How to Knit With Sock Yarn
That ball may be labeled "sock yarn," but it has a life well beyond making socks. Sock yarn is usually fingering weight yarn, which is good for shawls, sweaters, lightweight caps and any kind of item where you want elasticity and strength without adding a lot of weight. Blankets made of sock yarn are popular among knitters, and the variety of sock yarns makes it possible to create items with a high degree of visual interest. If you do want to knit socks, sock yarn is designed to make a durable fabric soft enough to wear next to the skin.
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Things You'll Need
- Sock yarn
- Knitting needles
- Ruler or tape measure
- Straight pins
- Bath towel
- Spray bottle
- Knitting pattern (optional)
Instructions
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1
Select a knitting pattern that calls for fingering weight yarn. Obtain knitting needles in the size called for by the pattern, or on the yarn label if you aren't using a pattern.
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2
Knit a 4-inch by 4-inch swatch using the main design feature in your knitting pattern, or the design feature you plan to use most often. If you are knitting in the round, either make a 4-inch tube, or using double-pointed needles, cast onto one needle and knit one row. Slide your stitches to the other end of the needle. Drape your yarn loosely across the back, and start knitting another right side row. The swatch will have loose yarn across the back, and stockinette on the front.
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3
Block your swatch by spraying the item with water, and then pinning the item to a towel, pressing it lightly. Remove it when dry.
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Measure the number of stitches per inch. If you have too many stitches per inch for your pattern, use a larger needle. If you have too few stitches per inch for your pattern, use a smaller needle. If you are not using a pattern, manipulate the fabric to examine its drape and tension. If the fabric is too stiff or seems "tight," use a larger needle. If the fabric has undesired holes or seems too "floppy," use a smaller needle.
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Knit the desired item. Block when completed.
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Tips & Warnings
Sock yarn is elastic, so select a pattern that does not require a yarn to hold a rigid shape.
Sock yarn also comes in sport weight. If your sock yarn is sport weight, select patterns calling for sport weight yarn.
Yarn can be knit double- or even triple-stranded, so a garment calling for a heavier yarn can be made with sock yarn if two or more strands are knit together. Make sure that you get the same number of stitches per inch, and adjust yarn quantities accordingly. A sweater made with double-stranded sock yarn would be stretchy, soft and quick to make---a good choice for a child.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Knitting image by Maria Vtyurina from Fotolia.com
