Hand-Knit Socks Keep Your Feet Warm, Cozy

Socks were some of the earliest items made by knitters. Over the years, making socks was an economic necessity for thousands of poorer families, while at the same time, wearing hand-knit socks was a sign of prosperity for the wealthy. Although the patterning, styles and fibers have varied, socks have always been a practical project for knitters who want to keep family and friends warm and cozy.

After a long hiatus, sock-knitting has returned to popularity. A new crop of books and patterns is being published to accompany new yarns created just for the new generation of sock-makers. The Stitches trade show last fall declared this year to be “The Year of the Sock” and had a special forum featuring three authors of sock books. If you subscribe to computer bulletin board on-line services, you have surely seen lots of talk about sock-knitting. So why not try a pair or two yourself? It’s easier than you think.

We’ll begin by breaking the sock into five distinct parts: leg, heel, heel turning, instep and toe shaping.

Think of these processes as separate entities and just work step by step. Socks are made from leg to toe or from toe to leg, but the most common way is from leg to toe, and that’s the process we’ll discuss.

Leg: The cast-on should be done loosely, as it will get the most wear and tear from inserting the foot into the sock. Socks are made on double-pointed needles in a circular fashion. If you have never used a doublepointed needle, remember that casting on and joining the first round may seem awkward until you get the hang of it. After making a pair of socks, you should be an old pro. The leg can be ribbed as our striped sock, done in a pattern as the Fair Isle sock, or worked plain. Ribbed socks conform to the leg without size concerns and are ideal for beginning sock knitters.

Heel: Since this area receives a lot of wear, it is often reinforced either by the type of stitch used or by adding a reinforcing yarn, such as one with some sturdy nylon or polyester fibers. Heels can be made in the same or, for interest, in a contrasting color or pattern. Heels are usually worked over half of the total number of stitches in the leg and are approximately 2-1/2 to 2 inches in length. You can either work the heel flap as a separate piece (as the Fair Isle sock shown here) or in the short-row technique the way commercial socks are made (as shown in the striped sock). Follow your pattern instructions for best results.

Heel turning: If you are making the heel flap version, you must curve the heel to fit under the back part of your foot once the flap is complete. There are a number of ways that this can be done. It is often done by working short rows of knitting to form the curve.

Instep: If you are making the heel flap version, you need to pick up stitches along the sides of the heel to form a gusset before you begin to work the foot portion of the sock. An easy formula for picking up stitches is: The heel length times the stitch gauge equals the number of picked up stitches. If you are following a specific pattern, it will tell you what number to use. The gusset is formed by decreasing stitches on either side for a number of rounds. Then, for both versions of socks, work the foot of the sock to approximately 1-1/2 to 2 inches less than the desired finished length.

Toe shaping: There are also several ways to shape a toe, but basically it is done with a set number of decreases over a number of rounds. The remaining few stitches are woven together to prevent an uncomfortable seam. Now you’re ready to begin the second sock!

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: SNAZZY SOCKS Join the new generation of sock makers by knitting these two pairs of sensational socks in five different colors. Use size 2 and size 3 double-pointed needles and sport-weight wool yarn in a gauge of 7 stitches to the inch.

To obtain directions for making the Snazzy Socks, send your request for Leaflet No. 020496 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 020496 by sending a check or money order for $15.95 to The NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and soft wool sport-weight yarn in multicolors: tan, clay, evergreen, blue and purple. One size fits most adults. Yarn is included for two pairs of socks. For kit orders only, you may call 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays to (800) 873-9537 to order by phone.