I need a wider leg than foot on my sock. I often adjust the fit on top down socks by doing more decreases after the heel (usually 4 stitches fewer so that the toe decreases are still easily done) or going down a needle size (if it's a patterned sock where having four fewer stitches would be strange looking or difficult). You don't have to knit your socks on a single needle size! And sizing down on the foot puts a denser fabric where all the wear and tear happens anyways, so added bonus.
Brilliant advice and so helpful, thank you! I myself do the opposite and make the ankle tighter than the foot. We have to do what works for our body :)
Re. arches: personally I prefer a German short row heel for flat feet/low arches. But you can also make the heel flap a bit shorter by knitting fewer rows. The opposite works for high arches: knitting a longer heel flap. My sock "revelation" happened when I learned how to knit toe up socks with the magic loop method and started to knit them two at a time. It was an instant cure for my second sock syndrome :) I know some people hate magic loop, but for me it was a game changer. It also makes knitting colorwork much easier.
I currently learned to do a german twisted cast on and I am working the cuff in twisted rib. I find this combination very nice. It looks good and is very stretchy.
I love making socks two at a time on circular needles toe up with heel and gusset. I still have my very first pair of socks...way too big and loose but still warm for in the house. I just don't wear them in shoes. Two of my sons and my husband all appreciate these socks. My eldest son isn't really willing to try (so far). My daughter now makes her own but I still make them for her husband because, as she says, I'm faster. Socks are a almost magical when the heel is turned and I always feel a deep connection to knitters of the past with each pair I make.
If you're knitting socks with superwash yarn, keep in mind that they will bloom a bit (or potentially more if your gauge is looser) when washed. I usually try to knit my socks slightly tighter than would be ideally comfortable so that the slightly larger sock will be perfect. For several years I knit with a gauge/stitch count that was "perfect" before washing, which gave me loose socks in the end. This applies much less, if at all, for non-superwash sock blends.
@@roseshayer4608 That's what I've found. If the primary wool content is superwash, it will bloom/stretch a bit with washing. I haven't noticed a significant difference between 100% superwash and superwash/nylon blends
this is what happened to me too! i didn’t realize it was a superwash thing. the only way i’ve discovered to ensure a good fit is ribbing all the way down lol.
I love knitting socks with the two circular method. 1/2 stitches(instep ) on one and 1/2 stitches(heel) on the second. Then i just need 2 markers that mark mid points on either side, you then alternate needles and heel is easier. I also always use a cheat card (mine is a keychain from etsy) with kitchener steps on it so I don’t screw it up. Good luck.
After nearly 50 years of knitting, I recently learned how to do Tillybuddy's Very Stretchy Cast On. I think, from now on I will always use this caston for socks , it's brilliant.
My tip would be: Always do a garter stitch edge (2 stitches is fine) on the edges of the heel flap It makes picking up stitches for the gusset ultra easy But best of all it gives a seamless join on the INSIDE..........making the sock just so comfortable
I'm looking forward to your video on your cast on technique. I use the German twisted cast on which is fairly stretchy but I have large calves and it doesn't seem to be stretchy enough. I tend to knit the leg of my sock fairly short to compensate. I use the heel flap and gusset also. I have only tried one other type, the strong heel. I actually like picking up the stitches for the gusset.
I have "shapely" calves also. Have you considered casting on a larger number for the ribbing, then decreasing towards the ankle? That will mimic the shape of your leg more. Cast on video forthcoming :)
I would love a tutorial on how to do a simple patterned sock. I’ve been continuously working on vanilla socks to build up my sock experience and am now ready to move up to a patterned one.
would you consider making a video about the kitchener stitch? or do you have a tutorial recommendation? i got it wrong on both socks of my first pair and i want to get it right for my first pair lol😅
You can use any weight yarn, but the thicker the yarn is, the thicker the socks will be. Some people consider socks made from worsted or bulky yarn as slippers since they won't fit in your shoes. I like to knit socks with sportweight yarn because sock weight just takes way too long! Sportweight socks still fit in my sneakers and I use a size 3 needle.
Newbie question: What length needles (DPN and circular) are best for socks and, in the case of circulars, what length cable (without using Magic Loop)?
If you want to knit socks on circulars without using magic loop you'll want to look for 9" circular needles. If you find you really like knitting socks you could look at a set of interchangables like the chiaogoo mini shorties.
Double pointed needles are terrifying for me. And if I make tube socks I know they will fit anyone. I a allergic to lanolin and wool so I haven’t found a yarn I could use for socks using tiny circular needles.
Here's a plant-based sock yarn: www.veganyarn.com/collections/pleiades-sock It's not cheap, because it's also hand-dyed with non-toxic dyes, but it is a pleasure to work with :)
"This was filmed in june 2020, still in lockdown", she says. me: *cries in february 2021, STILL in lockdown*. Upside, I'm finally learning how to knit socks.
I need a wider leg than foot on my sock. I often adjust the fit on top down socks by doing more decreases after the heel (usually 4 stitches fewer so that the toe decreases are still easily done) or going down a needle size (if it's a patterned sock where having four fewer stitches would be strange looking or difficult). You don't have to knit your socks on a single needle size! And sizing down on the foot puts a denser fabric where all the wear and tear happens anyways, so added bonus.
Brilliant advice and so helpful, thank you! I myself do the opposite and make the ankle tighter than the foot. We have to do what works for our body :)
Re. arches: personally I prefer a German short row heel for flat feet/low arches. But you can also make the heel flap a bit shorter by knitting fewer rows. The opposite works for high arches: knitting a longer heel flap.
My sock "revelation" happened when I learned how to knit toe up socks with the magic loop method and started to knit them two at a time. It was an instant cure for my second sock syndrome :) I know some people hate magic loop, but for me it was a game changer. It also makes knitting colorwork much easier.
I currently learned to do a german twisted cast on and I am working the cuff in twisted rib. I find this combination very nice. It looks good and is very stretchy.
Sounds great, I do enjoy a twisted rib cuff :)
I love making socks two at a time on circular needles toe up with heel and gusset. I still have my very first pair of socks...way too big and loose but still warm for in the house. I just don't wear them in shoes. Two of my sons and my husband all appreciate these socks. My eldest son isn't really willing to try (so far). My daughter now makes her own but I still make them for her husband because, as she says, I'm faster. Socks are a almost magical when the heel is turned and I always feel a deep connection to knitters of the past with each pair I make.
How wonderful that you have so many willing recipients :)
If you're knitting socks with superwash yarn, keep in mind that they will bloom a bit (or potentially more if your gauge is looser) when washed. I usually try to knit my socks slightly tighter than would be ideally comfortable so that the slightly larger sock will be perfect. For several years I knit with a gauge/stitch count that was "perfect" before washing, which gave me loose socks in the end. This applies much less, if at all, for non-superwash sock blends.
excellent advice!
Is this the case still if the yarn is 25% nylon and 75% superwash wool?
@@roseshayer4608 That's what I've found. If the primary wool content is superwash, it will bloom/stretch a bit with washing. I haven't noticed a significant difference between 100% superwash and superwash/nylon blends
@@courtneylittle9922 Okay, thanks!
this is what happened to me too! i didn’t realize it was a superwash thing. the only way i’ve discovered to ensure a good fit is ribbing all the way down lol.
I love knitting socks with the two circular method. 1/2 stitches(instep ) on one and 1/2 stitches(heel) on the second. Then i just need 2 markers that mark mid points on either side, you then alternate needles and heel is easier. I also always use a cheat card (mine is a keychain from etsy) with kitchener steps on it so I don’t screw it up. Good luck.
After nearly 50 years of knitting, I recently learned how to do Tillybuddy's Very Stretchy Cast On. I think, from now on I will always use this caston for socks , it's brilliant.
My tip would be:
Always do a garter stitch edge (2 stitches is fine) on the edges of the heel flap
It makes picking up stitches for the gusset ultra easy
But best of all it gives a seamless join on the INSIDE..........making the sock just so comfortable
It's a lovely detail :) I've had fun using this technique on my recent sock designs too
I would love a tutorial on how to do this technique.
I think that you are my new favourite youtuber.
I just learned combination knitting and it really makes the 1x1 ribbing neater and a bit tighter.
I’ve started using the STRONG HEEL, found in “The Sock Knitter’s Handbook!
I've never heard of it, I'll check it out!
to avoid second sock syndrome, do TAAT!!! (two at a time, i prefer magic loop)
I find the Chinese Waitress cast on the best!!! Very stretchy and pretty.
I love it, too, and have since used it for just about everything I make, now.
I'm looking forward to your video on your cast on technique. I use the German twisted cast on which is fairly stretchy but I have large calves and it doesn't seem to be stretchy enough. I tend to knit the leg of my sock fairly short to compensate. I use the heel flap and gusset also. I have only tried one other type, the strong heel. I actually like picking up the stitches for the gusset.
I have "shapely" calves also. Have you considered casting on a larger number for the ribbing, then decreasing towards the ankle? That will mimic the shape of your leg more. Cast on video forthcoming :)
One term that I have heard and have yet to find and try is a double gusset.
I would love a tutorial on how to do a simple patterned sock. I’ve been continuously working on vanilla socks to build up my sock experience and am now ready to move up to a patterned one.
Just go for it! I have a range of patterned sock designs too, you could try the "Red Brick Socks" for an easy texture
The Crimson Stitchery I’ll look at your patterns! Thanks for the encouragement.
would you consider making a video about the kitchener stitch? or do you have a tutorial recommendation? i got it wrong on both socks of my first pair and i want to get it right for my first pair lol😅
Yes, in fact it's on my list!
@@TheCrimsonStitchery 🤗🥰
Can I use dk or sport or medium weight for socks? Does it always need to be sock weight?
You can use any weight yarn, but the thicker the yarn is, the thicker the socks will be. Some people consider socks made from worsted or bulky yarn as slippers since they won't fit in your shoes. I like to knit socks with sportweight yarn because sock weight just takes way too long! Sportweight socks still fit in my sneakers and I use a size 3 needle.
Please share a vlog about your beautiful makeup. Love your chanel. Subscribed
Newbie question: What length needles (DPN and circular) are best for socks and, in the case of circulars, what length cable (without using Magic Loop)?
If you want to knit socks on circulars without using magic loop you'll want to look for 9" circular needles. If you find you really like knitting socks you could look at a set of interchangables like the chiaogoo mini shorties.
I would like to know what are all the different heel terms that I hear-- fishlips and so on. Thanks for this helpful video!
There are certainly some bizarre names for heels!
where can i find those sock hangers? im afraid to lose the socks i knit
Can you link the pattern so your gorgeous pullover please? 😍
Double pointed needles are terrifying for me. And if I make tube socks I know they will fit anyone. I a allergic to lanolin and wool so I haven’t found a yarn I could use for socks using tiny circular needles.
Here's a plant-based sock yarn: www.veganyarn.com/collections/pleiades-sock It's not cheap, because it's also hand-dyed with non-toxic dyes, but it is a pleasure to work with :)
"This was filmed in june 2020, still in lockdown", she says. me: *cries in february 2021, STILL in lockdown*. Upside, I'm finally learning how to knit socks.