic toe shape.
Explanation
Toe shaping is used to finish a sock or mitten with a rounded, comfortable tip instead of a straight, boxy end. The most common method is decreasing evenly distributed around the entire circumference at regular intervals, often decreasing four stitches every second or third round, until few enough stitches remain to pull the tail through and secure. Some knitters prefer a flatter, more elongated toe shape, while others use a rounder, symmetrical decrease rate - the choice affects both look and comfort inside a shoe.