Knitting Socks – What You Need to Know Before You Start
One of the most exciting trends to hit the fashion industry over the past few years has been the resurgence of knitting socks. Socks like Oxfords, lace, and mohawks are just some of the more popular options available today. The increasing demand and interest in these items is what has helped knitters across the country spend hundreds of dollars on these products. However, with so many to choose from, how does one choose the best pair to suit their style and taste? Well, the key is really in your ability to pattern knit correctly. Patterning skills can be taught a number of different ways, but if you are attempting to knit socks in the way it was originally done hundreds or even thousands of years ago, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you go out and buy the first pair of socks you find.
First off, knitting is not a simple form of needlework. Each sock will have an individual pattern stitch, which will depend on the fabric that the sock is being knit for. Different types of stitches work well in different fabrics. For example, there are stitches that are better used when working with thicker fabrics. Additionally, different stitches work best when knitting socks that are tighter or longer. Finally, there are stitches that are better used when knitting a lighter fabric, such as cotton.
When learning how to knit socks, you may notice that there is a specific stitch associated with knitting a specific type of fabric. For example, the stockinette stitch is used to make a thick wool sock. The toe and heel stitches are both featured in a wide variety of knitting patterns. As you become more familiar with knitting and learn how different stitches are used, you will learn which stitches you are most comfortable with. Once you know which stitches you feel most comfortable with, it will be easier to pick up the various patterns that you find online or in knitting magazines and books.