Hi Hannah, thanks for a lovely video! What changed the sock knitting game for me was knitting two at a time. I wasn’t suffering so much from second sock syndrome but was noticing that my gauge would change so much during a project that I’d end up with two completely different sized socks! This way, even if my gauge changes, the final item still fits.
My gauge was always different and I really struggled to remember what mods I’d made. I’ve tried TAAT but didnt really understand it. This is inspiring me to try again!
My sock game changer was the international (?) heel flap and gusset I learned this year. I learned knitting socks using a stockinette heel flap with a straight turn and gradual decreases. It’s hard to describe, but I would say it’s the classic way your German grandma knits her socks. The type of heel flap you see more on instagram and the English speaking world - slipped stitches, rounded heel turn and decreases every other round - to me is way more aesthetically pleasing, structured and more comfortable. I’ve tried every heel I’ve ever seen by now and it’s my favourite. In general I think you need to find the right heel for your foot. It’s a real game changer!
Ohh I didn’t think about the heel being a game changer! I started with the more instagram heel flap that you mentioned, and do love it. My foot feels so secure! I recently switched to afterthought for my son, as his little feet grow so fast and it’s the quickest for me!
I am also on team 9-inch circulars! They helped me love knitting small circumferences! Also, just bought some knit picks stroll for the first time, and it seems like it’s going to be a great sock yarn!
I feel like we’re on the same journey! I e made some socks but they never fit well. My mum likes to get them for the holidays though so I don’t want to give up… I think I’ll make 2023 my year of socks and try out different patterns like you’ve done. I also really like the afterthought heel!
For me the small circular sock needles (9 inch) were a game changer. I used to knit with DPNs or Addi crazy sock trio, but switching between the needles slowed down my knitting so much in comparison. So highly recommend trying them out. Also sock knitting is the only knitting where I use metal needles instead of wooden ones. Especially for colour work socks circular needles are so much more convenient to keep an even tension. Love your little sock series ❤
I will definitely look into them- I've heard so many good things! I totally agree about metal needles for socks, otherwise I use wood as well. Thank you for your kind comment!
I loved your tips all so amazing! I personally use DPNS just because it’s how I taught myself and for some reason it makes sense in my brain but I am going to try magic loop or my knitting friends will not be happy lol. And I use those little little bulb stitch markers every ten rows to make sure the socks are exactly the same or if I am working out a pattern! I think you would love doing that if for no other reason it makes your counting progress faster!
I also learned on DPNs and didn’t know any different! I just learned about magic loop this year and might have to try 9 inch circulars! I love a visual reminder of my progress, so I’ll be putting bulb stitch markers in my next pair!
Okay tell me… what changed your sock knitter game?
Hi Hannah, thanks for a lovely video! What changed the sock knitting game for me was knitting two at a time. I wasn’t suffering so much from second sock syndrome but was noticing that my gauge would change so much during a project that I’d end up with two completely different sized socks! This way, even if my gauge changes, the final item still fits.
My gauge was always different and I really struggled to remember what mods I’d made. I’ve tried TAAT but didnt really understand it. This is inspiring me to try again!
My sock game changer was the international (?) heel flap and gusset I learned this year. I learned knitting socks using a stockinette heel flap with a straight turn and gradual decreases. It’s hard to describe, but I would say it’s the classic way your German grandma knits her socks. The type of heel flap you see more on instagram and the English speaking world - slipped stitches, rounded heel turn and decreases every other round - to me is way more aesthetically pleasing, structured and more comfortable. I’ve tried every heel I’ve ever seen by now and it’s my favourite. In general I think you need to find the right heel for your foot. It’s a real game changer!
Ohh I didn’t think about the heel being a game changer! I started with the more instagram heel flap that you mentioned, and do love it. My foot feels so secure! I recently switched to afterthought for my son, as his little feet grow so fast and it’s the quickest for me!
Yes to all the things you mentioned. I also like 9 inch circulars and a good darning needle.
Ohh I haven’t tried 9 inch circulars. I’ll definitely add those to my “want to try” list.
I am also on team 9-inch circulars! They helped me love knitting small circumferences! Also, just bought some knit picks stroll for the first time, and it seems like it’s going to be a great sock yarn!
Oh so glad you got some Stroll! I love the variety of colors and it’s availability!
My sock game changer was trying small circular needles!
Ohh okay so many people have recommended them!
I feel like we’re on the same journey! I e made some socks but they never fit well. My mum likes to get them for the holidays though so I don’t want to give up… I think I’ll make 2023 my year of socks and try out different patterns like you’ve done. I also really like the afterthought heel!
Good for you! Hoping 2023 is the year of socks for you ❤️
For me the small circular sock needles (9 inch) were a game changer. I used to knit with DPNs or Addi crazy sock trio, but switching between the needles slowed down my knitting so much in comparison. So highly recommend trying them out. Also sock knitting is the only knitting where I use metal needles instead of wooden ones. Especially for colour work socks circular needles are so much more convenient to keep an even tension. Love your little sock series ❤
I will definitely look into them- I've heard so many good things! I totally agree about metal needles for socks, otherwise I use wood as well. Thank you for your kind comment!
I loved your tips all so amazing! I personally use DPNS just because it’s how I taught myself and for some reason it makes sense in my brain but I am going to try magic loop or my knitting friends will not be happy lol. And I use those little little bulb stitch markers every ten rows to make sure the socks are exactly the same or if I am working out a pattern! I think you would love doing that if for no other reason it makes your counting progress faster!
I also learned on DPNs and didn’t know any different! I just learned about magic loop this year and might have to try 9 inch circulars!
I love a visual reminder of my progress, so I’ll be putting bulb stitch markers in my next pair!