About socks

Nov 05, 2005 14 Replies

Hi! There are those who say: "The heel part is the hardest part of a sock." Well, I do not say that way. If someone asks me: "What is the hardest part of a sock?", my answer is: "The gusset part is the hardest part of a sock." Because that is how it is, at least for me.



I have been pondering a little. I have a sock as a WIP at the moment, and now the gussets are behind, same as heel, and decresing part is done...even not very well, because my sock knitting skills are not that great, even I can knit vests with 2 needles. But when it comes to socks, I need 5 needles. The 2-circular method I do not dare to try - yet. But I believe I am making progress. There was time when the part when one must pick up the stitches from the sides of the heel flap....It looked terrible. But now...I think I made it a little bit...tidier or something. It is not beautiful yet, though, but now I dare to show it.



I still ponder in my mind....Should it go like this:


  1. Make the heel.
  2. Turn the heel.
  3. Divide the stitches of heel to 2 needles.
  4. Pick up the 1st part of gusset stitches (the ones you pick up from the sides of a heel flap).
  5. Put the stitches to the closest needle on your right hand's side.
  6. Knit through the 2 needles holding the instep stitches.
  7. Pick up the 2nd part of the gusset stitches.
  8. Put the sttiches to the closest needle of your right hand's side.
  9. Knit one round without any increasing or decreasing.

That is how I imagine that it goes. But who knows...Maybe it goes that way. Or at least that is why I would write it to myself, when I rewrite the pattern to understand what is meant to be done and when.



The toe part is another issue. I usually knit 2 stitches together in the end of each needle. But before you know it knitting around gets harder, because the mount of stitches is smaller and smaller every round. AARGH...Last time I tried to make a toe in that method I had to rip out the whole thing. And guess who was depressed...But I can not help it. Maybe I just should follow the pattern...*shoulders go up and down* But anyway, I have to practise...and I am gonna do exactly that. I am not gonna give up now. Best: Pirjo


I agree with you, the gusset is trickier that the heel. A little hard to manage the large number of stitches on the needles. And when picking up the sititches around the gusset, pull firmly or else you'll have a big space between needles. Don't give up, it's worth learning. Marie and the cats

Hi Marie and others! I must admit I just made one sock. The finishing is not that pretty, but at least that sock is done. Someone will see it in the future, I promise you that. Best: Pirjo

Someone new?!? Hello Nanci, and welcome to the newsgroup! :o)

Gemini

Hi yourself, and thanks for the welcome. I've been scanning the messages for a few days, and finally found somthing that I thought I could contribute to. I've been knitting and crocheting since I was a kid, picked up embroidery, cross-stitch and needlepoint later on. But I always seem to come back to knitting. I do a lot of sweaters and afghans, but like to add small projects such as socks, hats, and mittens in between. Hope to be a regular, now.

Yay... someone else to join the party... and family! :o)

Gemini

Some people recommend twisting the picked-up stitches on the gussets, to make them tighter and help prevent holes.

I think the decreases for sock toes work better if there are four places to do them, and they are done on every other row at first. One pair of decreases at each side (done as k2tog, k2, ssk, with the "k2" part at the edge of the foot) will shape a flat toe.

=Tamar

Hi! Thanks for advises. You are so kind for a novice like me. Well, that pulling tight was something I did not know. Must try next time. And that "through back loop" - thing...it is at least slightly familiar to me. Thanks for reminding me of that..I keep that in mind. Best:Pirjo

Hi Nanci,

Welcome to this great group. You fit right in with all the crafts that you do.

Hugs,

Nora

Welcome to the best NG on the 'net, Nanci! This group is very friendly, helpful and about the most supportive I've ever

*met*! Hugs, Noreen

Hi Nanci, Welcome to the group. Hope to see lots of you.

Janise

I have e-mailed you twice today, but they both bounced back. Can you e-mail me, please???

Higs, Kather> Welcome to the best NG on the 'net, Nanci!

Katherine, are you asking ME, or Nanci to email you? mine's noreen dot j at gmail dot COM. (it's net on the usenet, grin) Hugs, Noreen

You, sweetie.

Higs, Kather> Katherine, are you asking ME, or Nanci to email you?

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