Although they are a simple, everyday garment, socks can become a real challenge for us knitters. Every pair has its own science! And we want everyone to be able to unlock that achievement before winter arrives.
The first thing to do is to be clear about what we are looking for. And here, the most important thing is that, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the garment should offer comfort. This means that its texture should be soft and resistant, it should allow the skin to breathe, it should fit well and also have the necessary elasticity to stay in place, without putting too much pressure or causing chafing. The selection of the material is then the first important step. Our Merino Sock Fingering SW is the standout here, because it keeps you warm without suffocating the skin, it is extremely soft, it has just the right amount of nylon to provide firmness and it allows you to knit almost any sock pattern with just one skein. It is not for nothing that it is our best-selling base of all time!
Of course, even the best material is not enough if we do not find the tension and fit that our feet need. Here the pattern is essential, whether we are advanced knitters or beginners. And our recommendation is VERY special: “Rocails” , the latest from Pope Vergara. It is a beautiful design that Pope published in the recently released “52 Weeks of socks. Vol. 2” . The Laine Magazine Book is already in Chile and our favorite designer shines with a feminine pattern, perfectly constructed and with those touches of stellar shine that characterize her. They are wonderful socks… and they were created with our yarns! We are so proud that Madejasur yarns are going around the world. And since many want to start knitting them now, we have the yarns ready in the same shades, and kits with everything necessary to achieve the Rocails of your dreams.
Let's be clear, socks are always demanding, even to get two exactly the same. But here we share some secrets so you can dare to try them, enjoy your project and achieve immediate satisfaction. Since sock yarns are usually fingered, your sock needles will basically always be the same thickness (depending on your tension, they could vary between 2 and 3 mm). Still, the type of tool does vary according to the technique you choose:
- Working with six double-pointed needles at a time , to shape the garment without stretching the stitches too much. To do this, the work is divided between four needles, while the fifth is used to knit each section. It works well, but for some knitters it is tedious and you need a special set of double-pointed needles for socks. For this reason, at Madejasur we have THE alternative : the Sharp Flyers Tips from Hiya Hiya , which combines the best of interchangeable needles with double-pointed needles and works perfectly for any small project, together with the Flyers cables .
- Use your usual circular knitting needles - fixed or interchangeable, but with a 100-centimeter cable - and apply magic loop . This is a system that is as loved as it is hated, which leaves stitches waiting on the cable to achieve small circumferences. It only requires the support of a marker and alternating the work of each needle. It may take a little time to get used to, but it does not require the addition of new tools and in the long run it is super simple and accessible to everyone. We recommend the Hiya Hiya Sharp , very sharp and in the number you prefer.
- Knitting in the round with short needles , also with short cables. We are referring to needles of around five centimetres and cables that start at 13 centimetres, which cover the entire circumference of each sock. It is quite practical, although for some knitters it means stretching the stitches a lot and such short needles can be uncomfortable to handle. As it is a matter of taste, in the test we have those from Hiya Hiya , which take the medal for the shortest on the market.
As you experiment, you'll also be able to decide whether you prefer to start your project from the leg, the toe, or the heel. We only have two final suggestions: don't overcomplicate the stitches until you've mastered the technique that best suits you. And be more careful than ever with the finishes . You don't want knots or small imperfections that bother you when you walk. We don't need to mention the tension sample , do we? Because in this case it's essential to guarantee the correct pressure and the desired fit. Our last warning is that once you get what you want... socks are a VERY hard vice to break!