If ever listed down any of the hundreds of free knitting patterns with fingering weight yarn, that list too would never end, simply because this resource is so widely used by knitters. Of course, the name of the sock weight yarn most often used by knitters is sock weight yarn, you guessed it – sock weight yarn. What is sock weight yarn? It’s yarn that contains little or no spin, so it will lie very flat when knit and is great for people who like a tight knitted fabric, such as sweaters or mufflers.
In the realm of fashion, sock weight yarns aren’t just for knitters-many people use this type of yarn in their home design projects, including projects made in baby socks, afghans, socks, and shawls. Many of the four-ply varieties are considered to be fairly stiff, so they knitters who work on anything from knits to pullovers will love working with them. When it comes to baby socks, however, it’s not unusual for sock weight yarn to be too light, which can lead to a scratchy feeling when the fabric is worn.
When sock weight yarn is purchased in bulk, it can be used to make a sweater, a scarf, a beanie, or any number of other clothing items. Because of its uniformity, four-ply yarns are frequently used as yarns in knits, especially baby clothing and afghans. Many knitters who are turning more to working with wool or other natural fibers find that sock yarns are particularly easy to work with, and they hold up well under a variety of conditions. There are many different variations of sock weight yarn available, ranging from very fine lace to coarse Merino wool. Some of the most popular sock yarns are acrylic, sport cotton, and even silk, although many knitters swear that nothing comes close to Merino wool in terms of both durability and softness.