When making socks you should first select the type of yarn you want to use. There are many great sock yarns available and you will even find some self-striping sock yarns. While sock yarns are known as having the right weight to make socks, some consider that wool yarns are much better sock yarns.
Even a novice can learn how to knit socks. The most difficult part of knitting is reading the pattern. Be sure to look closely at every pattern for the instructions that are being illustrated.
Here is what you need to knit socks: - Two sizes of three double-ended needles (including a small size needle that will be used for the ribbing). - Five (or more) balls of sock yarn, depending on the sock pattern. - A pattern - A highlighter (to mark the copy). - Stitch markers - Scissors - A yard needle
There are two techniques to knit socks: with or without heels. If you're not sure which technique to choose, consider that socks with heels are known to be more comfortable.
The size of any sock is dependent of the size of the ankle. If you make a sock with a heel then you have to measure the foot and figure out the heel placement. When you measure the ankle you then subtract 1" for and adult size of sock and " on a child's size for the optimum fit. On average the ankle measurement for a female is 8" and for a male it is 10".
Please use sock yarn for the best fit on your socks. Now you must calculate how many stitches you need to cast on your needles. The stitches should be equally divided between the 3 ends of the double point needles. Mark the first stitch for the beginning of the round. Do the ribbing first and use the smaller needles for this. After the ribbing has been completed you change over to the larger needles. The stockinette stitch is a good solid stitch to use for both the ribbing and making a plain pattern. This stitch does produce an excellent fitting sock.
Now you have to work on the heel by placing half the stitches on one needle. The stitches should begin at the start of the round. Then place the other half on another needle. This allows the heel to be knitted from the front to the back using a single needle. Again the stockinette stitch is used for two thirds to three quarters of the rows on the heel. Then you have to reduce the heel area and turn. Now is yhr time to form the gusset. You should wind up with 2 selvedge edges in between these heels. To form the gusset pick these stitches up. To complete the heel knit the rest of the stitches. The gusset must be decreased at this point.
It is now time for the foot, which should be 2" shorter than the foot measurement. Start knitting at the center with a quarter of the stitches on the 1st needle then one half on the 2nd needle then the remaining quarter on the 3rd needle. Alternate between rounds. Then the sock can be finished off in several methods. One way is to keep decreasing to the toe and then either cast off or bind off and then sew the remaining together.