Want to knit Socks!!

[BensMom]

The instructions throw me.

So many times the type of yarn is specified - but I need a brand name. Can they just tell me the brand name of the yarn and keep it easy. I have no clue on weights and ply.

Then I found a pattern that used 5 double pointed needles - Well duh - the needles are sold in packages of four!

I can do all the basics and was ogling the new Red Heart and Lion sock yarn.

Does anyone have a basic - easy to follow pattern?

THANK YOU

[KatyaR]

1. Lion Brand has a good basic sock pattern on their website:

http://lionbrand.com/patterns/70739AD.html?noImages=0

Their new sock yarn is very nice, but I haven't seen it in the stores yet--I had to order mine from LB's website.

You can buy dpns in packages of five. This pattern uses size 2 needles. If you tend to knit right or really grip your needles hard, I suggest you buy natural needles, bamboo or some type of wood, instead of plastic or metal. They will be easier on your hands; however, you have to be careful because they can break! Size 2s are a pretty good size to start with.

Leisure Arts has a sock pattern booklet that is very good--it uses basic LB Woolese and bigger needles. This might also be a possibility if you don't want to try the smaller yarn at first (it can be challenging if you haven't tried it before). You can get LA booklets at most craft stores.

You might also try toe-up socks--they are my favorite, not as "fiddly" in the cast-on as top-down socks. This is a good pattern:

http://wendyjohnson.net/blog/sockpattern.htm

And this is a great article on casting on for toe ups:

http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter02/FEATtiptoptoes.html

Good luck! Sock knitting is the best! You will be hooked in no time.

And just wait till you see the hand-dyed sock yarns . . . . :evilgrin:

Edit: Try Lantern Moon (pricey) or Brittany needles--they're both very good.

[BensMom]

2. Thanks

My Michaels has the Lion and Red Heart sock yarn now - wonderful colors.

Time to take off the training wheels!!

[KatyaR]

3. I didn't know about the Red Heart sock yarn.

I'll have to go check that out. Thanks!

[Greybnk48]

4. There's a sock knitting video online

@ knittinghelp.com that shows you how to cast on and start, do the heel flap, turn the heel, do the gusset and even how to do kitchener stitch for the toe. Just go on there and snoop around till you find the video. I think the sock demo is under "more" in the drop-down menu ( she's doing a child's sock for the demo). I only use 4 needles for socks, 3 + the working needle, and that's how it is on this video.

I agree Lion has a nice basic sock pattern. The "Thuja" sock at Knitty.com is one of my favorites. I've done several of those.


On edit: About the yarn. I started out knitting socks using inexpensive acrylic yarn as my learning tool. Why wreck a nice ball of wool that some poor old sheep worked so hard to produce! I also knit a sock that was for about a 5 year old. Why waste time screwing up a large sock when a small one will do the job. I bought a cute child's color and when they were done I gave them to my grand niece.

[Nite Owl]

5. Hope this helps:

http://www.royea.net/sockdemo1.html
http://www.socknitters.com/sockpatterns/weight.htm

[knitter4democracy]

6. Is there a yarn shop nearby?

My socks class is one I repeat fairly often, though this fall, I'm going with a mitten class (that is, if I can knit again anytime soon--damn broken arm!). I cover tons in my socks classes, from fit and gauge to different heels and toes to Magic Loop and circs to dpns and yarn weights. A great, great, great socks book is Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Neatby, though I also like Sensational Socks for beginners.

[shanti]

7. have to second "sensational socks"

it's a terrific book, and really helped me out. each pattern offers several ways to do your socks too.

[Warpy]

8. This is a great reference

because once you knit a swatch, you can just plug in the information and it spits out the pattern. You can make notes to yourself, also.

http://www.panix.com/~ilaine/socks.html

Generally speaking, you'll want a sport weight or finer yarn unless you're knitting slipper socks or footies to wear in bed in the winter. It also helps if the yarn is blended with nylon, it wears a lot better.

[JenaLaw]

9. good luck!

I am starting my first sock now too...so can't really help too much! I am using Paton's sock yarn (washable wool blend) and size 3 DP's...so far I have about 4in of cuff...YAY!

Post pics of your first socks when they are done...would love to see them