knitting socks

[blankie]

Hello fellow knitters,

I am going to take the plunge and try knitting socks. My question is, is it easier to knit socks with 4 needles or with a circular needle? Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

blankie

[Ewezer]

I prefer the 4 needle method because I find it easier to hold the needles. I get cramps in my hands when I use a circular needle. Plus I'm not sure I've ever seen a circular needle that would be short enough. That's not to say they don't make them.

[Shandeh]

Hello fellow knitters,

I am going to take the plunge and try knitting socks. My question is, is it easier to knit socks with 4 needles or with a circular needle? Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

blankie

I've tried using dpns, using one long circular, using two circulars, and knitting them straight - then seaming.
My favorite method is dpns - because it's more comfortable in my hands, and easier to see where I am in the pattern. The stitches are laid out on the needles in such a way that it's easy for me to follow my work.

I would recommend trying different methods, and seeing which one you like. Everyone has their own favorite.

[blankie]

Thanks everyone. I am presently trying the (one) circular needle, wow, not an easy task haha! I have started over about 4 times already. After I finish one sock, I am going to try the dpns, because I will have someone who can teach me.
I do admit that I am enjoying the challenge and I am fairly patient with myself so . . .I think I am going to like it!!

blankie

[Shandeh]

Thanks everyone. I am presently trying the (one) circular needle, wow, not an easy task haha! I have started over about 4 times already. After I finish one sock, I am going to try the dpns, because I will have someone who can teach me.
I do admit that I am enjoying the challenge and I am fairly patient with myself so . . .I think I am going to like it!!

blankie

Keep us updated about your progress....and good luck with your socks!

[mittenmaker]

Thanks everyone. I am presently trying the (one) circular needle, wow, not an easy task haha! I have started over about 4 times already. After I finish one sock, I am going to try the dpns, because I will have someone who can teach me.
I do admit that I am enjoying the challenge and I am fairly patient with myself so . . .I think I am going to like it!!

blankie

Hi Blankie, hope your socks on one circular needle adventure is going well. I like what you said about enjoying the challenge and being fairly patient with yourself. . .knitting has taught me those same values! I use dpns myself and enjoy them. And when I started my first pair of socks (toe-up) I kept misreading the pattern and for some weird reason, doing my M1's wrong -- and I started that first sock over WAY too many times to count. My attitude was that, was I am just discovering and eliminating ways that didn't work (to paraphrase Thomas Edison )
Eventually I persevered, enjoyed the ride and have successfully completed 3 pair of socks. That was my goal last Christmas, that I would be knitting socks by this Christmas.
Have fun! ~~ mm