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At what skill level could socks realistically be attempted?  

post #1 of 30
10/9/08 at 1:59pm
Thread Starter 
I would really like to knit socks. I am certain that I could do it in crochet as my crochet skills are much greater but I like knit better (due to some mild-moderate sensory issues, i have to have my socks tight on my feet...) I would say that my knitting skills are somewhere between high beginner and intermediate.

What do I need to know prior to starting socks, and what could realistically be learned BY knitting socks?



post #2 of 30
10/9/08 at 2:16pm
I'd say that you could most definitely do some socks. If you have confidence in reading a pattern, and don't let words like "heel turn" or the like scare you, then I think you can do it. I have the sensational knitted socks book, and they have "basic sock" patterns at the beginning to illustrate a small sock. Then you go on to alter it how you like!
post #3 of 30
10/9/08 at 2:19pm
Thread Starter 
I won't let that frighten me as long as I have knittinghelp and you guys.... lol
post #4 of 30
10/9/08 at 3:06pm
I think maybe the biggest transition would be learning to deal with knitting on double pointed needles, in the round. And picking up stitches for the heel. Other than that it's not hard at all. Good luck!
post #5 of 30
10/9/08 at 3:21pm
Thread Starter 
I've picked up stitches on other projects, is it much different from that?

And are dpns hugely different from knitting in the round on circs? Is it like a totally different technique? That is one thing that I have never tried.
post #6 of 30
10/9/08 at 5:18pm
If you've picked up sts before, then you're all set. Knitting on dpns is a bit cumbersome - it's been described as wrestling with a porcupine - bit typically after you get your round joined (making sure it's not twisted!) and get a round or two done, it's not bad at all. I knit little toques in the round all the time. I've only done them on three needles (using the fourth for the knitting) but now the needles are sold in sets of 5, using 4 for the round and knitting with the 5th. That might be easier, I'm not sure. It sounds to me like you're definitely ready - I didn't find socks terribly difficult at all.
post #7 of 30
10/9/08 at 6:33pm
Don't forget you can always use the 2 circ method or magic loop and avoid DPNs all together!
post #8 of 30
10/9/08 at 6:57pm
Once I was comfortable with dpns and knitting in the round, socks were easy peasy. Turning a heel is not nearly as intimidating as it's made out to be.

I love knitting socks ... in fact, I'm planning my next pair right now!
post #9 of 30
10/9/08 at 7:04pm
I've heard of people doing socks (successfully) as their very first project. You can definitely do it. I think, in general, whether a particular knitter can do a particular project is much more dependent on how much he/she wants the finished object (and/or the fun of making it) than how much experience he/she has. Go for it!
post #10 of 30
10/9/08 at 7:26pm
Thread Starter 
YAY! Thanks so much for the encouragement guys... Now, does anyone have a link to a free basic pattern? Sorry for all the requests...
post #11 of 30
10/9/08 at 9:15pm
The first pair I knitted were from the Thuja pattern at Knitty.
post #12 of 30
10/9/08 at 11:08pm
Take a look at Silver's Sock Class. Lots of photos and comes highly recommended.
post #13 of 30
10/9/08 at 11:26pm
Socks are not as scary as they seem. That said, you might want to try a pattern that uses a heavier weight yarn (like a sport or light worsted) for your first pair rather than starting right off with the tiny needles.

I second the recommendation for the Sensational Knitted Socks book. It's great for customizing sizes and the patterns work for any weight yarn as it's all based on your gauge (but yes, you do have to swatch).
post #14 of 30
10/10/08 at 1:43am
You can totally do it! I love to knit socks. I think I knit my first pair when I was right about at the high-beginner, low-intermediate level. I started very simple with one color and a super easy tutorial. Getting used to dpn's takes a little time but now I actually prefer dpn knitting to 2-needle knitting.
post #15 of 30
10/11/08 at 2:00am
I've only knit 2 incomplete pairs of socks, 1 cuff-down on dpn with a heel gusset, and the other pair toe-up, two-at-once, using magic loop, with a slip-stitch heel. The cast-on was a little tricky with the toe-up, but fine once I got it, and I found the slip-stitch heel to be easier and faster.

I don't know why I can't get myself to finish them, though!
post #16 of 30
10/11/08 at 4:26pm
Socks are really so much easier than they seem. All you need to know is how to knit in the round and do ribbing and decrease. asy peasy. And even if you don't know how to do those things socks are a great reason to learn. they are all really simple things.
post #17 of 30
10/12/08 at 12:39am
Socks were my very first project. The knitting store ladies said I was crazy, they said I should try a hat instead, but I insisted, and I got a lovely pair of socks out of it.
post #18 of 30
10/12/08 at 12:58am
best sock tutorial ver: http://www.cometosilver.com/socks/SockClass_Start.htm
post #19 of 30
10/12/08 at 1:14am
Thread Starter 
Thank you Lilyka. I book marked that page for after I get some applicable yarn.
post #20 of 30
10/12/08 at 1:20am
I like this one to. This is a great really basic pattern.
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