Sock yarn is considered a super fine yarn by the Craft Yarn Council, a perfect choice for knitting socks. Small needles such as 2.25mm or US needle sizes 1-3 are excellent for the job.
A Complete Guide on What Sock Yarn is
Yarn is a strand consisting of fiber filaments twisted together. We group each short fiber filament to make a single strand of yarn. Besides, Often the yarn maker twists staple fibers together to make one single yarn. We call the process spinning.
The best yarn options for socks are elastic ones. Socks need to stretch around the feet and need to cling to the foot while wearing. Also, it should be resistant to abrasion and the moisture management should be good, as our feet sweat and socks need to either absorb or wick away that moisture to feel and smell good.
Sock yarn is an amalgamation of nylon content (10%-25%), wool yarn (50%- above), and sometimes silk fiber for shining and bamboo fiber for wicking.
Types of Sock Yarns
There are different types of sock yarns depending on the fiber materials and types. Here is a list of them-
- Cashmere sock yarn
- Cotton sock yarn
- Bamboo sock yarn
- Alpaca sock yarn
- Self-striping sock yarn
- Worst weighted yarn
- Acrylic sock yarn
Weight Yarn of Sock Yarn
Weight yarn determines the thickness of the yarn. The best sock yarns are fingering, sport, and DK weight. They are ranging in gauge from 6 to 8 stitches per inch.
The Dilemma Between Thin and Thick Soak Yarn
If you like thin socks, you should select fingering weights only (400m/100g). It will take up to 4 stitches per inch.
On the other hand, if you want thick socks then you need to do 27-32 stitches per 4in/10cm on 2.25-3.25mm needles in 3ply or 4ply sock yarn.
What Ply is Sock Yarn?
Generally, 4 ply and 5 ply yarns are also called sock yarn. In the UK, people commonly sell these as baby yarns. But the sock yarn can also be 8 plies. In worsted-weight yarn, you can knit socks at gauges up to 4 stitches per inch.
Worsted-weight sock yarn is thicker than ordinary sock yarn which is excellent for making thicker, bulkier socks.
What is Sock Yarn for Crocheting?
A wool-nylon amalgamated sock yarn perfect for crocheting. Wool makes the sock warm, comfortable, and cozy for chilling days. On the other hand, nylon increases the resilience of the sock for plenty of wear. Besides, cotton, bamboo, or polyester yarn can be a good option for crocheting.
Is Acrylic Yarn Good for Socks?
It can be good but it’s not recommended to use acrylic yarn. Acrylic consists of vinyl acetate and methyl acrylate and we call the chemicals carcinogens. Besides, the acrylic yarn is non-breathable which can make your feet sweaty. Though the yarn is more durable, washable, and waterproof, it is not the best option for socks.
Best Yarn for Summer Socks
Make cotton yarn your friend. Cotton is lightweight, thinner, and breathable. It is also beneficial for those who have sweaty feet. Make sure your yarn is not fuzzy. Bamboo, linen, hemp, rayon, and modal fiber can be also good options for sock yarn.
Instruction on Knitting Socks
The basic model for making a sock is generally the same regardless of what yarn you’re working with, the size of the sock, or if it’s for a baby to a grown man- you’re knitting the basic model for making it generally the same. To knit your first pair of socks, you’ll first need to knit a swatch with chosen yarn, needles, and stitch pattern to establish stitch and row gauge.
Equipment / Tools
- 1 Pair of scissors
- 1 Yarn needle
- 1 Ruler or tape measure
- 1 Size-7 US double-pointed needles (set of 4)
Materials: Scrap of Worsted Weight Yarn, About 20 Yards
Yarn choice :
Let’s talk about yarn choices. It’s best for a 100% wool or wool-nylon blend or cotton-nylon blend.
Measurement:
We need measurements before we start knitting. Measure around the ball of your foot length. Take a glimpse at the size category chart and determine what category you are in. It can be small, medium, and large, and also calculate how many stitches to cast on in the next step.
Round 1:
Use the magic loop method for knitting socks. Leave a tail that is 8 inches long. When the tail is closest to you and the ball of yarn away from you, drape the yarn over the back needle and then just gather the yarn.
Swing the needle up toward your finger to catch the yarn on the front needle and then swing the needle down to your thumb to catch the yarn on the back needle and repeat.
Round 2:
Use the tail and wrap it around. Slide the first needle from the stitches and insert the needle in the first stitch in the front needle and knit. After the last stitch, drop the working yarn, grab the cord, and pull it through. And repeat the 1st round.
Swing it around and Insert the needle in the back loop.
Knit all stitches in needle 1, then knit all stitches in needle 2.
Eventually, you will get the toe of your sock, and count the stitches in one inch. If your gauge doesn’t measure 7 stitches per inch, the sock won’t fit you most probably. Then just knit every stitch on both needles until acquiring the predetermined foot length.
Self-striping Sock Yarn
Normally machines knit this type of yarn. The yarn base consists of 75% superwash merino and 25% nylon. If you crochet it any other way of stitch, you will get stripes. It creates amazing stripes while knitting socks.
[Bonus] What Can You Knit With Sock Yarn besides Socks
You can knit tons of products with sock yarn besides socks. Just like as follows-
- Knitted shawl
- Knitted gloves
- Shawlette
- Scarf
- Treasure
- Sock head Slouch hat
- Baby products
- Summer Fling Tote
- Sock head Cowl
It actually depends on you about what you want to make with your yarns. Just choose your yarn and color and get started!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What Are Popular Yarn Blends for Knitting Socks?
Ans: A mixture of merino and nylon is a wonderful imperishable fiber. Wool or Angora can also mitigate the problem of having cold feet on chilling days.
Q. What yarn is the best for absorbing sweat?
Ans: In this field, wool is unbeatable. Cotton can also perform a fair job.
Q. What are the alternative options for wool?
Ans: A mixture of 72% Cotton, 18% Polyamide, 10% Polyester can be a good option for knitting a sock instead of using wool.
Q. What is the con of cotton blend yarn?
Ans: Though it is very cozy and comfy, it is fragile and perishable.
To Conclude
Last but not the least, If you think sock yarn is only for making socks, you are probably wrong. It also can be used for making blankets, and shawls.
Choosing sock yarn is a tough decision as it depends on your budget, weather, the skin of your feet, your aptitude for coziness, allergies, health condition, tolerance of toxicity, and many other things.
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