I first learned to knit socks over twenty years ago from my best friend, Alice. I learned on double pointed needles. Which were okay. And I did make a couple pairs of socks using those. However, they were fiddly and just didn’t feel right.
Over time, I graduated to two circular needles. Again, these were okay but cumbersome. And then, voila! I discovered Judy’s magic loop technique using one circular needle. Perfect! And then I learned how to knit two socks at a time. When I finished, I had a complete PAIR. I suffered from second sock syndrome. Starting and finishing that second sock proved to be terrible. But casting on two at a time, working them on the magic loop back and forth, when I finished not only were both socks completed, they matched very well.
I hadn’t knitted socks for about a year because I’ve been busy knitting baby items for my coming great-granddaughter. But I recently made two pairs of socks for my daughter. I’ve made her many pairs over the years and she loves them. Living in NH, she has a need for warm socks in the winter and loves the fit and feel of hand knitted ones. I agree! Nothing beats them!
These are the two pairs I recently finished.
And I’ve already begun working on another pair. This time, they’re for me. I have the toe almost finished and when I get more done, I’ll share a photo here. I think they’re going to be very pretty with a design going around the cuff.
If you’re a knitter, what’s your favorite needle technique for making socks? Do you prefer toe up or cuff down? I love toe up. And do you make one sock at a time or cast on two socks? (If you do one at a time, share your secret for that dreaded second sock syndrome!)
See you here next time…………………
Comments
5 responses to “Sock Knitting~”
Good morning, I have learned the best way (for me) is to make them 2 at a time on longer circular needles. Otherwise, I would definitely suffer from sock syndrome! LOL
I really did enjoy two at a time on 2 circulars. But then I discovered the magic loop on one circular and have been doing my 2 at a time that way. It’s great that various options are available for us and it’s whatever we’re most comfortable with.
I knit one at a time on DPNs. They are kind of fiddly, but I like them. I have tried 2 at a time, but I always revert back to DPNs. I always seem to knit like gangbusters until I have to turn the heel! Then I slow to a crawl. I don’t always do them right away. I confess I look for other projects that I can do without a pattern. I like patterns, just like the non pattern items, i.e. Swiffer covers, dish cloths, some small Christmas ornaments, etc. I currently have one on my needles now, that I keep making excuses to not knit. I am in a weekly knitting group and I will now make this my top priority to finish before I start another project! Cross my heart!
I found dpn to be relaxing but sometimes I got mixed up on the needles. That’s the beauty of knitting. So many different techniques to try.
Have you tried the Shawdow Wrap Short Row Heel? The Chilly Dog has an excellent you tube video. I’ve been doing heels for years and dreaded getting to that part on a sock. I love the Shadow Wrap. It’s simple to understand and looks really good. Ellen at Chilly Dog explains it so well on the video.
LOL on cross your heart. I’ve learned over the years not to feel guilty about what project I’m not doing and just enjoy the ones I like best.
Thanks for your comment. I enjoyed reading it.
I feel whichever needles work best for us with socks, are the best way to do them. We’re all different in our comfort levels.
I laughed about your multiple projects. You’re not alone! Believe me! I always have way too many projects going at the same time. But eventually, they all get done.