I knit socks the same way as I do other colorwork, with the background color in my right hand for English method stitching, and the pattern color in my left hand for continental stitching. With all color knitting, I use only two colors per row or round, to keep the fabric from getting bulky spots. But with socks, I need more stretch than usual in the leg design. I use the last two or three fingers of each hand to keep the work stretched waaayyy out as I work, and I check each round for "stretchiness" before going on.
Christmas themed socks—merino wool, size 4 needles.
The Norwegian-style socks are 100% merino. They probably won't wear well for extended hiking inthe mountains (I haven't tried this; I can barely walk at all now) but seem to hold up for regular daily wear, especially if you have enough that you aren't wearing a single pair every other day. I did copy the copper pair in easy-care, long-wearing wool blend for a friend who will be certain to forget laundering instructions, so I know it can be done. I save the leftovers from my basic crew socks just for this purpose, to add a little color.
These are my own designs. Knitting graph paper is available online and is very helpful in visualizing the finished design, since knit stitches aren’t square. I just downloaded the paper, then use a fresh document of it to fill in the design right on the computer. If you find that too complicated, borrow one of mine. These socks take 4 afternoons to make. I do the top and leg one day, turn the heel and knit the foot the second, and repeat.
(My daughter told her son that when he outgrew his socks, she would get them. His reply: “No. No, they’ll still be mine.”)
And now for something completely different: anklets with a Fair Isle cuff. These are from a book and use very common Fair Isle themes. They were fun to do.
Anklets with Fair Isle cuffs—fingering sock yarn, sizes 2 and 0 needles. I especially like the look of corrugated ribbing, with two colors. They have a band heel, so no gussets to do!
The thread is now open.
Comments are closed on this story.