Socks are a great summer project because they are small and portable, and they can be simple or complex depending on the type of sock project you use. However you like to make socks, we have the right tools for you - below are some tips, techniques and tools to help you explore new ways of sock-making this summer!
Toe-up
Getting started is often the trickiest part to making toe-up socks, but once you master the technique, there's no end to the creative socks you can make! Many knitters prefer this method because they can just keep knitting until they run out of yarn. If you are having trouble getting started, click here to view a video tutorial demonstrating Judy's Magic Cast-On from the talented designer Cat Bordhi's YouTube Channel.
Top Down
A stretchy cast-on is necessary to start your top-down socks off right. There are many, many types of cast-ons that would work well, so you'll want to experiment to find which one works best for your style of knitting. Click here to see a video demonstration of the Channel Island Cast-On from Sockupied on the Knitting Daily blog if you need help getting started!
Socks on DPNs
Many knitters prefer to knit in the round with DPNs; we have several needle styles to suit every DPN enthusiast! For the serious sock knitter, we recommend our Nova Sock Set (for those who prefer metal needles) or our color-coded Dreamz Sock Set (for those who prefer wooden needles). You'll also want to keep your stitches on the needles with our handy DPN tubes, which are especially great for on-the-go sock knitters!
Magic Loop Socks
Two-at-a-Time Socks
Once you master the Magic Loop technique, you can use it to knit both pair of socks at the same time! It's a little tricky to get started, but here is an excellent tutorial with step-by-step instructions over on the Knit and Tonic blog.
Crochet
First, one lucky blog reader will win Karbonz DPNs!
We'll also randomly select a blog reader to win a pair of US #1 Nova Fixed Circulars!
To be eligible, simply leave a comment on this blog post telling us your favorite way to make socks and which prize you'd like to win from the two choices listed above. You'll also want to give us your email address or Ravelry ID so that we can contact you if you win.
Getting started is often the trickiest part to making toe-up socks, but once you master the technique, there's no end to the creative socks you can make! Many knitters prefer this method because they can just keep knitting until they run out of yarn. If you are having trouble getting started, click here to view a video tutorial demonstrating Judy's Magic Cast-On from the talented designer Cat Bordhi's YouTube Channel.
Top Down
A stretchy cast-on is necessary to start your top-down socks off right. There are many, many types of cast-ons that would work well, so you'll want to experiment to find which one works best for your style of knitting. Click here to see a video demonstration of the Channel Island Cast-On from Sockupied on the Knitting Daily blog if you need help getting started!
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| Cubics Double-Pointed Needles |
Many knitters prefer to knit in the round with DPNs; we have several needle styles to suit every DPN enthusiast! For the serious sock knitter, we recommend our Nova Sock Set (for those who prefer metal needles) or our color-coded Dreamz Sock Set (for those who prefer wooden needles). You'll also want to keep your stitches on the needles with our handy DPN tubes, which are especially great for on-the-go sock knitters!
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| Karbonz Fixed Circular Needles |
If you've ever been knitting while you're out an about and dropped one of your DPNs, only to have it roll away and never be found again, you may want to give magic loop knitting a try! You'll need a circular needle with a nice, long cord (32" or 40" is ideal); Stitch Diva Studios has a great tutorial video here on their website to get you started!
Two-at-a-Time Socks
Once you master the Magic Loop technique, you can use it to knit both pair of socks at the same time! It's a little tricky to get started, but here is an excellent tutorial with step-by-step instructions over on the Knit and Tonic blog.
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| Two-At-A-Time Socks |
Crochet
Socks aren't just for knitters - there are plenty of great crochet patterns out there, too! Our steel crochet hooks come in smaller sizes which are just right for fingering-weight sock yarns. If you're new to crocheting socks, here are eight expert tips from the editor of Crochet Me to make your feet happy!
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| Steel Crochet Hook With Soft Feel Handle |
This Month's Giveaway
This month, we have two chances for you to win Knitter's Pride needles:First, one lucky blog reader will win Karbonz DPNs!
To be eligible, simply leave a comment on this blog post telling us your favorite way to make socks and which prize you'd like to win from the two choices listed above. You'll also want to give us your email address or Ravelry ID so that we can contact you if you win.
We'll randomly select our winner to announce on our next blog post later this month. Good luck!
My favorite way to knit socks is on DPNs. The last few pairs have been top-down but I also like toe-up.
ReplyDeleteI like to make my socks toe up and would love to win a set of the Karbonz DPNs.
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet tried sock knitting; there are too many other things to try! Soon, though..
ReplyDeleteI do make hats and mittens, however, and would love to try the Karbonz DPN's. Thanks!
lindaran (on Rav)
I'm a magic loop sort of girl, but I'd be very tempted to change my ways if I won those beautiful Karbonz DPNs! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI'd really like to try two-at-a-time with the Karbonz 40" fixed! Right now I'm using wooden DPNs and they are bent. Drives me a little crazy. Rav ID josiekre
ReplyDeleteI think I still prefer dpn's although I'm learning 2aaT magic loop. I'd take the Karbonz DPN's were I lucky enough to win! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteadriennemac1 on Rav
My favorite way is top down with a heel flap, unless I'm using handspun and worried I'll run out, then it's toe up 2 at a time! And Karbonz DPNs would be a stellar prize!!! (Rav ID is scaethach)
ReplyDeleteI love to use dpn. The karbonz would be great. Ravelry- cjernsttribe5
ReplyDeleteI've tried the Dreamz interchangeables and fixed circulars. I'm very happy with them. Would love to try these too. (sueh Rav. ID)
ReplyDeleteTop-down on DPNs. I'm still working them one at a time - old fashioned but I like it that way. :)
ReplyDeleteSince I'm not yet finished with my first sock, it's hard to say what my favorite method will be. But I'm enjoying the process ... started off doing the magic loop method and it gets more than slightly tricky to convert the dpn pattern from three down to just two needles, but I'm working on it. I love, love, love working with a magic loop project!
ReplyDeleteI've got my go-to pattern for socks and it's a cuff down pattern. But I learned to do a two-at-a-time toe-up sock in order to teach a class and I'm conflicted now. :) Nice problem to have! I prefer the magic loop for socks so, when I win, I'd like the circular needles.
ReplyDeleteI haven't landed on the perfect pattern for me yet, but I'm happier with toe-up.
ReplyDeleteThe pattern shown on the socks, what is it?
ReplyDeleteToe up is my fav weather its double points or magic loop.♥ your cubes there the best .I think I'd like to try your double points.
ReplyDeletemama.dill215@gmail.com
love it and want it
ReplyDeleteKarbonz DPNs!
Wow! what an awesome prize!! I'd love to win the karbonz dpns as I'm not very good at magic looping. Great tips for knitting socks, I'll be trying them out soon.... Haven't made socks yet, but its on the card and I like the idea of toe up socks and knit as long as needed. Rav name is Claysmum
ReplyDeleteToe up is my fav weather its double points or magic loop,♥your cubes, I think I'd like to try your double points. ♥;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm partial to cuff down knitting for socks, just not sure about that short row heel for toe up socks. Would love to win the karbonz dpns, what a treat!
ReplyDeleteSocks for me are a top down effort using 2 circulars. I taught myself how to make them last summer and I am loving the process more and more.
ReplyDeleteJust realized I did not include in my comment an email or rav name, so for susanmhj email is smhj@verizon.net, rav is susanmhj, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love knitting socks cuff down on two circular needles. I would love another pair of fixed circulars in 2.25 mm.
ReplyDeleteI like toe up with Magic loop and I want the Karbonz DPNs please. GGmadeit@gmail.com or Sweetdrk1/Ravelry
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this contest! I am at KnitKnechtion on Ravelry!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this! KnitKnechtion @ Ravelry!
ReplyDeleteI'm beginner on knitting,still now I still learn more and more to improve my knitting skill.I honestly to say that I never try to make a pairs of socks,so I think nova fixed circular much be better for me.
ReplyDeleteMy email: sylviana.hioe@gmail.com
I've only done cuff down socks so far I prefer dpns. I'd like to win the karbonz dpns. delitealex Rav ID
ReplyDeleteI love socks,socks are my favorite. That's why I started knitting in the first place. No stores ever had socks in colors I liked so what else could I do?? I've only managed to make socks from the top down so far and i'd love to improve my skill on the circulars. rav id: theknittwitt email canamaha@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLove knitting socks toe up. This way i can try them on as I go and they can fit my feet perfectly! The Karbonz DPNs would be the way to go for me.
ReplyDeleteTwo at a time, toe up, top down, dpns, I always have at least 3 sock projects going at all times. I am knittymommy on ravelry.
ReplyDeleteI've been a top down girl for ages but I just did a sock that was toe up with a provision crochet cast on and I LOVED it! I can never get the hand of circulars, whether two at a time or magic loop so I just stick to dpns.
ReplyDeleteI formerly was a "top-down on dpns" sock knitter... I participated in an on-line class for "toe-up, two-at-a-time, magic-loop" socks, and I am completely reformed (well...almost)!!! I still knit the occasional pair of socks on my dpns. I really like my dpns :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fantastic blog topic & wonderful giveaway!!! RavID:jaydawnrn
I hate to admit it but I have to finish a PAIR of socks but it is on my list to conquer. I would love the double points as an incentive to go at it again (and maybe this time they will match in size) cguard on rav
ReplyDeleteLove to knit them either way!
DeleteI just learned to knit socks last year and have only made two pair but I love it. Would love to win the circular needles to try that - have only used the DPNs so far. patriciaphall@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI love making socks using the magic loop method. I have used the magic loop for making sleeves also it is wonderful and versatile. I would like to try the Nova Fixed Circulars.
ReplyDeleteI love making socks. I have enough hand knit socks right now, that I haven't worn any store bought one in 3 years. My favorite way to knit them really depends on the pattern I've chosen. But most of them I knit toe-up.
ReplyDelete(celticgrace on ravelry).
PS
I love your needles.
I'm new to sock knitting and currently working on my first pair but I'm really loving it so far. Working them toe up and magic loop. Rav: naraquintzi
ReplyDeleteI love to knit socks and my favorite way is 2 at a time on magic loop. helps me to avoid SSS(second sock syndrome) where you never get around to knitting the second sock after you finish the first sock.
ReplyDeleteI'm a new sock maker and I do them top down. I'd love the Karbonz DPNs. My Ravelry ID is contmplativespice.
ReplyDeleteI usually knit toe-up socks with 2 circulars, this is the way I like it. I'd love to win the karbonz anyway, because I never had the chance to try them.
ReplyDeleteasteride on ravelry
I like to knit socks 2 at a time, toe up. I would like to win the steel crochet hook to pick up dropped stitches. I am tabby904 on ravelry.
ReplyDeleteI love knitting on circulars but I never tried to knit socks. Would this be the right time?
ReplyDeleteCirculars, please!
patmom on Ravelry
I like making sock toe up with the magic loop. I'm really excited to try them both at the same time. How smart! I would love to win the Karbonz DPN's!
ReplyDeleteI love to crochet socks and knit them would like dpns JenniferJ2010 on ravelry
ReplyDeleteI am currently knitting two at a time magic loop socks. While it can get a bit fiddly, the overall process is quite easy. No Kitchener and no picking up stitches. I would love the Nova Fixed Circular and you can reach me on Ravelry, my ID is ddiv.
ReplyDeleteI learned to knit socks about 2yrs ago and since then have finished several pairs,top down on DPN's.I do want to learn toe up socks and 2 at a time using Magic Loop.I would love to win a set of the Nova Fixed Circulars. Thank You. MaidMarrion on Ravelry.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE kitting socks toe-up on magic loop. TAAT eliminates single-sock syndrome! LOL I would love the circulars! Thanks! denbren on Ravelry
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE to knit socks. I usually knit top-down and would love the Karbonz DPNs. Thanks.
ReplyDelete(Knitsensei on Ravelry)
I love to knit socks! I like dpns toe up or top down, I am currently doing two at a time on two circulars. I don't have success with magic loop.
ReplyDeleteI just finished my first pair of magic loop socks and love the technique! I would love to win the Nova circulars. diana14 on Ravelry
ReplyDeleteI mostly knit socks top down on dpns (although occasionally I'll knit a pair toe up). I would choose the DPNs.
ReplyDeleteikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca
i prefer toe up...makes sizing easier i think :) i've used dpn and circular but i think i like the old-fashioniness of dpns...altho with my short attention span, 2 at a time might be more time friendly...lol knittyBing on ravelry
ReplyDeleteI recently learned the 2 at a time toe up sock. I would love to have the circular needles, I just love to knit with them. My email and Rav ID is linedeschenes@videotron.ca. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is crocheted socks but I like knitting them also. I use the 1 circular needle method.
ReplyDeleteI like to knit socks from the toe-up and so far I have only knit them using DPNs. I would love to win the Karbonz DPNs.
ReplyDeleteRav ID: chrisknitz
I'm a sock knitting fan! I prefer two at a time, toe up, magic loop. Size ones are my favorite circulars, and I'd love to win a set. Thanks! Rav: knitika
ReplyDeleteI like short DPNs. I find that I make the transition from needle to needle more even than I do on circulars.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite methods are DPNs or two at a time. Most of my current circulars are too short for it, so I use two circulars. One with the insteps and the other with the heels. gayjaybird on Ravelry
ReplyDeleteI love knitting two at once with magic loop. Best way of making absolutely sure the row counts match. I'd love the fixed circulars. Email singingwolfATgmailDotCom
ReplyDeleteThese days, I am most likely to knit socks with magic loop on one circular needle. One at a time. I don't have a strong preference for top down or toe up. I would love the circular needle. Though I am very interested in the Karbonz, DPNs drive me insane.
ReplyDeleteLove knitting toe-ups with magic loop!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway.
Ravelry - Hadassa72
I prefer to knit socks toe-up. And I'd love to win the karbonz dpns.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway
asteride on Ravelry
My favorite way to knit socks is with DPN's! I would love to try these Karbonz DPN's!! Thanks for the chance to win! Sylviemom on Rav
ReplyDeleteRAVELRY: furbabymomma
ReplyDeleteI usually knit toe up on DPNs but would like to learn magic loop or 2 socks at a time on one circ.
I'm a sock beginner and would like to become more accomplished soon. The DPNs look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI make two at time, toe up on magic loop it's my favorite way to make socks. I would like to win the Nova circular.
ReplyDeleteTop down. I would love to try a set of Karbonz DPNs.
ReplyDelete"Magic Loop all the way," says The Toe Up Queen. Can't get enough of socks!
ReplyDeleteTop-down, one at a time, magic loop. So obviously, I want the Nova circular. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the way knitted socks are so portable. I do from the top down. I do know how to crochet but have never tried to crochet a pair, I would really like to win the circular needle. I already have the set of sock needles. crochetbabie02@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLove toe up!! (but can work a great top down too)
ReplyDeleteDpn's please to share the carbonz love around!!
EvilSquirrel 0n Rav
I love to do mine 2aat, toe up magic loop. For that I find the 32 is just a tiny bit too short for my comfort.
ReplyDelete2AAT toe up magic loop. For that I find the 32 just a bit too short for my comfort.
ReplyDeleteI love knitting socks top down and I would love to try the Karbonz DPNs.
ReplyDeleteI prefer top down on two circulars when making socks. I would like to win the Karbonz DPN's just so I can try them. fcole10 on Ravelry.
ReplyDeleteI use the double circular method top down. I am attempting to learn toe up,but have issues at the gusset area. I would love to have circular Karbonz.
ReplyDeletesherryglover1@yahoo.com
sherryglover1 on Ravelry
I would love to try the Magic Loop. My sister feels it is the only way to go.
ReplyDeletehapkat1234@aol.com
My favorite way to knit socks is with magic-loop. I just learned and I like to do them from toe up so I can try them on as I go. I have also learned to do 2 at a time as well. Socks are so much fun. I would like to win the size US 1 Nova fixed circular needles.
ReplyDeleteI love socks any which way they're knit (haven't tried crocheted ones, yet). I'm into Magic Loop with them now, so size 1 fixed needles are always welcome.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a favorite way as I've only made one ... sock that is. Not even a pair. It was knit on small circs and dpns, one at a time (obviously) and top-down. It was a lot of fun; I'm not sure why I haven't finished the other. Probably because they're for me and projects for others have intruded.
ReplyDeleteYarn, needles and fun sock patterns, and not near enough time. My favorite past time is knitting, and when I make socks, I opt for toe up, two at a time. For me it's the best way to get perfectly matched socks, and never run out of yarn.
ReplyDeleteravelry ID is woodstockcate :)
I have made just a few so far, and toe-up two-at-a-time was super easy! I'd love to try the Karbonz DPNS, though!
ReplyDeleteRavelryID: Knitwisewhite
My favorite way to knit socks is by magic loop, cuff down, but I would love to win the dpn set~ My rav id is: hsailormoon
ReplyDeleteI usually knit socks top down using magic loop but I have been wanting to try knitting them with dpns, so I would love to win the Karbonz DPN set. They look beautiful too!
ReplyDeleteYou can contact me as whimsygurl on ravelry. Thanks so much for an opportunity to win!
I am inoracam on ravelry and just learned to knit toe up magic loop socks. but i would love to win some dpns!
ReplyDeleteFun! I'll be sure to share with our networks!
ReplyDeleteCurrently making my first pair of Yoga Socks, which don't have a toe, so I guess I don't have a preference yet, lol. Loving they way they are turning out and can't wait to make more socks. :) I'd love to try the Karbonz DPNs. :)
ReplyDeletethe KARBONZ DPN's would be my choice, I am just learning to use this type of needle and working on my first pair of socks! Would love have these to add to my collection, they would be my second pair! thanks
ReplyDeletethe karbonz dpn's would be my first pick, just learning to make socks and these would be a 2nd set to add to my collection thanks
ReplyDeleteWould love the Karbonz dpn's. Toe up socks are my favorite. Everyone in my family has requested handmade socks for Christmas this year! It's a good thing they're one of my favorite things to knit!
ReplyDelete