Basic Ankle Socks! Learn to Knit Socks

[Shandeh]

Some of the forum members have mentioned that they would like to learn to knit socks.
Lucky for all of you, I LOVE to knit socks!

In order to help you learn, we will be using a basic ankle sock pattern, which is free here on the Bernat website.

Sox - Ankle Socks


This pattern uses Bernat Sox yarn, which is a fingering weight yarn. VERY THIN.
Since the yarn is so thin, your socks will be comfortable to wear with shoes. This is awesome, because you will be able to show off your handknit socks, everywhere you go!

I will be making videos of every step of the process, using double pointed knitting needles (dpns).

HOW-TO VIDEOS FOR OUR PROJECT

The socks are knit in the round. As I just mentioned, I will be using dpns. If you prefer, you can use two circulars, or the magic loop method. But, I will only be showing the dpn method.

If you have never knit in the round before, you can practice with our Cup Cozy KAL here in the forum!

Bernat Sox yarn is a soft acrylic/nylon blend. It is machine washable and dryable, so you can just toss them in with your regular laundry. I have decided to use the bright, happy color called "Hot Tamale", with pretty shades of sky blue, lime green, hot pink, and sunny yellow. This yarn should make some very fun ankle socks!

I can't wait to get started! Who wants to learn to knit socks?

[karenarp]

Will they be toe up socks?
or ankle down?

[Shandeh]

Will they be toe up socks?
or ankle down?

They are top down socks. We will start at the ankle.

[tjwjlove]

I'll try. I have crocheted a lot of socks, and love them. I'm glad I made my 2nd cup cozy, to get a little better working the dpn's. I'm scared , but I'm ready.

[Shandeh]

:knit: I'll try. I have crocheted a lot of socks, and love them. I'm glad I made my 2nd cup cozy, to get a little better working the dpn's. I'm scared , but I'm ready.

You can do it! Just dig in, and give it a try. It is really satisfying when the heel is created. I would recommend taking it slow with this project, so we can all walk each other through each step in the process.

I will do my best to take good photos and videos.

[Shandeh]

GAUGE SWATCH
Right now, we need to start off with a gauge swatch, so we know our socks will fit. We need to cast on 30 stitches, and knit for at least 4 inches. You can knit straight, or in the round. Just be sure your swatch is knit in stockinette.

If you knit your swatch on staight needles, you will knit the right side rows, and purl the wrong side rows.

If you knit your swatch in the round, you will knit every stitch in every round. This is where "stockinette" got it's name. "Stockings" knit all around create that smooth fabric.

Some experienced knitters believe very strongly that if your project will be knit in the round, your gauge swatch should also be knit in the round. They say that our gauge varies, depending on the yarn, needles, and method of knitting. So, everything should match what you intend to be doing for the actual project.

On the other hand, other knitters (myself included) believe that the gauge doesn't change that much, whether you knit straight or in the round.

[laceyj1204]

This really makes me wish I had dpns and some sock yarn on hand!! I spent my yarn money on yarn for an afghan my brother requested so I'm out of luck until next month . Guess I can wait and jump in then though. I would so love to learn to knit socks!!!

[Shandeh]

This really makes me wish I had dpns and some sock yarn on hand!! I spent my yarn money on yarn for an afghan my brother requested so I'm out of luck until next month . Guess I can wait and jump in then though. I would so love to learn to knit socks!!!

The great thing about this project is that you only need ONE skein of Bernat Sox to make two socks.
So, watch for sales and coupons in your area. I'm sure I will still be working on my socks through the end of summer.

[Shandeh]

OK, I just finished my first gauge swatch, using Bernat Sox yarn with some vintage size 4 (US) dpns in my craft room. I also have some size 3 (US) dpns, and I think I need to do a swatch with them now, because my swatch is a little too big.

This photo shows my swatch with the size 4 dpns, when I was about halfway through.

Making Gauge Swatch by Shandeh, on Flickr

This one shows my two different sets of dpns with the yarn. I really love the color variation in the "Hot Tamale" shade. So summery and bright!

Yarn and Needles by Shandeh, on Flickr

[tjwjlove]

I love the vintage needles. I wish we could go back to those good old days. Prices were so much more reasonable. I have picked up lots of supplies thru the years and when I pull them out I am always amazed at the prices.