As an older person who has started knitting after many (50) years of no knitting, I find that the fine yarns and the slippery needles really are a challenge! I've come to like a sock with substance as my feet get cold so much more easily than they used to, I've come to appreciate the worsted weight and a smaller needle (US6 as opposed to US7). But I would like to learn how to use the smaller needles, right now I have a as a smaller one a Chiaogoo US4 LACE and I like the sharp taper as I can get in behind the cast on stitches more easily. But the thought of dealing with a US1 or US2 not in my wheelhouse at this time! The other thing that amuses me is just how addictive sock knitting is!!! By the time I've started the Kitchener Stitch..(God bless old general Lord Kitchener... BTW he was one of our Governors General after the First WW...and gave this name to the City in Ontario of that name) .... I've plotted and planned or convinced a friend or two that they need hand knit socks. Pages such as these on KZread are invaluable for the restarting knitter. Thank you for taking the time to teach us!

@Elainegoss-xe7dc

Ай бұрын

I’m 73 years old and have recently returned to sock knitting. I am having problems with dropping stitches. I’m just starting to try using bamboo needles.

Great tips. I've knittedsocks for several years, and they are my favorite thing to knit. Some tips not discussed were yarn color - try a light colored yarn as it is easier to see than a dark color. I took several in person lessons to get started and still refer to a sock playlist if I forget the steps to a paticular pattern. I try and write down the details, good and bad, regarding @o"ks i knit, so if needed, i can avoid or #uplicate the process in the future. I would also recommend a lifeline before the heel for new sock knitters, so if you have to rip back, it isn't the whole sock.

For those who live in Europe the weeyarncompany has hand dyed BFL sock yarn. Ross is a genius with colors and the price is reasonable for hand dyed yarn. 26€ pr. henk, that's enough for a pair of socks. When measuring your foot, remember to think about what kind of sock you like. Tight fit or loose, do you intend to wear them over regular socks or not. Do you intend to wear them when hiking or working. My brother once asked me if I would knit some thick warm wool socks he could wear at work. He wanted some that were tight knit and very thick, and woolen so that the sparks from the welding equipment in the workshop would melt holes in them. I asked if he sure he wanted them that thick. Yes he was sure, the work shop get very cold in the winter, and some work is done out side even. Alright, made him some, he loved them, wore them for work twice and was way too warm. Now they live in the sock drawer and only comes out when he has a fever.

Oh, I have done all those mistakes... more than once!

I found that a hybrid method of needles has made sock knitting more enjoyable for me. I knit toe up socks using the Muleteer Sock Pattern. I use Addi Flexi-flips from toe through the heel flap and heel turn. I use the Flexi-flips on the instep, but to manage all the stitches in the gusset, I use a 15-24" circular needle on each side (each side is from middle of heel to instep or instep to middle of the heel) and use the knitting on two circular needles method for each "side.". This is much less fiddly than the magic loop. When I have decreased down to the number of sole stitches I need, I use the Flexi-flips on both halves of the sock. When I let go of having to use one method or another and combined two needle methods, sock knitting has been much more fun.

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

What a great idea! I hadn't thought to combine different methods- I will have to think about how I could try that. Thanks for sharing!

@susancampagnola288

Жыл бұрын

@@NerdyKnitting I was desperate. My socks were all patched and I need new ones. I had to find a way. I would think that the Magic Loop, the two circular needle method, the development of Flexi-Flips all came out of the need to find a better way than DPNs.

Great video! I love all the tips. My first pair of socks still fit great but are slightly different sizes - 3 grams difference 🤣 Since then, I just knit both at the same time on two sets of DPNs. I used to do circular wash cloths on larger needles and cotton, so the DPNs weren't too fiddly compared to starting the circular wash clothes. Watching sock videos - like yours, Roxanne Richardson, and Earthtones Girl - helped me understand fit issues I got from some patterns. I have a narrow heel, very high instep, and slightly wide feet, so fit adjustments have been interesting to figure out. I love that sock mods are relatively easy to implement!

As a sock knitter I really enjoy this topic. There is so much variety in knitting them that's all I do, although your hat knitting video has me curious to knit one. Thank you

Great tips, thanks everyone!

Great information about proper fitting socks. Thank you for sharing.

@NerdyKnitting

3 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I enjoyed this very much Thanks for sharing your knitting expertise!

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I am new to sock knitting - at this point each of the three single socks I’ve knit are swatch socks! Each sock I am learning something new, both skills and what I like, and I feel happy that my 4th and 5th socks might make it to be a pair!

Thank you! This is chocked full of goodies!!

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

The microns of types wool play into durability as well . Thank you for a great video .

@NerdyKnitting

5 ай бұрын

Great point!

I never thought I'd knit socks, because I don't like knitting on that small of a needle. (I'm a tight knitter, and trying to grip smaller needles makes my hands hurt.) BUT- my LYS had a worsted weight sock class, and I love them. Now- ALL of my socks are worsted or DK! And yes- you can find worsted weight yarn with nylon or polyester woven in it to help with durability.

@NerdyKnitting

2 ай бұрын

Yes! I have a pair of worsted weight socks and love to wear them - so warm and cozy!

@henlokitty2591

2 ай бұрын

Actually I'm a new knitter and just finished my first pair of socks using the DK vanilla pattern by crazy sock lady. In the pattern she suggested to hold 2 strands of fingering sock weight yarn to get a DK weight. This was more life changing than I thought because now I'm way more open to learning more about socks now that I can finish the socks much faster than just single stranding! I'm already starting my next pair of socks holding 2 strands to make a DK!

currently knitting the rye light socks by tincanknits. its my first time making socks. I don't think theyre too loose but I might go ahead and add some elastic to the inside of the cuffs after im finished. I think ive been spoiled with my skin tight machine made socks.

So happy I found you!! You are a wealth of information. I love sock knitting and always have a pair on the needles. I love Patons Kroy and Knit Picks but you have given me other ideas. I knit on a size 1 and the fit is tight and hugs the foot and leg. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!!

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

Welcome!

Great video with lots of information! Thanks so much! I am new to your channel and will definitely be watching more! Knitting socks for family for next Christmas!! ❤️😊❤️

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

Welcome!

As a seasoned sock knitter, I appreciate the way you described so many of the issues with knitting socks...

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you find it helpful!

Thoroughly enjoyed this whilst knitting on a tank top (it's so cold right now but I am getting ready for summer 🤣)

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

I was just thinking about what I'd like to knit for this summer - good timing! 😁

I just discovered your channel today. I have learned many things I needed to know about sock knitting. I’m part way through your two socks on Magic loop video. Right now I’m just jumping around the videos familiarizing myself with your way of teaching. I was at loose ends this morning knitting on my cozy memories blanket because this time I did not accompany my husband to Red Cross while he donated platelets ( he has been doing this for over 20 years).

@NerdyKnitting

10 ай бұрын

Welcome! I'm so glad you found the channel. ❤️

Thank you - this was very helpful. I am knitting my 4th pair and boy have I made mistakes and gotten frustrated!

@NerdyKnitting

6 ай бұрын

Totally understand! My first few pairs were too small and too tight (and riddled with mistakes!).

I really enjoy your teaching and chats. Many thanks for all the encouragement and helpful hints that you address in your videos. I have only knit a couple of practice socks and one pair of worsted weight socks two at a time on magic loop. I was wondering if there is a standard process for converting a single sock pattern into a two at a time pattern using magic loop? Thanks.

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

Once you're confident in your understanding with how a sock is constructed AND you have a solid grasp of two at a time on magic loop you should be able to convert pretty much any standard sock pattern to that method. I'm not sure of any standard process, just thinking/working through the steps (writing things down really helps) to make sure you can accomplish it. Short row socks should be simple. Heel flap and gusset style will take more work to figure out.

A good tutorial to learn sock knitting is My First Socks by Marly Bird, It's in worsted weight, the tutorial and pattern are free. This is how I learned the first time using some leftover worsted yarn I no longer had any use for.

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the recommendation!

@Mustnt_Grumble

4 ай бұрын

Same here! Marly has each section of the sock broken down into separate videos and I still refer back to them from time to time to make sure that what I’m doing is correct. I knit both socks on separate sets of dpns (one section at a time). Then, when I’m finished, I’ve completed a whole pair of socks! 🌸

I've just started knitting socks in 8ply with 100% acrylic yarn with a 3.5mm. My 1st sock was a spiral cuff down, tension was a bit loose & extremely fiddly with dpn, due to my hand accident many years ago. My next 2 spiral socks were done with a toe up & a circular needle & a stretchy bind off, my preferred method. Now I want to learn how to do a heel without any visible holes. I know I don't like the afterthought heel look, but I'm struggling to find a heel that's visually appealing to me, if that makes sense 😅

I'm cheating with bigger needles on the leg of the socks I am currently knitting for my self. I figure the legs don't need to be as durable as the foot, and it will go quicker and I will not have to mess around with different stitch numbers from leg to foot, just switch needles before the heel (going top-down).

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

Let us know how that works out!

@smalah100

2 ай бұрын

Next time, do your socks in 1x1 or 2x2 ribs. That way you can have the right amount of stitches for your legs, and for your feet without changing number of stitches in between

@AlexandrashirleyH

Ай бұрын

I think this is then bedst I ever heard. Bigger needle for the leg.. ❤ I'll shift for thinner needle a bit before the heels because most ppl is smaller there. Its was a very good idea ❤

@christelgrimmer4478

Ай бұрын

​@@smalah100Yes, this is how I knit socks.

I've been wanting to try Stroll so I am happy to have seen this. I've been using Patons kroy but sick of how thick it is. Ice isn't bad but I only have one skein from fb marketplace. I think it's time to head out to my LYS.

@maryalgar8779

Жыл бұрын

I like Patons Kroy (think it's a good yarn to learn sock knitting with), but like you, I am ready to move on to some better sock yarn which will hopefully make for a stronger sock that lasts.

I know this sock info will b invaluable. Will soon attack my first sock. Am scared and excited (really excited if they fit). 😊

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

You can do it!

I put a lifeline in before I start the heel. Not only does it come in handy if I mess up (I'm still a beginner), but I leave it in the first sock while I'm knitting the second sock so I can compare them to see when to start the second heel.

@NerdyKnitting

4 ай бұрын

Great idea!

I found knitting a garter stich short row heel adds extra cusion and durability and I use it for the toe too it looks cool also

@NerdyKnitting

11 ай бұрын

Great tip, Linda! Thanks for sharing that - I hadn't thought to use Garter stitch for extra cushion and durability but that sounds like a really great idea.

@lindamontes1476

11 ай бұрын

@@NerdyKnitting And no picking up wraps

@lindamontes1476

11 ай бұрын

@@NerdyKnitting And no picking up wraps

You're from Canada - wonderful! If you want to get "nerdy" about sock fit, I highly recommend the book: Custom Socks: Knit to Fit Your Feet.

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

That's a great book!

Great tips! I am an avid sock knitter and designer. Glad to see you spread the joy of sock knitting! Knit in good health, @Profesor_Purl PS regarding gauge: I LOVE the 9" circs (thanks for the tutorial you posted. Gauge on those, as you noted, is tighter.)

For socks knit on 2s, I cast on with 3s knit 1/1 rib on 1s, then change to 2s for the remainder.

Thank you for all the great tips about sock knitting and explaining what "ease" means! I'm a new knitter and have been watching many, many knitting videos and hearing that term but NO ONE has actually explained it! I am struggling through my first pair of socks but I am learning a lot and am determined to finish them. I loved your suggestion about making a larger "learning" sock. I definitely should have done that first! LOL

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you found the video helpful! And welcome to knitting! 🧶

I can’t wait to watch this entirely. It’s not like I sleep anyway. Tonya I wanted to ask your opinion again on something. You’re always so kind and helpful. I just found out my pen pal and dear friend of 15 years wants to come to the USA to meet me. I’m nervous and excited obviously but I wanted to make her something. She’s German. I know a lot of people don’t like Americans cuz of what they see in media and such. I know some people look down on acrylic yarn. But I can’t use wool cuz she’s vegan and I was told by another friend that wool isn’t vegan friendly So idk what to do Do Europeans dislike acrylic yarn?

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

I have no idea how Europeans feel about acrylic yarn but there's always plant based yarns like cotton, linen, and bamboo.

@masuganut2082

Жыл бұрын

@@NerdyKnitting thank you 🥰 I am sorry, I just figured you would know better than I do ❤️

I’m fascinated by your knitting style, which one are you using? Thanks.

@NerdyKnitting

10 ай бұрын

Continental - holding the yarn in my left hand. I think it's because I learned to crochet before I learned to knit so it felt more natural to hold it that way.

I had the hardest time using sock yarns because of the size . But I was determined to knit my own socks. So I bought some I Love this Cotton yarn from Hobby Lobby. And I made my first pair of socks with it . I like cotton socks anyway so I thought why not . I don’t wear them every day so I can’t say they will last but as I have worn them several times and they done fine . And there cotton yarn is so soft. So after that I was able to make socks with sock yarn.

@NerdyKnitting

8 ай бұрын

Great tip! Knitting socks with some heavier-weight yarn is a great way to get the techniques down without having to use sock yarn.

I just watched this video and hoped you might have a suggestion for the biggest problem I have with my socks. I knit lots of socks, and I’m happy with them generally. I’ve always used either a flap and gusset top down recipe or a toe up fleagle heel. I really want to use a shadow wrap and/or a German short row. However every time I try the shadow wrap I end up dropping a stitch (usually a triple stitch) after which I have to completely frog the heel and start over. Do you have some tips for fixing this without frogging😢 is there a way to pick that up especially if it’s in a row below? Thanks!

@NerdyKnitting

3 ай бұрын

Sorry, I don't have any advice. If I drop a short row stitch I usually 'tink' back stitch by stitch until I get to that one and then start over. I'm sure there's a method for picking it up and fixing it but that's not something I do either!

Hi Tanya ❤😊 I was wondering if you have a free pattern for toe up socks with GSR heel on magic loop ??? TIA love your videos😊

@NerdyKnitting

10 ай бұрын

Not currently but I'm planning a new toe-up series and that one is included! The first video will be released in September.

@kimmorrow200

10 ай бұрын

@@NerdyKnitting wonderful Im a subscriber so i will see it ty

What do you recommend to add for durability in the heel? Brand? Where to find? Great video! Thank you!

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

I use a slip stitch pattern for durability on the heel but you can buy nylon reinforcing thread too.

@christenagervais7303

9 ай бұрын

I use upholstery thread along with my yarn to give strength to my husband's sock heels and toes!

I struggle to have a cuff that hold the sock up. For sock weight I have to knit on US 0s to have a firm enough gauge, but my ribbing is never dense enough to keep the sock up.

@NerdyKnitting

5 ай бұрын

You could try to decrease some extra stitches to make the ribbing section smaller.

i cant understate the importance of using small needles when knitting socks. i used to always use 2.75mm needles and fingering weight yarn for socks. they would always felt in a single wear. it didn't matter what the fiber was-- 100% merino, merino/nylon, BFL/nylon, non-specified-breed wool/nylon, superwash or non superwash, didn't matter. they felted always and immediately and i couldn't figure out what the problem was. as soon as i switched to using 2mm and 2.25mm needles, the felting issue has gone away, and now i can actually wear my socks repeatedly without them immediately being destroyed!

You can also up a needle size for the cast on or off to keep the cuff from being too tight.

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

Great tip!

Wait... Are you saying that merino silk blend i accidentally bought is good for socks? This changes everything. I though silk would not be durable.

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

The silk adds some durability but Merino is pretty soft. Does the yarn have a high twist and 3+ plies, which also adds durability?

Cure for 2nd sock syndrome: Anna Makarovna ("War and Peace" heroine) sock-in-a-sock! 😁 ok, just kidding, but I did do one pair. It was fun to learn, but no real advantage. And as far as amazing non-knitters at the end when you pull one sock out of the other, I can't imagine most people understand that it's a big deal.

@NerdyKnitting

3 ай бұрын

I've been meaning to try that method!

@jvallas

3 ай бұрын

@@NerdyKnitting if you enjoy double knitting, it's fun.

I'm new to this, so would malabrigo sock yarn be a good yarn to use?

@NerdyKnitting

6 ай бұрын

They have two sock yarns so I took a quick look at both. The Malabrigo Sock doesn't appear to have nylon and it's merino so for me it wouldn't be sturdy enough and I'd end up with holes. Their Ultimate Sock, on the other hand, has nylon so it's probably a little sturdier (but still merino - so depending on how hard wearing you need your socks to be it might not be the best choice).

@rebeccarpierce

6 ай бұрын

Thank you for looking into this for me. ❤

I got myself a yarn to give myself a try in knitting socks world. You talk about nylon a lot but what about polyamide. My yarn is 75% superwash wool merino and 25% polyamide. Is it good for socks? 😊

@NerdyKnitting

4 ай бұрын

Yes, polyamide is fine! According to Google, nylon is just a form of polyamide.

Can someone please direct me to the links. I can’t seem to find them. Thanks in advance…

@NerdyKnitting

29 күн бұрын

It varies depending on the device you're using but generally, just beneath the video, you'll find a comment section. The video description area is above that - you click on it and it should open up with all the information (on my device it's the title of the video that you click on).

Knit a practice sock in red yarn and it can be a Christmas 🎄 stocking!

@NerdyKnitting

5 ай бұрын

Great idea!

No one has asked 1/2 my sock is the right side but the other half is the wrong side so I’ve somehow got both inside & outside in the same sock😢

My biggest problem I still have is those holes in the sides at the gussets. I have tried to follow helpful tips, they still look sloppy with holes

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

It takes time to find the method that works for you. When I have holes that bug me I just use a bit of scrap yarn and close it up from the inside.

I must confess that I loathe knitting socks, but I WANT to like it. I've knitted some for myself - 2 complete pairs, actually. I knitted them at a tight gauge, using merino/nylon sock yarn. They both had holes in the toes after about 5 wears. I keep my toenails really short, so that's not the problem. Also, for my husband, I'm confused as to how many stitches to cast on. For mine, I cast on 64 stitches. His feet are really wide at the ball of the foot, but his ankles are small. If I knit to fit the ankles, they are tight getting them on. If I knit for the ball of the foot, they are loose in the leg. And those are 2 reasons I loathe knitting socks. But I want to like it, I really do.

@NerdyKnitting

6 ай бұрын

For his you could do what's called a 'Franken-sock' start at the cuff and knit to fit his ankle measurement, then after turning the heel, don't decrease all the stitches - keep enough so you're actually following the instructions for a larger size that will fit the ball of his foot.

Lightsoutdrillinstructor. I've heard yabba say your name about a hundred times. 😂

Cardboard cutout is ok. Plastic canvas cutout is better.

@NerdyKnitting

Жыл бұрын

Plastic canvas is a great idea! Thanks for sharing that tip.