Socks are quick and easy knitting projects. It is fun to make socks as long as you have the right knitting needles for your project and also the right yarn to go with it. The options to knit socks are double-pointed (DPNs), fixed circular and interchangeable circular needles. The choice of knitting needles is totally your call given your comfort.
To start with your sock knitting project, first, gather your supplies and yarn. If you have a pattern, follow the instructions. But, if you are planning your own design, first calculate the number of stitches to cast on. Do keep in mind everything about negative ease so that the socks have the right fit. Starting with a knit gauge swatch is the best option for accurate measurement of row count, stitch count and how much yarn you’ll need.
For knitting socks, the yarn you choose must be a sock, fingering or light-weight. If you want warm woollen socks or soft cotton for babies or just a handy pair of superwash yarn, make sure to buy yarn accordingly. You can also use your scrap yarn as long as you have the required amount of yarn. This makes it possible to create colourful socks.
So, let’s get started.
Knitting socks on Double Pointed Needles (DPNs)
The original method for knitters to make socks and to date favoured by many, double-pointed needles is ideal for knitting socks. Choose sizes 2.25mm (US1) & 2.5mm (US 2) with lengths of 10 cm & 15cm. You can knit with four of five needles. Make sure you make a circumference with the needles and keep one free for knitting.
Cast on stitches on one needle and slowly transfer them to three other DPNs. make sure that all needles have equal stitches. Begin knitting round by round and you will see your sock growing. For beginners managing the needles may seem fiddly but as you only with two needles while the rest hang on, you can manage after a few rounds.
Sock knitting on Circular Needles
Circular needles are ideal for seamless knitting projects such as socks. You simple cast on stitches and begin knitting round by round.Both fixed circular knitting needles as well as interchangeable circular needles are appropriate as long as you have the right needle length. The needle tips for circular needles are either 10 cm (4″) and 13 cm (5″). More importantly, the cables can either be 80cm (32″) or 40cm (16″). It should be wide enough to accommodate all stitches and move freely.
Magic Loop with one circular needle
The Magic Loop is a knitting method done with circular knitting needles. You need to work with long 24″ (60cm) or 32″ (80 cm) circular needle. The cable plays a major role in Magic loop knitting as you have to navigate it carefully through the stitches so make sure to use smooth, memory-free cables.
Two Circular Knitting Needles
Knitting socks on two circular needles is for advanced knitters but you can give it a try. With this, you can knit two socks at once using two separate circular knitting needles, with the same size needle and same cable length. 40cm (16″) to 80 cm (32″) are mostly preferred.
Knitting with single-pointed needles
Many knitters love to knit back and forth and seam the pieces. This can also be done for socks. You knit your project and then seam it with a darning needles.
So, here we are with the many methods of knitting socks. What’s your favourite technique?
