How to knit socks
When knitting socks you should first choose which yarn you want to use. There are several good sock yarns on the market, including self-striping sock yarns. While the sock yarns are exactly the right weight for a good pair of socks, some think that wool yarn is a better sock yarn.
Even a novice can learn how to knit socks. The most difficult part of knitting is reading the pattern. Be sure to look closely at every pattern for the instructions that are being illustrated.
Materials needed to knit socks: - 2 sizes of 3 double-ended knitting needles - the smaller size is for the ribbing. - 5 balls of sock yarn possibly more depending on sock pattern. - Pattern (make working copy) - Stitch markers - Scissors - Yarn needle - You need a highlighter to mark the working copy.
There are two techniques to knit socks: with or without heels. If you're not sure which technique to choose, consider that socks with heels are known to be more comfortable.
The sock size depends on the size of the ankle. If you create a sock with a heel, you will need to measure the foot and figure out the heel placement. When you measure the ankle, subtract 1" for an adult size and " for a child's size. Usually, the ankle size for for a male is 10" and is 8" a female.
Please use sock yarn for the best fit on your socks. Now you must calculate how many stitches you need to cast on your needles. The stitches should be equally divided between the 3 ends of the double point needles. Mark the first stitch for the beginning of the round. Do the ribbing first and use the smaller needles for this. After the ribbing has been completed you change over to the larger needles. The stockinette stitch is a good solid stitch to use for both the ribbing and making a plain pattern. This stitch does produce an excellent fitting sock.
Now you have to work on the heel by placing half the stitches on one needle. The stitches should begin at the start of the round. Then place the other half on another needle. This allows the heel to be knitted from the front to the back using a single needle. Again the stockinette stitch is used for two thirds to three quarters of the rows on the heel. Then you have to reduce the heel area and turn. Now is yhr time to form the gusset. You should wind up with 2 selvedge edges in between these heels. To form the gusset pick these stitches up. To complete the heel knit the rest of the stitches. The gusset must be decreased at this point.
Regarding the foot, it should be 2" shorter than the foot measurement. Start knitting at the center with a quarter of the stitches on the first needle, half the stitches on the second needle the last quarter of the stitches on the third needle. Then alternate between rounds. The sock can be finished using several techniques. One way is to keep decreasing to the toe, either casting off or binding off and then sewing the remaining together.