General advice on knitting socks

Socks - sooner or later we all dare to tackle this subject when it comes to knitting. Sure, why not - you can never have enough socks and especially in the cold season or just for the day at home it's nice to have some in the closet.

If you are new to the topic, we will give you tips and tricks in this article that you should definitely consider before you start your sock project. We want to give you an overview so that you don't experience any nasty surprises.

You'll get insight into which needles are best for knitting socks and learn which yarns work best and which don't. You can find out how many balls you need according to the manufacturer on the product page for our Superba sock yarn linked below. We will also take a look at which measurements you need for which foot so that you cannot make any mistakes here.

By the way: The Sock Yarn Superba Premium Superwash from RICO from our range is perfect for knitting socks.

So let's get started!

The matching wool

Does it really matter which wool I use? No! As you may have noticed in the course of the text, we have therefore referred to our sock wool from RICO, which is specially intended for socks.

What is the difference between regular wool and sock yarn? Sock wool is of course exposed to much more extreme conditions through its use. Finally, we put on shoes - this creates pressure, friction and heat, which can put a lot of strain on the fabric. Pilling can occur, the material can tear, and, and, and.

Now, sock wool has certain properties so that exactly that cannot happen:

1. The fibers are severely twisted by twisted yarn (twisting of individual threads), so that the yarn becomes more tear-resistant and therefore more stable. You can see this property, for example, in the description of the product. It says 4-thread, 6-thread or 8-thread.
2. polyamide: the synthetic fiber gives the whole thing even more strength and protects the sock wool from chafing. Maybe you know it when the new wool on the heel of old socks is no longer visible, but only a kind of transparent net - that's the polyamide. By the way, it is also perfect as a basis for darning holes!
3. Superwash: Basically, superwash simply means that the yarn is also machine washable. The wool fibers no longer become matted due to this special treatment, since the scale structure of the wool is reduced. Smart right?

In addition to the "classic" sock yarn, there are also other yarns that are suitable for knitting socks.

In the past, for example, very tightly spun wool was used. While this guaranteed durability, tangles used to be just as normal for people as hand washing - so it didn't bother them too much.

These "old-fashioned" yarns can still be found today, for example, in traditional socks or traditional Norwegian socks. It's more about function than cosiness and comfort.

Also: Allergy sufferers watch out!

The offer for people who don't tolerate animal hair or simply don't want to knit with it has meanwhile also been expanded in this respect. The offer ranges from cotton blends with viscose or bamboo to silk.

Another tip for composition:

The higher the proportion of synthetic fibers (i.e. polyester, polyacrylic, etc.), the less moisture the material can absorb - ergo your feet sweat more quickly and that is uncomfortable. The poly content should be a maximum of 50 percent. So make sure your yarn has a high cotton content.

You want it cozy and classy and are thinking about knitting hiking socks made of cashmere? Unfortunately we have to disappoint you. Unfortunately, this will not work, because the sensitive material quickly suffers from friction and stress, and the softness that is so valued for these fabrics is lost.

But if you don't want to do without a certain amount of stretch in your socks, there's a solution for that, too! The variant is called Polyester-Elité and conveniently contains a stretch thread that is already spun in (amount of 7-10%). In the past, you had to laboriously run an extra elastane thread. With the new variant you already have enough elasticity included!

So before you knit socks for someone from your family, friends or partner, think carefully about WHO and, above all, HOW the person will wear them. It would be a shame if all the effort was in vain and the socks given away only had a short lifespan.

The amount of sock yarn

A pair of socks for adults up to size 45 usually consists of 100 grams of sock yarn. For children, even 2 pairs come out of the crowd. Incidentally, 50 gram balls work just as well.

Important information regarding the quantity consumption

1. What is your personal knitting style? Loose or tight?
2. What kind of socks would you like to knit? Sneakers or knee socks?
3. Which pattern do you choose? do you knit stocking stitch or rib?
4. Patterns such as braids increase your consumption!
5. What heel shape do you use? The models differ here!

If you plan to not only knit socks and are unsure about the right amount of yarn, please have a look at our blog post on the subject “How do I know how much yarn I need for my Project need?” over!

You're probably wondering what else you should pay attention to with sock yarn when the yarn already "does" so much with its properties. So, it is definitely important that you have the same direction of the ball of yarn (for both socks). You're basically wrapping the ball either outside-in or inside-out. If you don't pay attention to this, there may be a reflection of the color gradient of the two socks.

By the way: with color gradient yarn it is best to follow the motto: "The proof of the pudding is in the eating!" Depending on the pattern or specification, the result is sometimes better, sometimes worse. But you shouldn't let that affect you. After all: the time and material costs are limited and you also hide some of the socks in your shoes ;-)

The right knitting needles

Either the classic “needle-point game” or circular knitting needles can be used here. Circular knitting needles are becoming more and more popular because they have the advantage that the stitches (almost) do not slip off the needles. Of course, you can also find these in a wide variety of shapes, colors and materials.

We hope we were able to give you a good insight into the world of sock yarn and knitting.Now you know, among other things, which needles you can use, how much thread you need and which thread even fits! Have fun knitting!