I'm active in both of my local knitting guilds — Atlanta Knitting Guild and North Georgia Knitting Guild. Sibel, who is currently leading programs for North Georgia Knitting Guild, asked if I could please lead a knit along for socks. I have some sock yarn that has been languishing for awhile. This seemed like a good motivation to turn that yarn into socks.
Initially, I thought I would demonstrate the techniques at consecutive guild meetings. After some thought, I decided it would be nice to have video members could watch ahead of time. That way, I don't need to take up a big chunk of a guild meeting. I want instead to concentrate on assisting members who are having difficulty.
So, here are the first two videos as well as some instructions.
To start your sock, please swatch. Swatch until you have achieved these things:
- You have produced a fabric you like for socks (dense for wear but stretchy).
- You have figured out which needles you like best for working this yarn.
- You have figured out which method for working in the round you would like to use.
- You have measured your gauge.
- You have done the math to know how many stitches you need to fit around the intended foot.
- Optional: You know what stitch pattern you want to use and how that affects your math. Do you need an odd number or even number of stitches? Is there a particular multiple you need?
Most toe-up socks start with a cast-on of 16 to 24 stitches. That is, you'll have the same number of stitches on two needles. You'll have 8 to 12 pairs. Based on your gauge, stitch pattern, and intended sock size, pick an amount to cast-on.
Here's how to work Judy's magic cast-on.
After you've worked the cast-on, you'll want to increase for the toe. Here's how to do that.
Keep increasing until the sock circumference is just a little less than the intended foot. A sock should have a bit of negative ease to fit properly. After the toe is shaped, work in the round with no shaping on up the foot.
Comments