The Knitters Thread

anguk

Can I ask a question? I've been thinking about having a go at knitting some socks for my OH, I've been knitting for years so can normally follow a pattern but I've never attempted socks because they look so difficult. My OH is diabetic so I would need socks without or with as little seam as possible, also some that were quite loose around the top leg bit (I normally unpick the elastic from bought socks). Has anyone got an easy pattern for a sock beginner?

Also I've had a look at sock yarn, what's the difference between that and normal 4ply? Sock yarn seems to be quite expensive.

[Deleted User]

kinkine wrote: »

Well done Suzybloo! You have been busy. I'm going to try and knit a pair of socks for my husband for Christmas. Any pointers on a first sock pattern anyone? I was all set to go and get sock wool yesterday but couldn't get to the shop.

I got a copy of Let's Knit during the week (£1 off in the Asda voucher book) and it had a kit for £10 which has yarn, dpns, stitch markers and a pattern. I know it's expensive but there is a £1 donation to a charity which supports ex-servicemen. The wool looked really good - I was drawn to it because it looked like camo gear and my husband would like that. If anyone is interested the kit is called OPS-SOX and the website is www.knitncaboodle.co.uk. I've never ordered from them before, so I cannot comment on their service.

The very best sock pattern by far is the 'silvers sock class' which you can find on Ravelry. Search in 'groups' for 'silvers sock class' and you'll find her fan group. There is a link there to the beginner sock class in pictures and simple text. Loads of newbies have made socks here. You can probably access this in other ways via the internet but I haven't tried. She gives instruction for sock yarn (4ply) and DK which are good to start with.

HTH Also hope this helps anguk too

[Deleted User]

It's really worth searching for the sales and discounts (maybe via Google) for your sock yarns, as it's usually possible to pay much lower prices for decent sock yarn if you're canny.

In the summer I found some fair isle type Rico 4 ply - enough for one pair men's socks plus a gift pouch for £3. I also found some kingfisher alpaca at £6 on ebay which made a sumptuous pair of warm socks last year.

If I had bought two balls of the Rico, I'm sure it would have been enough for three pairs.

If anyone knows of other 4ply sock bargains, do let me know:j

blueberrypie

anguk wrote: »

Can I ask a question? I've been thinking about having a go at knitting some socks for my OH, I've been knitting for years so can normally follow a pattern but I've never attempted socks because they look so difficult. My OH is diabetic so I would need socks without or with as little seam as possible, also some that were quite loose around the top leg bit (I normally unpick the elastic from bought socks). Has anyone got an easy pattern for a sock beginner?

Also I've had a look at sock yarn, what's the difference between that and normal 4ply? Sock yarn seems to be quite expensive.

Seams - you can knit socks with no seams at all. As long as you're knitting in the round, there are no seams on the foot/leg, and if you choose the right way to do the toe, there's no seam there either.

Cuffs - you can knit the cuffs on larger needles than the pattern suggests, or with no cuff at all. You might find the socks are more likely to fall down - I'm wondering if a long, but not at all tight, cuff might work well for your OH?

Sock yarn - the difference is that sock yarn is treated so that it can be machine-washed and washed at higher temperatures without damage or felting.

mandy_moo_1

does anyone know where i can find a pattern for a man's hooded cardigan/jacket? i'm looking for something thats either zipped or buttoned up the front with a hood, but i've spent hours going thru ravelry and i cant find anything

wanted to try and get one done before winter's over for the OH cos i'm not a very fast knitter!!

anguk

mandy_moo_1 wrote: »

does anyone know where i can find a pattern for a man's hooded cardigan/jacket? i'm looking for something thats either zipped or buttoned up the front with a hood, but i've spent hours going thru ravelry and i cant find anything

wanted to try and get one done before winter's over for the OH cos i'm not a very fast knitter!!

How about one of these?
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rockaway
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hooded-jacket-for-men

mandy_moo_1

thanks ang.....but i can't knit in the round thats probably why i can't find anything

blueberrypie

mandy_moo_1 wrote: »

thanks ang.....but i can't knit in the round thats probably why i can't find anything

What's the problem with knitting in the round? Maybe we can help you get it :-)

babybug

My mum came to visit me at the weekend, after being very impressed with my scarf, she was teaching me a few other bits...

Apparently I learned to knit slightly wrong *rolls eyes* I read the instructions wrong and somehow taught myself to knit into the back of the stitch :rotfl: With only one stitch in the pattern I was doing it made no difference, but no wonder I was struggling to purl

I now know how to knit like a real person

(although apparently I taught myself to cast on in a brand new and slightly bizarre way... at least it gives a tidy edge though :rotfl:)

kinkine

Oh Babybug, I now have a mental picture of you trying to purl! You must have some determination! Anyway, that is how new stitches are invented - well done you!