FO: My First Socks

I said that this year would be the year that I stopped being afraid of trying new things in knitting. Knitting is about learning and growing (in my opinion) and when I get nervous or doubt myself I lose out on a chance to learn a new skill or something new. When I made the Morgan doll I realized that I essentially knit a heel flap when I made her feet without hesitating – so I then realized perhaps knitting a sock wouldn’t be that complex.
First socks
I was right. Sock knitting isn’t that complex, the hardest part is keeping my double points working smoothly. I swear I need to get some of those curved double points to make my knitting in the round easier. I’ve tried magic loop method and do not like it all. But I also don’t know if I love sock knitting enough to invest in double points.
First socks
I decided to use a simple pattern meant for worsted weight socks (oh and it was free) to try a pair. I always have tons of Berroco Vintage scraps so I just pulled two colors from my knitting wall and pulled out my size 5 double points. I’m pretty sure I could’ve gone down a needle size for a snugger fit but I knew these were test socks and didn’t mind if they were a little loose. I also knew I’d probably just wear these around the house and I bought a tube of sparkly puff paint to put little grippy dots on the bottom of the socks once they were blocked and dried so that I don’t break my neck running around the house in these since we have very little carpet.
First socks
I decided to tackle socks because my godson asked me if I could knit him wool socks since his feet are always cold. He’ll turn 15 this month and he wears a size 12 shoe and his favorite color is orange. I’ve got a ball of bright orange yarn and the Tin Can Knits Rye sock pattern (another free one) and I plan on knitting him a pair of socks before the end of the month. I don’t see myself knitting a ton of socks in the future (again, I don’t love using tiny double points) but I can definitely see a pair here and there as a special gift. I think my cousin in Chicago would probably love a nice pair of wool socks when winter rolls around again. Anyone else a sock knitter? Tips? Tricks? Please share! And just for giggles, here’s a picture of Cher in socks – she hates them. Happy Friday!
dog wearing socks

12 Replies to “FO: My First Socks”

  1. My Hubby tells me that the more active you are- the more the larger stitches will irritate (read: rub against) the bottom of your foot. So you may want to go down to like Sport weight for your godson, if he’s going to wear them out and about. I don’t usually run or power walk in my hand knit socks, so that bit of info was new to me.

    Or he could just have sensitive feet.

    1. Good to know! I think AJ just wants them for lounging around the house and playing video games in to keep him warm. LOL If he likes them I may consider knitting him more.

  2. I hated magic loop the first time I tried it (on my first socks–Rye). Since then, I’ve tried it again a few times, and now I actually like it a lot. I’ve never minded dpns but it’s been helpful to have another tool in the toolkit.

    Your socks look great! Will you post again after you’ve washed them a few times? I’m curious to know how the grippy dots hold up. I’d like to do something like that for socks I knit for my daughter.

    1. Sure! I’ll give you an update after they wash up multiple times. I’m curious if the dots will stay too! LOL

  3. Magic loop for me. I used to knit socks on the train and always dropped a dpn. Magic loop is worth trying again.
    I use sock weight yarn and make two pairs per year. I don’t like nylon in my socks and instead buy Superwash bfl which I dye myself.
    Keep at it, hand knit socks in winter are the best!

    1. Perhaps if I get magic loop down I’ll be more inclined to knit socks. They seem like a great project to always have in your bag!

  4. Curved double points!?! I think you just changed my life!!! 😀

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