FIELD: textile industry. SUBSTANCE: method involves two stages: first stage providing oscillation of needle cylinder about its axis at oscillation angle of about 180 deg for moving needle cylinder half faced to sinker half so that it passes feeding mechanism; withdrawing catching members from sinker half in radial direction toward needles of machine to receive at least one thread from feeding mechanism and lift it to knitting position. During each oscillation cycle, equally spaced needles of cylinder half are replaced by needles retracted to knitting position during subsequent oscillation cycle or cycles. Upon catching of thread or threads which are supported by catching members, first needles are lowered. Method involves second stage providing sliding of catching members toward sinker half for sinking threads supported by them; third stage providing knitting of heel portion by needles of cylinder half; fourth stage providing turning of sinker half about diametric axis so as to face to other cylinder half; fifth stage providing transfer of threads sunk by catching members to needles of other half of needle cylinder; actuating machine for final manufacture of article. EFFECT: increased efficiency and improved appearance of closed toe portion of sock. 3 cl, 10 dwg
