New to Socks

I just started my first sock yesterday (it's some self striping yarn I bought when I first moved back from college... 2 years ago). I also hate DPNs but I cheat... I use two circulars, each one holding half the needles... worked essentially like DPNs, but a lot less headache for me. I started doing this when I did my neice's Wallaby sweater and I don't think I'll be using DPNs again unless I absolutely have to (yeah, I either have to do the Magic Loop or have two sets of circulars, but it works for me).

-Amanda not a pro, but I play one on TV

Hi Carol: I used to hate DPs too, but have since made *peace* with them. One thing that helped me is if I keep my stitches firm on the needles, just tight enough so that the stitches don't slip off when I'm working. Also, check how the needles are positioned; for me, if the front part of the needles overlap so that the front part of the needle is on top of the previous needle - it helps keep from twisting and leaving spaces between stitches. Also make sure you pull the stitches firmly when you're doing the first stitch on each needle, so it doesn't leave gaps. After finishing the first couple pairs of socks, I really enjoy using the DPs now specially since I now longer have to sew any seams when I'm finished. An easy basic sock pattern that I use is Ann Norling. It's a leaflet that I got from my local LYS. It has directions for different sizes of socks as well as directions for kirchner stitch. HTH Marie and the cats

One thing I found very good if you have slippery stitches is a set of bamboo DPN's. They are really nice to work with.

Shelagh

There is a techinque called "Two socks on two circulars" which many people seem to like. Personally, I prefer DPNs, but other people like that method. If you do a search, you will find lots of pointers.

Good luck.

Katherine

Blueberry Waffle socks are easy and the new sock yarns look great in this pattern. I particularily like it as it doesn't get too boring

Hi, New here. I'm Patti. I just had to say that, first of all I may have learned to knit and crochet at an early age, however- It was just recently-that with great yarn as my incentive .. I bought myself some bamboo dp's and that great sock yarn-and taught myself how to knit socks. Not only did I do that one pair but went on to do others and then do some of my own version of socks and so on.. all in a matter of a few months. Only thing I can say is don't give up.... Keep on going and if you are lucky you have great people working at local yarn shops or craft shops that knit, and know how to use the dp's / like knitting socks etc and are willing to help you out.

Not that I'm an expert like I said I just taught myself recently but I did notice that when you go from needle to needle... Make sure you TUG the yarn a bit tightly to avoid an ugly HOLE at the beginning of the triangle there that would be near the inner and outer ankle parts of the socks. To me this seemed to be the area I hated mostly, but I figured it all out and learned quickly to tug tug tug when changing from needle number one to two , from two to three and then back from three to number one needle. Lastly, I found that you need to really keep the stitches straight for the first ROW... It seems to be a bit easier after you hit row number

Now all I regret is having to START the next new pair knowing the first few rows make your eyes tear, make you want to tug the yarn just to relieve stress.. but than smile and reap the rewards with all those socks you finish up ... Ill be checking out the new sock pattern there.. thanks, I'm usually a reader and non responder :)

Nice meeting you, take care... Off to the knitting bag.....

See ya!!

Hi, Patti! Welcome to rcty! Y'know what I do? I use spring type clothespins to hold that first couple of rows straight, when they don't cooperate! JM2C Noreen

Welcome, Patti. I am sure that your advice will help some people who have been afraid to knit socks.

Higs, Kather> Hi, New here. I'm Patti.

Now, miss Katherine, that better not be a dig at me!! (but, of course, it would be entirely fitting if it was! :P )

Crochet socks, on the other hand, I've since figured out and whacked out two little pairs last week. What I found out was: use yarn YOU like, not what the wearer would necessarily like best....the socks seem to know that you like their yarn and they cooperate. Plus don't eliminate the heel flap before turning .

Michelle

Welcome to rcty, Patti! :o)

Gemini

Hi Patti, Welcome to the group. Thanks for your sock tips.

Janise

As id I would do something like that!

LOL I did that a couple of times myself!

Higs, Katherine

Hi Patti,

Wow, knitting socks, good for you. Myself, I don't do socks, LOL, mainly afghans.

I did want to say welcome to this great group and I hope to see you more often.

Hugs,

Nora

"The YARNWRIGHT" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@individual.net:

hey, good idea! i've been known to knit the first row or two,

Lee, I've done ^that^ too, but didn't like the little "leg" from the join being 'uneven'... so I tried the clothespins and it worked! Pass it on! Noreen