Is Knitting Socks Difficult?
7 tips to make knitting socks a breeze
Everyone seems to think that knitting socks is too difficult. Many knitters -- even well-experienced knitters -- never learn about knitting socks! I've heard so many knitters say, "Some day I'm going to learn about knitting socks...." but they never DO it.
Here are seven tips to make knitting socks EASY and enjoyable:
KNITTING SOCKS: 7 TIPS
1. Start knitting socks either by knitting baby booties or huge slipper socks - either one of those will be easier to learn on than actually knitting socks.
2. Pick up a book about knitting socks from your local library - many of the books about knitting socks have photos or diagrams or illustrations that will make learning how to knit socks so much easier.
3. Do a gauge swatch first when you are knitting socks. Knitting a gauge swatch is really important with any knitting, but with knitting socks, it's even more important to do anything you can NOT to get frustrated!
4. When using 3 or 4 double-pointed needles when you are knitting socks... to eliminate the loose stitch 'ladders', insert the right-hand (working) needle into the first stitch of the left-hand needle from ABOVE the previously worked needle, rather than from below. You can give it a little 'tug,' too, when you tighten it.
5. If you are knitting socks and you're not sure if you'll have enough yarn to complete a pair, knit them from the 'toe up.' That way you can make the top shorter than the pattern calls for, if necessary.
6. When knitting socks, the best yarns to use are sport weight (so they're thin enough to fit into most shoes) and machine washable and dryable. If you're using wool, make sure it's a wool-nylon blend for extra wear, and make sure any cotton you use is 'mercerized' (it'll say so on the label).
7. Try self-patterning wool or variegated yarn for some really interesting effects and patterns when you are knitting socks - no two will be the same!