Knitting socks

kippers

I've been forced into spending more time at home recently (for one reason or another) and I have decided to start knitting again. It must be 2o years since I last knitted anything other than easy dishcloths lol. I used to be able to knit colours (I once knitted a forever friends jumper for our neice) and It was a standard joke when I was younger as it took me five years to knit my step dad a chunky cable jumper for when he played bowls.

Anyway, I would like to knit some socks (which is something I have never knitted) and I really don't know where to start. I have been looking on the internet and all the patterns seem to be american...I assume the needle sizes are different to the uk's?

I have no pins or wool anymorebut I know I have seen pins in the charity shops, but do I now buy wool on the internet?

Am I being too ambitious with socks?...if not, does anyone know an easy pattern. My mother was a brilliant knitter and taught me and always helped me out when I got stuck....but now she has first stage alzeimers so wouldn't be able to help me, so what do you do if you get stuck and have no one to help?

I wonder if anyone on here had a long break from knitting and then went back to it?.....did it all come back to you easily or not?

Thanks for any replies.(Sorry if this isn't classed as 'oldstyle' and I should have posted it somewhere else)

THIRZAH

American needle sizes are different but there are charts on line so you can convert the sizes. I like knitting socks. They are small so I can put one in my bag if I'm travelling.

There are lots of patterns around. Have you tried Ravelry? You have to register but its free and there are lots of patterns. Some of the knitting magazines such as Simply Knitting usually have a sock pattern in each month. I've cut out the instructions on how to do Kitchener stitch (to finish the toes) from a magazine then laminated it and keep it in my knitting bag.

The Works often seems to have basic knitting books. I;m sure I got one on socks from there. Your local library might be worth checking too.

I've never bought wool on line but I know some people on this forum have. Hobbycraft sell some sock wool and I bought some from Tiger at Christmas-£1 for 50 grs-but haven't used it yet .

arbrighton

Socks are actually quite hard to knit. I'm fairly competent but don't really like knitting in the round and turning the heel etc was quite hard.
OH refused to wear the product but fortunately my dad seemed (!!) happy to have them.

jinny

http://youtu.be/HU53rc7z_0o
I've some success with this lady
Her website is good
I got as far as the middle of the foot
But ended up catching a cold and gave up
I'm busy with another project at the moment (decluttering including abandoned craft fads)
but would like to have another go at knitting soon
Knitting Socks seems a very transportable hobby
On journeys or rare spare moments
Make nice gifts I think
my grannie knit them on tiny 4 needles with 2ply wool
This vid is for circular needles but think she has vids for 4needles
You can get a gauge to convert us to uk
Or go online

gayleygoo

socks are not too difficult to knit if you can knit on double-pointed needles - and even if you can't you can still learn as you go. It will probably come back to you quite quickly. Most sock patterns have you knit plain knitting or ribbing for so many inches until you get to the ankle, knit back and forth to make a heel flap, do short rows to "turn" the heel, pick up stitches along each flap edge, then decrease for the foot and knit a few more inches, then decrease for toes, and then graft remaining stitches together. All doable with the help of youtube videos if you are unsure!

Are you a member of Ravelry? There are free, basic sock patterns written for various needle sizes and yarn weights. Most needle sizes are given as mm so you don't have to convert sizes. After
searching through ravelry patterns you may decide you want to knit things other than socks, maybe something easier to begin with like mittens or hats - great for this time of year!

I've never seen any decent sock wool in cheapy shops, I wouldn't waste my time knitting socks with a cheap acrylic as they wouldn't be nice to wear. Nice sock wool might not be cheap but the socks will last a long time. I like to use DK weight wool (regia 6 ply is a favourite of mine) as they knit up quickly and OH loves the comfort of the socks made from it! It's also machine washable - handwashing socks can be a pain.

cheerfulness4

Kippers, I had a long break (several years) from knitting apart from squares and it did come back. I had to remind myself what certain abbreviations meant but it quickly became second nature again.

I'm just about to attempt a number of projects that will teach me additional skills, starting with a waistcoat using circular needles. :eek:

bexster1975

Just thought I would throw in my tuppence worth.

Lidl are selling supplies ( I think from Thursday next week) including DPNs for about £1.49 I have never knitted socks but intend to get a pair, get on you tube and have a go! Very good luck!

Bexster

Tiffany_Aching

I don't think socks are at all hard to knit - use an online video to guide on turning the heel when you get to that point and, as gayleygoo says, use double pointed needles. I have tried using those circular needles and find them really off putting and annoying. The weight hangs down in the middle and makes it really uncomfortable.

Rather weirdly, socks are the only thing I can knit - unless it is a simple scarf and no pattern on it whatsoever. I drop stitches and lose count when doing other patterns. I think I get overwhelmed with the amount of stitches on the pins I would love to be able to knit other things.

arbrighton

I found socks hard, knitting on double pointed pins and I can do complex patterns, cabling etc using patterns so it's not that I'm not a competent knitter, believe me I am, they were just awkward

wondercollie

I like the challenge of socks, a well turned heel is a thing of joy.


Having said that, hand knit socks never fit the way you think they will (or look like on the model's foot). My tension is bang on but they just never fit right.


I find that the socks I've knit are usually worn inside wellies or heavy winter boots or even as padding around the house socks.

tooties

I struggled with socks for many years, i could not for the life of me understand how to join the round.

It finally clicked (excuse the pun) when i had an empty, quiet house and a free hour and i watched it on you tube.

Socks are quite easy once you pick it up, i usually knit about 6 pairs for xmas gifts, they are a very portable project.

My advice is good quality needles and good quality sock wool.

Good Luck.

Regards