Whats your choice of needles for socks

Hi, Dennis I prefer double points but I use five or four depending on how many I have of a size. I guess I probably prefer five but not so much that I will go out and buy another set. I have made three pair this year and am finishing the fourth - one was a pair of baby socks, though. I really like the merino/tencel mix socks that I made earlier this year.

I prefer a set of 5 dpns. However there are lots of patterns I want to try that use 4 dpns so I will be experimenting with them as well. I use either Brittany 5" or Bryspun 5".

Alison

On Sun, 09 Jul 2006 03:35:05 -0500, SpikeDriver spewed forth :

Occasionally 2mm bamboo DPNs but they're too short.

Reply to the list as I do not publish an email address to USENET. This practice has cut my spam by more than 95%. Of course, I did have to abandon a perfectly good email account...

On Sun, 09 Jul 2006 03:35:05 -0500, SpikeDriver spun a fine yarn

Dennis, I can do them all the ways possible, and you forgot to ALSO ask: cuff down or toe up?

I prefer cuff-down, and I'd say 90% of the time I use 5 DPN's and the other 10% of the time is divided between 2 circs and magic loop(1circ). I've made 7 adult pairs, so far this year for ME, and 2 childs, for the DGD's and 1 baby for DGD Jacey. HTH, Noreen

I have used:

How many pairs? I couldn't possibly count, as I have been knitting them for over 30 years. So far this year, I have probably done only half a dozen, as I have been doing other things.

Higs, Kather> Hello Dear friends,

(sneaking quietly out of lurk-dom)

I am still relatively new to sock knitting but I use only circulars - usually two but sometimes three or four for toes and heels depending on the pattern. I knit quite plain socks but I found the DPNs very hard to manipulate, maybe because with a 9"+ handspan my hands are just too big?

As I often knit when I travel by train or car I find the circulars great. No lost needles, no possibility of dropping stitches or pulling needles out when unpacking (all of which happened more than once on DPNs). But as I read all these answers I wonder what I am missing. Most posters here seem to prefer DPNs.

I am currently using Addi Turbo circulars and it took a while to get used to the very short needle length, but now I just roll up my current sock project and take them anywhere in my pocket. I can pull them out and work anywhere. I assume that others feel that way about DPNs too. So . . .

While I am not planning on changing how I knit particularly, I am curious about WHY so many prefer DPNs. Is it because that is what they learned on or are there other advantages I have missed? Just curious.

I also prefer Queen Kahuna's book for explaining cast on toes and how to turn the heels. Coggie

Hi, Cheryl. I learned on DPNs, and really prefer them. I have used circulars, and even the magic loop, but I find it really awkward. I can see the advantage while traveling, but it has never bothered me. Now that you have de-lurked, stick around and play.

Higs, Kather> (sneaking quietly out of lurk-dom)

Katherine, I am in TOTAL agreement with you. I have settled into a routine with socks - 4 DPN's, size 2mm (1 US). I think 5 DPN's are like SSK.... something new thought up by someone who had nothing else to do. (snicker). Those of you who use 5 DPN's, please don't get your nose out of joint by my own strong personal opinion. Whatever works for you. I don't do SSK either. Sl 1, K1, PSSO works just fine thank you and has for me for a very long time. I do cuff down with a Sl 1, K1 heel flap. I usually use aluminum needles (Boye), have used bamboo and find them too flimsy. I usually set up both socks at once and knit a bit on each one so I don't suffer from 1-sockitis.

I just printed off a pattern today from the new Knitty that I'm thinking of trying. It's called Reptilian Lace.... have a peek.

Ok, help out the newbie, please?

Daughter is wanting to make socks for my dad (her grandfather) - and while she and I are well accustomed to DP needles and circular needles, what in heck is a magic loop??

:-)

Oh, I chip in very occasionally LOL but mostly I just read and learn

Try the magic loop pattern I put above. I did it twice to give it a chance to win me over, I went back to 5 DPs.

It shows you the magic loop. Check in and let us know if you try and how it goes.

Dennis

I have thought about the merino/tencel mix. I think it will be my next sock project. I was waiting to hear about it, thanks.

Hugs & God bless, Dennis & Gail

Alison,

You will not have any problem with 4 if you've learned on 5. I find it easier to keep down the problems with the transition from needle to needle.

Thanks for your comments.

Hugs & God bless, Dennis & Gail

DA,

Thanks for the response.

If you keep trying the DPs you will get use to them but, I agree with you.

Hugs & God bless, Dennis & Gail

Thank you.

I have not tried out the rose wood needles, I have mostly bamboo. I like them a lot. I have not problem with the metal needles either, I have knitted my pairs of socks on them. I guess it is what you learn on.

Hugs & God bless, Dennis & Gail

PS I will have rose wood sooner or later. If I catch Gail in the right mood. :)

First, thank you Noreen,

I did not expect to get a response like thins, GREAT. I do love this group.

Yes I did forget to ask toe up or cuff down.

I agree with you, cuff down. I don't like the way cuff ends up on toe up. I have tried the different types of bind off, Cuff down.

My brother is doing better.

Did you get my email?

Hugs & God bless, Dennis & Gail

Always great to hear from you Katherine,

I don't mind 4 DPs if I am using a lighter yarn of a small sock.

I have beautiful Ava for a Granddaughter also. I sent some pics out about a moth ago with her and my Grandson Ian in them. He was singing while I played the guitar. I love them so much. They always touch my soul and make my day. Maximilian James is my new grandson.

Higs & God bless, Dennis & Gail