handcrafted | thoughts on knitting socks

Sock knitting was not a bandwagon I jumped on early in my knitting journey. It took me a good 5 years--and the gift of a pair of beautifully knit socks from my friend Eileen--to actually give sock knitting a serious try. My first attempts were met with confusion about turning a heel (I don't think it helped I was trying a tricky toe-up pattern) and frustration over picking up stitches to form the gusset. The sock yarn was put aside and I focused on things like cardigans and hats over the next few years.

I think the turning point for me was understanding short rows and discovering the beauty of Magic Loop (more on that in a moment) knitting. Handknit socks are incredibly comfortable and warm too; I wear mine almost constantly throughout the winter and a couple pairs inside my wellies when I have to shovel snow. I am a convert!

I have tried learning sock knitting techniques from books, but unlike sewing I do a lot better watching someone else demonstrate the methods. In my case this usually means YoutTube (though I have an amazing local yarn store that has offered advice on occasion). KnitPicks series is the one that I found worked best for me. This series really was a "lightbulb" moment for me, as all the parts of a sock are explained, and construction techniques patiently reviewed.

the entire playlist for Kelley's Sock Class series can be found here.

All of my socks are knit using the Magic Loop method with one (long--I usually knit with a 32") cable needle. I really dislike using double-point-needles (dpn's) because they have a tendency to slide out of my stitches. Once I learned the magic loop technique, I was hooked! I use it for just about all of my small circumference, in the round knitting.

I tend to prefer toe-up sock knitting at this point (I'm not keen on grafting), but I still knit an occasional cuff-down pair. I have found my favorite cast-on method is Tilly's stretchy cast-on. A normal cast-on method can be tricky since it doesn't build enough spring into the ribbed top of the sock, unless you space the stitches further apart on your needle as you cast on. I however have had mixed results with this, and I think in part it's because I knit rather tight. I like the linked method because it's easy to remember and provides a pretty stretchy edge. (Conversely, if you knit a toe-up sock, a stretchy bind-off is a good idea too! I don't have a favorite; there are a myriad of techniques to choose from!)

If you're a knitter, you know Ravelry is the place to find patterns. I admit, when the knitting bug bites I spend a bit too much time digging around there! But I have found some excellent sock patterns. I have a tag for ones I've favorited, but here are a few (free!) basic styles that I've knit and enjoyed:

• Rye by Tin Can Knits - probably the easiest/quickest since it's knit in DK rather than fingering.
• Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder - simple to remember, all-over texture pattern!
• Basic Ribbed Socks by Kate Atherley - I've knit this up a few times, and it's an easy pattern that is satisfying and the ribbing helps fit a variety of foot widths (good for gift socks!).
• Area 51 by Louisa Sisson and Emma Grundy Haigh - admittedly, the only "lace" sock I've knit, but easy and accessible for those of us that hate lace knitting (and are geeks. I love that this pattern taps into some of my favorite nerdoms!).
• Vanilla Latte by Virginia Rose-Jeanes - another super simple, ribbed style (I sense a trend here!), but I like the mix-and-match aspect of this pattern. Great for trying out different heel, ribbing, etc. styles.

I've discovered that while I enjoy the occasional complicated pattern, I do prefer the basic styles. Sock knitting--for me--is about relaxing and having a relatively quick project. I can whip up a pair in about a week of committed evening knitting, which is much faster than cardigans and sweaters.

Now yarn... I must admit while I stick to a pretty strict budget with most of my other knitting, sock yarn is where I indulge a bit more (especially if it's a gift for someone). I haven't found one yarn that I love and have used again and again, because there are lots of great sock yarns out there and I like trying a new one for each project! (I've started buying some smaller brand sock yarns ("indie" yarns, I guess?), and my gosh! The colors!!!) KnitPicks has some great options, and having used their fingering weight for sweater projects, I can attest that it's a very good bang for your buck.

As I'm still relatively new to sock knitting, I'd love to know what your favorite methods, resources and patterns are! What tips do you have for sock knitting?