Crochet a chain several stitches longer than the stitches required.
Lay the chain flat. Look at the two sides. Side one as pictured below looks like a linked chain.
Turn the chain over.
Side two is a series of bumps. This is the side from which you will pick up the cast on stitches.
Insert the working needle under one of the bumps.
With the sock yarn, yarn over needle and pull through. The first stitch is made.
Insert needle into second bump, yarn over needle and pull through.
Second stitch is made.
Continue in this manner until all stitches are picked up.
Hint: When inserting the needle, be sure not to split the yarn in the crochet chain. When you are finished shaping the toe, unzip the chain and pick up the stitches for the other half of the foot.