My sock knitting recipe

Exams are coming up in a few weeks and I’m getting really stressed out about that. I don’t have the energy to write a proper post today. Instead you get to everything about how I like to make my socks. Exciting huh?

I stole this from Jaimie that had taken it from someone else as well (I like tracking memes like that).

1. What’s your favorite sock yarn? (please note that the word ‘yarn’ is singular. Just pick one. I know it’s hard.)

I think it’s Opal. I love how it softens with wear but still isn’t worn trough by active use for four years. The only bad thing with it for me is that it contains wool. I’m not buying that anymore. And I will miss it when I’ve knit up my stash. But that will take some time, I’ve been hording it for years now.

2. What’s your favorite type and brand of sock needle?

Short (6 inch) bamboo needles made by a german company (of which name escapes me). I love them, and use them all the time.

3. Do you knit your socks toe up, cuff down, or sideways?

About half toe-up and half cuff-down. Most of my toe-up has been based around the widdershins pattern.

4. Do you knit both socks at once or just one at a time?

One at a time. I don’t want to have an extra ball of yarn or potential tangling when I stuff it down in my bag.

5. What’s your favorite toe and why?

The magic cast-on toe. My favorite technique as well.

6. Favorite heel?

Heel flap, with peacock or regular sl1 K1. On toe-up and cuff-down alike.

7. Do you prefer plain or patterned socks?

I do a lot of textured patterns, and a few lace socks as well. (I’ve done three pairs of pomatomus)

8. Who do you knit the most socks for?

Me. I’m selfish like that. But I recently started giving some away, how many pairs of socks are you supposed to have for yourself without feeling guilty? 20? 40? 60?

9. Do you darn your socks? If not, what do you do with them?

I’ve darned a few pairs, and I will have to have a darning day after I’ve taken my exams.

10. Do you only wear handknit socks?

I usually have on a pair of handknit socks, but for the thick socks I wear a pair of thin cotton ones inside. Most of my storebought socks are falling apart, and I’m replacing them with hand knit ones.

Bonus question: What pattern, if any, is your basic “I-just-need-a-pair-of-socks” sock pattern based on? Do you keep it written down or memorized?

2.5mm needles. 14 m pr needle, over 4 needles = 56 stiches
K2, p2 2 inches.
Knit 15 cm

Heel 14 x 2 sl 1 k1 rounds (14 long stitches is illustrated with a small drawing).
K 1 past the middle, ssk k1 turn
Sl 1 purl to 12th stitch p2tog, p1
Repeat until no stitches left on each side.

Gusset:
Ndl. 1: k to 3 last, ktog k1
Ndl 2 – 3: in pattern
Ndl 4: k1 ssk. K rest
Next round knit ndl. 1-4. Ndl 2-3 in pattern
Repeat until 14 st. pr ndl.

13.5cm from picked up stitches to toe.
Decrease until 5 st. pr. p. = st.

That’s from my very small knitting notebook. Translated from Norwegian, but it takes more place written in English. It’s written over 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches. It’s based on a yarnharlot recipe and every norwegian læste recipe I’ve seen, and I’ve both seen and done lots of those.

Tags: knit, lace, opal, socks, toe-up sock