Socks

A friend who knits socks gave this advice:

"If you find a pattern with a "short row" heel, you may find that easier. But these patterns can look complicated until you are actually knitting them.
Also I prefer a top down knitting, I find the toe easier to do at the end."

Hope this helps!

Thank you for that information. The ones Ive read seem quite complicated. Perhaps they will become clearer as I start knitting as you said.

For me the trick with socks was practice makes perfect. It definitely looks more complicated on the written pattern than in practice.

I have a pattern that I do find easy, will look for it and post it, hopefully soon.

And, once you wear hand knitted socks you'll never go back to shop bought ones! I only knit for myself and my daughter 😁 - the feet of the men in my family are far too big!

I was defeated by socks, couldn't master them.

Thank you. Im heartened by the practice makes perfect…

Winwick Mum has good sock pattern that is easy to follow.

Busybeejay1

Winwick Mum has good sock pattern that is easy to follow.

Ah thanks for the reminder! That's exactly where I first learnt how to knit socks. I find it easier to knit socks on 4 needles (in other words not a circular needle). Try this link:

share.google/Lw12ILYpaHbGLJd71

lovecrafts.com have a few free sock patterns .An American website called knitty also has some interesting patterns .
My knitting skills are limited .
I'm sure that the others have better advice.

what you can do it my om did socks when she was in her teens
until a few years ago i stiil had a pair the were argyle my dad work in the canada border and she made them for 4 troopers
never knit after that but was became local well known for her swing and anything you can think of wedding growns suit s for dad even nehru shirts for me bellbottoms

My favourite thing to knit. I have a very old easy pattern, all scribbled on, but i can copy it and email it to you? My local yarn shop lady wrote it for me

I recommend winwick mum, www.winwickmum.co.uk/sockalong
She has a free step by step introduction ( including pattern) to knitting socks right from basic things like which yarn to buy but also including turning the heel and finishing the toe. Several other free sock patterns and helpful tips on her website too.

Have a look at Nimbleneedles on You Tube, he has a lovely video, step by step, knitting toe up in the round. I am a very novice knitter and I have made a good comfy pair that fit perfectly.

I have knitted my own socks for years. There are so many gorgeous sock yarns to choose from. I always go for 4 ply, usually 75% wool and 25% nylon - it’s pretty hard wearing. Winwick Mum has easy patterns (some free) on her website. Enjoy!

I love knitting socks too, because I love a small project 😊 and hand knitted socks are the best.

Where do you buy your wool, KnittyNannie?

I love knitting socks. My family all love them because they are comfortable, last for years and don’t make your feet smell. I use self patterning sock yarn which machine washes at 40c.

I use an ancient Opal pattern and knit on 4 needles from top down (5 for heel) and LOVE turning the heel because it amazes me and I feel clever! 🤣 I always use stitch markers. I always graft the toes too.

I often do Eye of Partridge stitch to reinforce the heel. I love doing that too.

Off now to Google Eye of Partridge!

Sorry if this sounds a bit patronising, but once you've knitted a few pairs, you can knit plain socks (top down in my experience) without a pattern. They are my travel companions, so transportable and even more so if you use magic loop (look for youtube tutorials).

Why knit any socks? You can buy plain socks, patterned socks, long socks, short socks, trainer socks, cotton socks, woollen socks, bamboo socks and maybe silk socks. I just don't get it!

I don't get it either. I never wear socks Winter or a summer, can't stand them

Some folk maybe don't quite get the point of the thread do they. Just noticed two puns in one sentence. Get me!

Semperfidelis - my partner insists that only wool socks will make his feet feel comfortable. I have bought him numerous pairs - not cheap - but they all either lack reinforced heels/toes and develop holes in no time, or their cuffs are too constricting for his ankles. The only ones he really likes are a couple of pairs knitted by my own mother 40 years ago, which are soft, comfortable and durable after many years. I’ve been thinking about knitting some again myself, so this thread is of interest, as I’ve quite forgotten how to do it.

Another sock knitter here, and I agree, hand knitted are better than shop bought. Lots of companies do sock yarns, British ones include King Cole and West Yorkshire Spinners. Using a patterned yarn helps to mask the inevitable beginner's mistakes!

I myself prefer toe up and two at a time on two circular needles (60cm cables, 2.5mm very sharp tips, Hiya Hiya for preference); but then I always was a bit of a show-off .

Thank you all for your replies - just going to read through them all.

semperfidelis

Why knit any socks? You can buy plain socks, patterned socks, long socks, short socks, trainer socks, cotton socks, woollen socks, bamboo socks and maybe silk socks. I just don't get it!

I’ve been told I’m a “process crafter” in other words, I enjoy the creative process. I knit scarfs, mittens all of which I could also buy. I’m forever getting compliments about my (unique) hand knitted stuff from complete strangers on the bus, on the train, when I’m out walking …