Many of you have mentioned that you want to knit socks. Here’s a post where I talked about knitting socks and I list the pattern I use in the post. Last night I found the second sock so this is now a pair.
I will finish this one tonight so that will be a second pair.
I have a road trip coming up so hopefully by the weekend, I’ll have another one finished and that will leave me with just two socks without mates. Not too bad!
I have tried knitting socks two at a time and I stay confused and tangled up in yarn and needles. Mary has assured me that she learned with Knitting Circles around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles
I taught myself to knit socks, with help from the internet, but I already knew how to knit though I hadn’t knitted in over 20 years.
Here’s a challenge for you:
If you already know how to knit, order the Classic Socks for the Family (google it . . I don’t have a relationship with any of the places listed, nor do I recommend or not recommend them). Or, you can order the above mentioned book. Do it today! When the book or pattern arrives, choose your yarn and needles and on November 1, we’ll start a little knit-along project here. By then, I should have had time to figure out how to do two socks at a time and I’ll make a pair with that method and a pair using DPN’s so we can do it together, we can post questions and get answers and surely by Christmas, you’ll all be hooked on knitting socks.
For a lot of the more expensive yarns, they come in hanks and you really need a ball winder and yarnswift to wind it into a ball. Oh, you can do it without those things but it is not fun . . I tried it for a while.
Many yarn shops will wind the yarn for you. If you have a yarn shop nearby, support them! I don’t have one nearby so my shopping is done at The Loopy Ewe! They are fantastic! Great service, great yarn! There are less expensive yarns to be found. Some are splitty and don’t behave as nicely as others. It’s kinda like buying fabric from Wal-Mart or from the quilt shop. Buy what you can afford and see what you think. I do not knit socks from 100% wool yarn any more. They just don’t hold up. I like to have at least 20% nylon. Cashmere or mohair or silk added in with the wool is wonderful! When I look at the yarns on TLE’s website, and I surely haven’t used nearly all of them, these are some that come to mind as ones I love to use:
Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock – takes 2 skeins to make a pair of socks
Schaefer yarns are all wonderful
Opal yarns aren’t as soft and snuggly as a lot of the other yarns I use but they hold up so well
Sweet Georgia’s Tough Love – I’ve only used it once and haven’t worn the socks yet but it felt good and it has a good reputation
If you don’t already know how to knit, go to Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby or whatever’s near you. Get some bigger needles, some inexpensive yarn, search the internet for free knitting videos and get busy. You can learn! You can even be ready to start socks with us on November 1.
Who’s ready to try and knit along with me?
{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
i tried knitting 2 at a time on 2 circulars and i didn’t care for it. I prefer my top down on dpns old fashioned sock knitting. I haven’t tried the toe up method. I’m considering trying it this year just so I can say I tried it.
The second socks always gets me. I’ve got a pair on dpn — have two sets of dpns to prevent that — but I bet I’ve been knitting those socks for 8-10 years. Only worked on them a the Concerts in the Park. I got rid of a bunch of yarn a few weeks ago, but kept the sock yarn. I’ll pick up the book from the library and see if I have enough yarn to make a pair in my stash. — then look for the needles….
I knit socks all the time…it’s my portable go-to project. I also love my dpn’s and hate second sock syndrome so I have 2 sets of dpn’s and knit them at the same time. Cuffs, legs, heels, foot, toes…or in reverse if I’m doing toe-up. A side benefit of this is that if I make a mistake, I can immediately make the same “mistake” on the second one without having to remember what I did.
I learned to knit socks about a year ago and I’m about to finish my third pair…I’m doing the toe decrease now (using DPNs). Your November 1 challenge is what I need to jump right in to the next pair! I bought sock yarn when it was on sale, so I’m ready to go as soon as this other pair is finished.
Oh Oh Oh I want to I can’t wait thank you so much Judy for thinking of us and guiding us. Sandy B
Oh Oh Oh I can’t wait. Thank you so much Judy for thinking of us and guiding us. Sandy B
A sock knit along – I am in. So far I am a DPN only sock knitter, but have circular needles standing by…. waiting for their chance! A knit along is the perfect opportunity – thank you!
I started knitting socks this summer after wanting to for a while and being encouaged by your blog. I too knitted for many years but never socks. I just followed the pattern-clumsily at first and have made about 8 pair so far. I always wore wild socks and they have gotten hard to find so now I make my own. I started using yarn from Joann’s and Michael’s. Now I really like to buy my yarn at ETSY. I have gotten some wild stuff mostly hand dyed and I just love it all. http://www.etsy.com
I like supporting made in America!
Judy
I am in Judy – thanks — I will at last have a pair instead of like you just the one
Like Sue K, sock knitting is my portable go-to project. Plus they make perfect gifts. I am in the Socktoberfest again for the 4th year. Always love to do it.
Fabulous idea! Thanks so much! I have the pattern, yarn and needles. Can’t wait!
I had knitted about 25 years ago and just this year started it again. I have made 1 pair of socks and am working on the 2nd pair. I have the 1st sock done and working on the mate. I tried 2 at a time but got very confused. I am left handed so I do things my way which is different than right handed. Knitting is fun and very relaxing. I also quilt and crochet.
I love sock knitting and have made many, many pairs. I prefer 2 circs. and usually do both at once(tow up) since I like being done without having to worry about second sock syndrome. I keep from twisting my yarn by always rotating my project back and forth the same way and by keeping the balls of yarn separated. With all that, I’m in.
Yippee Wa Hooooooo I’m in. Can’t wait!
Around this time last year, I was one of those who wanted to learn to knit to make socks and now, I have 1 pair done, a second pair mostly done and a closet full of yarn to make more! I love it!!!
I’m in! I have some yarn that I’d like to make two at a time socks with and bought that book on Mary’s recommendation. I’ll have to buy the needles, but I’m pretty sure I can get them by November 1st!
I’m in for the knit along!
Hi Judy. I lurk around Mary’s log as well as your’s and many others. She inspired me this April with her knitting two socks at a time and I did two pairs from the cuff down. Did not like it. Then I did a toe up pair and loved it. Especially the neat finish around the cuff. Try one of those patterns. It is fun. Liz
PS Still waiting for a comment on the email I sent you about the candied jalepeno recipe, in your regular email.
I am in!!! I haven’t knit and years, and I have about 12 quilts in progress, but I am still in. It should be a great project to do in front of the tv or on the go waiting for appointments that are always late!
I’m in!!!
Me, me, me! I’m in! I started my 2nd try at 2 at a time today. I shouldn’t have but I did.
You make me feel nostalgic, talking about knitting socks. Back in the days when I lived in Mass. and New York, I knitted a lot! Now that I live in southern Florida, it is seldom that I even put on a pair of socks! The socks I made long ago, up North, and remember the best, was a pair of argyle socks I lovingly made for my younger brother. I think he never wore them! He said he didn’t want to wear them out!
Everyone — enjoy your knit-along.
I tried the 2 socks on circular needles method – actually took a class. What a disaster that was! I was so tangled up in needles & yarn I ended up justing doing one sock at a time. I’d love to try the 2 sock method again.
I love the Loopy Ewe too. Right now I’m knitting socks with Panda Silk – it’s 52% bamboo, 43% merino wool & 5% combed silk. It’s wonderfully soft – hope it wears well.
Judy, I would like to TRY again!. My first attempt (that you helped me with) was going good, but when taking it places in my tote a lot, some how I lost a needle and made a mess of my rounds. I didn’t know which side was up. I’ve unwound all the yarn and it’s back in ball form again. I’m ready to try getting past the cuff this time, unless you think I’m hopeless, I’ll be ready by Nov. 1. Thanks Dar in Mo
Looks like LOTS of ladies will be knitting with you in November! I’ll do that, too. Should be finished with the two pairs I have on the needles now…
I like the feel of the DPNs, which may seem odd… as I’d never even consider hand quilting, traditional or not!
For beginners, Ann Budd’s book GETTING STARTED KNITTING SOCKS is a great resource. NB -Knitting your first pair of socks with DK or worsted weight yarn at 5-6 stitches per inch (light color – easier to see the stitches) is much easier and far less frustrating than working with “sock yarn”, as lovely as that is to work with… it is TINY.
I’ll knit with you. But I’m going to be doing toe-ups as that is what I am currently learning now. You got me rehooked on knitting again, reading all your sock posts from last year. I started to teach my self socks back in February on dpns and finally took a class in May on two circulars. I’ve now recently learned the Magic Loop and toe-ups doing another sock KAL, so I’ve really graduated.
And, yes, I do my 2nd socks! I looked over the two socks on one needle and decided that wasn’t for me.
I made a very interesting pair of patriotic socks using yarn from The Painted Tiger. It didn’t feel as nice as the Malabrigo I knit my first pair with, but they are a sturdy sock. I have quite a bit of yarn from The Sanguine Gryphon and need to start using it. Bugga! and Eidos are just yummy!
I also recommend the “Eye of Partridge” stitch for the heel flap. Very sturdy and it looks cool, too. (Google it, the pattern is on the internet)
Thank you, thank you – all I needed is that one little push – I WILL learn to knit socks this year. Yeah !! Did I say thank you. I am ordering today – so what if the shipping charge is greater than the product – I will do it because I want to do it and it makes me happy.
Oh fun! I’ve wanted to learn to knit socks for several years. I bought the book “2-at-a-Time Socks” which also teaches on 2 circs. I already own a yarn ball winder, my hubby functions as my yarn swift
Hopefully I can get some of the things on my plate gone so I can join the group and finally attempt socks.
Hi Judy, I already knit socks using DPN’s and have tried, like you, to learn the two at a time and haven’t been able to master it. So, I will join the challenge and try to do two at a time on Nov. 1. Thanks for the encouragement and I’m looking forward to it. Terry
I’m game! Currently am working on my first pair and have made numerous mistakes. Am using DPN’s.
Using your classic socks pattern, for a womans size pair of socks, how much yarn will I need? I found the pattern and the store has flat rate shipping, so I’d like to get my yarn at the same place, TLE doesn’t have your pattern
I started knitting socks top down on dpns, but I really suffered getting that second sock done. Now, I do two at a time and use toe up method. That works much better for me. When I’m done, I’m done. The toe up allows me to try on the sock before I turn the heel when making them for myself. For gifts, I seem to get a more accurate measurement from toe to heel start and end up with better fitting socks for gifts. I don’t need to join a sock knit a long; I’m always in a sock knit along.
I’ve made two pairs on DPNs, so I gave the 2 at at time a whirl. Got a quick hot mess! I’ll give it one more go, hopefully a knitalong will give me encouragement. Otherwise, my next option is two at at time on two sets of DPNs….
thx
I taught myself to knit two socks on 2 circular needles. I like to knit from the toe up. I start both on double needles. As I finish each toe, I move the sock to the circular needles. Not what they each in the books, but it works for me….
I am just so excited to learn how to knit socks. I have knitted a little, mostly self taught so I still have to look at the book if it is anything other than a knit or purl stitch. I don’t care if I knit one sock at a time or two. I am going to knit socks! Thank you, Judy!
It’s funny reading all the comments and seeing how different people like different methods. I gave toe up a half hearted attempt but I prefer to decrease rather than increase so I like going cuff down.
As one commenter mentioned, the key to NOT getting tangled is to just watch how you rotate your work. The other two tips are that when doing the ribbing on the cuff and ending with a purl, you have to move your yarn to the other side of the needle before starting the second pair – otherwise you’ll find yourself having to pull your ball through your needles if that makes sense … and last it’s just a matter of checking where your yarn is hanging at beginning of every row.
It sounds like a pain but once you get used to the two needles it’s instinctive.
Pattern Book Found – I finally found the Yankee Knitter Classic Socks for the Family pattern at http://www.covetedyarn.com for $5.00 and he ships the patterns for $1.25 each. Your check out will say $5.00, but he said that he changes that to the $1.25 before shipping.
Judy – I have two sock patterns and a book on how to knit socks. I’ve knitted two half-socks and pulled them out already! I’ve been knitting and crocheting since I was knee-high to a grasshopper and I know I can do it. I’m up for a November knit-along!
I need another project like a hole in my head, so you know I am totally in!!! The pattern is on its way, and I head to a LYS to get the yarn.
Judy, can’t wait have been practicing my rusty knitting for a week now have 3 dishclothes. I would love to learn to knit socks in the round.
I’m in for the sock knitting. I’ve tried a couple of times but seem to get confused somewhere between the heel and toe. I’ll be looking forward to it and November is right around the corner.
I am really going to try to do this with you!!! I’ve been trying off and on now for about 2 years…. all because of YOU!! I LOVE the socks you make, and I want to do that too!! I’m willing to give it a go!! Thanks! Maybe THIS time?
I can knit pretty well, but have tried and tried to use circular needles and have failed miserably. I really want some socks!!! Looking forward to this.
I ordered the pattern. What size circulars or DPNs should I get? I have a bunch of different sizes. Thanks. I am soooo excited.
I have tried to learn how to knit sock with youtube and such but I get to a point and then I can’t figure out how they turn it all around…lol I have rewound and rewound but what she does is too fast for me to figure out! I was planning on signing up for a class, but I think I might try this with you! THANKS!
I’m in I’m a novice knitter and have been wanting learn for quite some time now. Thanks for offering.
I love how you share your life thru blogging. Thank you! I’m knitting socks again because of you. And baking bread because of you. So looking forward to the November KAL.
My go-to pattern is Stephanie Pearl-McFee’s from “Knitting Rules!” book (gotta love her blog too!) and I’ve been making notes on all the different yarns I’ve tried out. I have a little blank book and dedicate 1 page/project. I tape the ball band and a sample of the yarn in one corner and write the source purchased, price, dates started/finished, likes and dislikes, etc. If I give the project away, I note the recipient. It has been so useful! Wish I’d done it with my quilts!
I think I have the best of both approaches– I make two socks at a time, but each sock is on a different needle. I use the magic loop method (one long circular needle for each sock) and knit toe up.
I work the socks in tandem– toe on sock A, then on sock b. I work the feet on A and on B , then the heel of A followed by the heel of B. One I’m on the legs and cuffs, all the trickier parts are done and if the stitch pattern is easy to memorize, I’ve got great take along knitting. \
No tangling, no second sock syndrome, and no grafting the toes. win, win, win
Yahoo, I’m in. I haven’t tried the 2 at a time, but I was going to try on my next sock project. I’ll be going on another vacation at the beginning of Nov. so it’s perfect timing! I can’t wait.