The Knitters Thread

csarina

blueberrypie wrote: »

With a toe-up sock, you start by creating the toe, then knit the foot, go around the heel, then knit the leg of the sock. The advantages are that you don't have any kitchenering etc to do at the toe, that you can knit them as long on the leg as you have yarn, etc.

With a leg-down sock, you cast on stitches to go around the leg, knit the leg, then the ankle, then the foot, then finish with the toe. There are probably more sock patterns around for these, as it's the traditional way to knit socks.

I prefer toe-up and usually knit them on a circular needle, using the magic loop method, using Silver's instructions as the basis for my sock. If you follow those closely, you won't go far wrong.

ooooohhhhh I need to have a go at that, hhhhhmmm circular needles, my mother used those to knit lace with, she made wonderful lace tablecloths....no idea what happened to them or the needles when she died.

ginnyknit

Think I will stick to knitting my socks on 2 needles! My poor befuddled brain cannot fathom the technique :rotfl:

mardatha

If it works, use it ! (from the late great Bruce Lee) So just stick to what you like Ginny. A sock is a sock is a sock eh I can use either 2 or 4, not fussy, but I hate circulars. Is just what you prefer yoruself innit.

kylebrad

Does anyone mind if I join this thread. My Mum taught me to knit when I was 5 and I haven't stopped since!!

I am currently crocheting a blanket for my sil, I made one for myself last year and she loved it so decided to make her one.

Also finished knitting a chunky cardi for me, just need to sew it together and do button bands.

Never thought of knitting socks but after reading this thread I might just have to give it a try. I have Reynaulds so am willing to try anything to keep my tootsies warm. Even though I am an experienced knitter, do you think that the 2 needle ones would be easier for a first attempt? Have never really made anything on round needles or 4 needles before.

Hope you all have a good day

janb5

Hi Kylebrad,

I love making socks but I warn you it can be addictive!

I am not as experienced a knitter as you are but I eventually got the hang of it. I`m not keen on circular needles so use the four dpns and do the leg down method. Lots of helpful videos on Youtube and knitting help.com

Good luck...also Regia do some lovelyself patterning yarn which makes the sock look like Fair Isle.. HTH

mardatha

I did the two needle ones in a week, because I didnt have a set of DPNs. So yes, dead easy, start with them & sew them carefully and slowly so they are comfy. Then you'll want to try the 4-needle ones. Alpaca is supposed to be 4 x warmer than wool, so that's why I used it on the husbands socks as he gets very cold feet. I use these people - they are fast and good service. DROPS alpaca.
http://www.scandinavianknittingdesign.eu/index1.html

ginnyknit

Thats a good price for alpaca! very tempting as its soo soft, may well invest in there next week

kylebrad

Thanks Mardatha, I have been looking on the web for some patterns. Think I will try the 2 needles ones first and see how I go. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

I am one of those people that love knitting but always tend to do the same kind of things, cardis, jumpers etc. I think it would be nice to try something different so socks it is. Will let you know how I get on.

mardatha

I do socks because its something that everybody can wear all year. Plus once you give people hand knitted socks they refuse to ever go back to bought ones. sigh.

meanmarie

After 60 years knitting, have never knitted socks on 2 needles, my mother taught me the grafting but made a right hames (sorry, mess) of the first pair of socks I did earlier this year for OH, must have been more than 30 years since I had knitted socks.

Must try the 2 needle way and the alpaca for the soles...OH feels the cold too, thanks for the tip Mardatha.

Marie