Learn to Knit with Socks
Why I think that socks are the best projects to learn about knitting
My very first “big” knitting project was a pair of socks. I had just fallen back in love with fiber arts and I became obsessed with knitting podcasts on YouTube.
Inspired, I bought some circular knitting needles, and some wool, and decided to knit myself a pair of socks.
I had absolutely no idea what I was doing in the beginning. I remember that I needed to ask the store attendant what a “DK” weight of yarn was and where to find it in-store.
I have come a long way since then, so I want to share all of the sock projects that I have finished so far. I’m going to explain the project, what I learnt, and the key take-aways that I think anyone can benefit from.
Felizitas by knit hann (Ravelry: WoollyWordsmith's My First Sock!)
Pattern: Felizitas by knit hann (a free pattern)
Yarn: Cleckheaton Country Naturals 8 Ply (wool)
Needle: 3.00mm
Thoughts
My first pair of socks and how I fell in love with knitting. I purchased my first set of circular needles, some 100% wool yarn (the first time I had ever used non-acrylic), and immediately went home to cast on. This was a huge learning curve with a lot of frogging and adjustments. However, I learnt so much from this first pair of socks and it gave me confidence to know that I could make something with my own hands. There were a lot of firsts with these socks: first time knitting socks, first time knitting in the round, first time knitting colourwork, and first time knitting a garment that needed to fit an actual human being. I had to frog these socks several times because I made a mistake or didn’t leave long enough floats, or knit backwards (I’m not even entirely sure how I accomplished that). However, I loved the final product…until they fell apart because I didn’t use sock yarn.
Key take-aways
Leave long floats for socks when doing colourwork - they have to stretch over your heel!
8 ply socks do not fit in most shoes, so be careful when choosing a sock thickness.
Sock yarn is marketed as sock yarn for a reason. Standard 100% wool is not durable enough for your feet.
Lumme by Heidi Alander (Ravelry: WoollyWordsmith's Lumme Socks)
Pattern: Lumme by Heidi Alander
Yarn: Schachenmayr Catania Flammé
Needle: 2.50mm
Thoughts
The Lumme Socks were knit with my partner in mind. I asked her to pick out some yarn and a pattern that she liked. Unfortunately, at this point I still didn’t quite understand the true importance of choosing sock yarn. So, she picked out a 5 ply cotton yarn. Those of you who are regular sock knitters are screaming at your screens right now. For those who aren’t, what ever you do, never choose 100% cotton for a sock. Unfortunately, there is no stretch or spring to the fabric, creating major fit issues. There were some positives to this project, though. It was the first time I did a toe-up construction and, since then, I have favoured the toe-up sock. I also learnt how to do German short rows and lace for the first time with this project. I loved the process of this knit, but the finish product left a lot to be desired. Due to the cotton fabric, not only does the sock not fit well, but there is no elasticity in the cuff. I had to sew elastic into the inside of the cuff and it is not very comfortable to wear.
Key Take-aways
Experiment with construction styles to find the one that you like the best.
Socks are a great way to practice new techniques like lace or cables, without needing to commit to a large project.
NEVER choose cotton for socks. Save yourself the heartache (and uncomfortable feet).
Morning Coffee by Valentina Consalvi (Ravlery: WoollyWordsmith’s Morning Coffee Socks)
Pattern: Morning Coffee by Valentina Consalvi
Yarn: Schachenmayr Catania Flammé
Needle: 2.50mm
Thoughts
I cast these on while I was still in denial about the flop of the Lumme Socks. So, I used the same cotton yarn and tried my best with a super stretchy cast on and ribbing. However, after knitting for a while and trying them on, the cotton is simply not going to work for socks. Also, these really solidified my love for the toe-up construction. I have now completely frogged these socks.
Key Take-away
If you want to use the same yarn for multiple similar projects, wait until you know for sure that you like it to cast-on the second one.
Baby Socks (Ravelry: Baby Blues)
Pattern: Self-drafted
Yarn: Circus Tonic Handmade Pageant DK Twist
Needle: 2.00mm
Thoughts
After knitting three pairs of socks, I felt quite comfortable with the sock formula. It was then very easy to adjust that for baby socks. I had quite a few people in my life have children at the same time, so I knit four pairs of various sizes and yarn in quick succession. I stuck with the same formula for all of them and it worked well. Each of these socks was very quick to knit and made perfect gifts. I added some purl bumps on the leg for some additional interest, but I think that once you know the basic sock formula, it’s easy to adjust in many ways.
Key Take-aways
Basic sock formulas can provide knitting freedom.
If you want a quick, satisfying knit, choose a baby sock.
Basic Ribbed Socks by Kate Atherley (Ravelry: Perth Socks)
Pattern: Basic Ribbed Socks by Kate Atherley
Yarn: Schachenmayr Regia Design Line by Arne & Carlos 4-fädig / 4-ply
Needle: 2.50mm
Thoughts
I used Kate Atherley’s book Custom Socks: Knit to Fit Your Feet to find my perfect sock measurements and knit these socks. Through this process, I discovered that ribbed socks fit very well due to the “give” that the fabric provides. I also discovered that a toe-up heel-flap and gusset construction does not require picking up stitches and provides a better fit than the German short row heel. After the baby sock parade, I felt confident with sock construction. After the Perth Socks, I felt confident with sock fit.
Key Take-aways
Time spent measuring your foot and doing gauge calculations is invaluable for a well-fitted sock.
If you’re having trouble with sock fit, try a ribbed sock. They are more forgiving in fit.
India Socks by Jane Carr (Ravelry: India Socks)
Pattern: Self-drafted
Yarn: Art Viva by Mary Jane 4 Ply Sock
Needle: 2.50mm
Thoughts
This was the first time that I tried to create my own sock. I used the foot pattern for the Basic Ribbed Socks by Kate Atherley and then created my own design with a cable up the side of the socks. This design gave me the chance to understand how cables impact sock stitch counts and how important it is to swatch the cables or special stitches to figure out the correct gauge. I found that the cables significantly changed the fit of the socks and I had to rip back a few times.
Key Take-aways
If you have a sock idea in mind and a good idea of sock construction and fit, give self-drafting a go.
Don’t be afraid to increase stitches to fit a big calf.
Jarvis by Kate Atherley (Ravelry: Jarvis Socks)
Pattern: Jarvis by Kate Atherley
Yarn: Passioned Flower Tendril 4ply
Needle: 2.50mm
Thoughts
After the success of Kate Atherley’s Basic Ribbed Sock, I found another pattern in the same book that I liked the look of. This was the second time I had knit lace (the first being the Lumme Socks). It was a far slower sock to complete, but the lace looks beautiful. The only issue is that the sock yarn I used had an alpaca base and I am too harsh with socks for that. I know that these socks might not last very long, but I’ll enjoy them while I can.
Key Take-aways
Not all sock yarn is created equal (although most is better for socks than non-sock yarn).
Lace takes a lot longer than rib, so be prepared.
If you haven’t delved into the world of knitted socks yet, I hope this gave you the courage to try. Socks are very rewarding to knit and can teach so many techniques, all just with one 100g skein of yarn.
What are you sock tips and tricks? Leave a comment down below.
As always, thank you for being here.
Until next time,
Jane
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Fabulous! I so enjoyed reading this 🫶