How to Learn to Knit Socks
Like Mount Everest, the sock is just something knitters need to do to challenge themselves and their skills. Novice knitters quiver at the thought of using four, yes, four needles and knitting in-the-round, while skilled knitters are tackling cable sock patterns and toe socks. At one point or another, a new knitter must move away from the safety of the scarf and into the murky pit of sock-making.It helps to have a few tips under your hat that books and patterns don't always tell you. If you don't have a knitter right beside you to show you the way, finding an illustrated book on knitting can help, or just getting some pointers from your local yarn store clerk may be enough to get you going.When the pattern doesn't make sense to you, just keep going and it all works out just fine. Follow the directions and you'll be well on your way to sock mastery. Here are some tips to help get you going in the right direction.
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Things You'll Need
- A basic sock pattern
- Yarns
- Double pointed needles (four are usually used)
- Stitch markers
Instructions
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How to Learn to Knit Socks
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First, find an easy, basic sock pattern. There are plenty of free sock patterns you can find online, and an added bonus for online shopping is that many sites offer a shopping list of yarn and needles you'll need to complete your project. This is great because if you don't use exactly the right yarn and needles you may end up with one giant sock. Yes, this is the voice of experience talking.
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Once you have all your materials you read over the pattern. Don't let that scare you. The pattern and instructions may not make much sense to you as you are reading them, but if you just take it step by step and follow the pattern no matter how crazy it seems, you will always end up with a sock-looking-sock.
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Cast on. Working in the round may be the most intimidating part of knitting socks but a few stitch markers and a great tip will make this a lot easier. An easy sock pattern may call for you to cast on 40 stitches. Take two of your double pointed needles and hold them together. Cast on your 40 stitches over both needles so stitches are loose. Then, divide your stitches easily among your other needles as directed in your pattern. You now have a circle of needles with stitches on them. Good job! Place a stitch marker on your last stitch so you always know where your rows begin and end.
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Begin following your pattern, using the empty needle to knit your stitches.
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When it comes time to "turn your heel" don't panic. Follow the pattern and it will all make sense as you go. You'll be decreasing stitches here, so be sure to know your basic knitting skills or have a handy instructional book handy to help you along the bumps in the road. Don't try to watch TV and do your heel, as you'll need to concentrate.
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Now your into the home stretch. Your pattern should begin to decrease stitches to form the toe part of your sock. Once you get down to about four stitches you'll do a simple closing stitch and finish off your sock.
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Tips & Warnings
Cast on your second sock immediately. If you wait to start up the partner sock, you may never do it, so always get started on Number two right away.
Sometimes it helps to just see someone do it, so join a knitting group or view a tutorial online or in commonly found books on knitting socks.
Don't get discouraged. If something confuses, you there are plenty of knitting websites that offer forums where you can post a question or chat with other knitters. I have included some below for emergencies.
Resources
- Photo Credit Marek Wojtal~ sxc
