Socks are made by hand, manually, or by machine. Some custom socks are made by programming specific knit patterns, while others specially print designs on the sock after production. It’s a wonder people pay so little for socks when they are so intricate to make. Find out more about how different socks are made depending on which process was used for production.
Preparation for Sock Making
Before any socks get made, manufacturers determine the materials that will be used to make the socks. Once a material has been chosen, manufacturers can move to the design stage.
The number of socks being made will depend on the specific order and the number of socks that can be generated at any given time by the production method. Some designs will be for custom socks, and others will determine which type of socks the end product will be.
Different Processes for Sock Making
Up until this point, it hasn’t mattered too much if the manufacturer is an independent knitter or a large sock company; much of the initial efforts are the same. When the actual sock-making begins, it is essential to differentiate processes.
Hand Made Socks
When making socks, knitters use very slender knitting needles with the yarn they have chosen. They usually follow a specific pattern of hooking around circular needles that help them shape the sock as they knit. Knitters can tie off yarn and create pretty designs with low to moderate detail. One sock at a time is the production rate.
Manually Produced Socks
Manual production involves the use of a circular sock knitting machine that is hand or foot cranked. This type of knitting machine still has to be manually fed yard through hand looping and then can be operated by the crank. One sock at a time is the production rate.
Machine Made Socks
Automated machines are loaded with lubed bobbins of yarn that include even more bobbins of yarn for backup. Machines can then knit different patterns, styles, and custom socks based on the specific programming in the computer. One of the most efficient aspects of machine knitting is that many socks can be made at once.
Finishing for Sock Making
Once the sock is knitted, there is still a little more work left to finish the job before sending the socks on their way to your feet.
Shaping
For many socks, they are pulled and shaped into the appropriate fit. This process also includes a layer of quality control to ensure there are no damages while the socks are stretched over shaping tools.
Printing
If custom socks are printed rather than stitch-designed, that phase of the production process happens here. Some custom sock companies prefer to do their own printing with specialty inks and custom programming and skip this step of production altogether.
Binding
Binding is the final pass at quality control. Socks are matched up to their mates. Precise matching is confirmed. Quality is checked, and socks are packed to their next destination.
Socks Rock custom socks are created through specialty methods to meet your design needs.
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