One thing I will add with the measurements is that socks should fit with negative 10% ease which usually works out to -1 inch around and about -1/2 inch on the length. I was always choosing the 64 st size based on my foot circumference of ~8 inches and a gauge of ~8 st/inch but recently went down to 56 sts and found my socks fitting and wearing much better. This usually only applies for plain stocking stitch, rib, or other relatively stretchy patterns. Cables and lace may break this rule due to their non-stretchiness.
If you take Natalie’s Perfect Fit Sock Course you’ll see why it’s so useful. It’s an itty bitty swatch and so satisfying. I was not a swatcher either but her course converted me!!
@@chrislopez5337 Natalie and I are good friends and she knows I will never search for a sock. But she knows I know the importance of swatching especially for a sweater or any garment. I’m so glad you took her course and are able to make your perfect socks!!!
I learned how to knit socks using 2 circular needles, toe up. I love this method as I have a narrow foot and can try the sock on from the very beginning. Also don’t have to swatch even using different weight yarns as I can try on as I go and can adjust as needed. Works well for me.
It’s also helpful to put the stitch markers on the last round of a pattern repeat (for patterned socks) instead of every 10-20 rounds. Then you can figure out what round you are on if you pick it back up and you have the same amount of pattern repeats on each sock
Thank you for all of the great tips! But #4 was the game changer for me. I never could figure out how to split the cakes evenly and never thought of using a kitchen scale in the process. You explained it so clearly. Thank you, thank you!!
I love knitting socks in tandem also. I only spilt my skein evenly if the yarn is not self striping or the patterning doesn’t matter. If it is self striping or some kind of repeating pattern I figure out where to start the second pair so my socks match perfectly. I love knitting toe up. The Turkish cast on for toe up is a lot easier for a new knitter than a Kitchener bind off for cuff down. And you can try them on and adjust the leg height :)
I do the same thing! Wind my ball, rewind to half, match my ends, cut and wind the next one! And start both socks at the same time on separate magic loop needles. For me it's 40" size 2. I only knit socks for those I really love and know will care for them properly since it takes so long to knit them. Cuff down for me. So far I have not been impressed with toe up but am thinking about trying them again.
@@tamic4137 I love toe-up ever since I started using the Turkish cast on. You should try it. I do the toe magic loop then switch to 9” circulars for the rest of the sock
Thanks so much for this video. I always love your presentation style. So welcoming. I’ve been knitting socks for a while now. I use 2 circs, dpn needles, or magic loop. Have always loved a gusset heel. I’m looking forward to your knitting the perfect sock class. I’m more than certain that I’ll be able to learn something wonderful from you. Blessings! Beverly
Great tidbits! I have an idea-when measuring your foot try using dental floss or string and put it on tape to get accurate measurement. Especially good for hard places like ankles. Super teacher!
I was so disappointed with my first sock because I measured everything properly using FLK heel method but it was still too tight around my arch. I'm going to try shadow wrap heel next
Short row heels aren't going to work for everyone. It's definitely a good idea to try different heels to get an idea of what you like. Even when you think you've found the heel you like the best, I recommend trying others just for the experience!
@@jennifer_beaulieu I really don't like the look of gusset heels. So I'm going to keep trying to get the short row that fits me with minimal extra increases
I have decided I want to be the best sock knitter I can be. Don't want to do sweaters and such so I really appreciate this site. I am curious about Sock Week. What is it all about?
Great tips, Natalie. I've been knitting for five years, but never tried socks. Obviously, you've knit a lot of socks. Which pattern would you recommend for an ankle-high sock in tonal fingering/sock yarn as a first project?
Great tips. I hate knitting swatches, but I do dream of being super organized, cataloging yarn, swatches and patterns.Still have not received yarn from the Little Wolf....will I be able to swatch? I always enjoy your positivity.
Lol I don't love swatching either. I try to do something fun while I'm making them so I'm distracted. Love the idea of a catalog! They're still dyeing up orders so I wouldn't worry if it hasn't shipped yet!
Good tips, however I always knit my socks two at a time and toe up - that way I know they are going to be identical, as I like my socks to match, and I can still try them on as I go to ensure the heel is in the correct place.
I like two at a time on two circulars. No row counting. A lot less stressful and the socks are identical. It took me a while to master this but it is well worth it. I made 2 pairs of socks before I decided to do 2aat. I'll never go back. First I learned cuff down. Now I am working toe up. I'm not really familiar with wrap and turn, but I'm working on it!
Such a wonderful and informative video! You are always so clear and explain things so well!!! That’s why I’m taking and totally recommend the perfect fit sock course!!!🧶🧦
I am so excited for sock week! I do maybe not agree on the lightbulb markers as the best way for marking your rounds. I prefer to use a contrast thread of yarn and mark every five, ten, or twenty rows. It requires less equipment and is cheaper. Plus, when you are done with the sock, you can just pull the thread right out in one second instead of removing each individual marker. 😍
One thing I will add with the measurements is that socks should fit with negative 10% ease which usually works out to -1 inch around and about -1/2 inch on the length. I was always choosing the 64 st size based on my foot circumference of ~8 inches and a gauge of ~8 st/inch but recently went down to 56 sts and found my socks fitting and wearing much better. This usually only applies for plain stocking stitch, rib, or other relatively stretchy patterns. Cables and lace may break this rule due to their non-stretchiness.
Great tips!
I totally agree with you. My socks were too loose until I figured this out. Great tip!
Great tips Natalie! I am still not going to swatch for socks though 😂
Amen. I can try the sock on as I knit it if I’m worried. I’d rather unravel a sock and start over than knit a swatch.
If you take Natalie’s Perfect Fit Sock Course you’ll see why it’s so useful. It’s an itty bitty swatch and so satisfying. I was not a swatcher either but her course converted me!!
@@chrislopez5337 Natalie and I are good friends and she knows I will never search for a sock. But she knows I know the importance of swatching especially for a sweater or any garment. I’m so glad you took her course and are able to make your perfect socks!!!
@@HeatherKelly Oh I’m sorry if I overstepped. I didn’t realize you were friends.
@@heatherstiara8033 I would rather find a foot that fits my sock! 😂 It already takes me 6 months to make socks, a swatch would take me 2 months!
I learned how to knit socks using 2 circular needles, toe up. I love this method as I have a narrow foot and can try the sock on from the very beginning. Also don’t have to swatch even using different weight yarns as I can try on as I go and can adjust as needed. Works well for me.
It’s also helpful to put the stitch markers on the last round of a pattern repeat (for patterned socks) instead of every 10-20 rounds. Then you can figure out what round you are on if you pick it back up and you have the same amount of pattern repeats on each sock
Thank you for all of the great tips! But #4 was the game changer for me. I never could figure out how to split the cakes evenly and never thought of using a kitchen scale in the process. You explained it so clearly. Thank you, thank you!!
I love knitting socks in tandem also. I only spilt my skein evenly if the yarn is not self striping or the patterning doesn’t matter. If it is self striping or some kind of repeating pattern I figure out where to start the second pair so my socks match perfectly.
I love knitting toe up. The Turkish cast on for toe up is a lot easier for a new knitter than a Kitchener bind off for cuff down. And you can try them on and adjust the leg height :)
Ahh great point with self-striping socks! Gotta split the cakes in the same place! I've never tried Turkish cast on, but that sounds great!
I do the same thing! Wind my ball, rewind to half, match my ends, cut and wind the next one! And start both socks at the same time on separate magic loop needles. For me it's 40" size 2. I only knit socks for those I really love and know will care for them properly since it takes so long to knit them. Cuff down for me. So far I have not been impressed with toe up but am thinking about trying them again.
@@tamic4137 I love toe-up ever since I started using the Turkish cast on. You should try it. I do the toe magic loop then switch to 9” circulars for the rest of the sock
@@CassieDA17how do you knit the heel? Also on a 9 inch circular? Or on 4 needles?
These are great tips, they even translate very well into crochet socks, too.
Okay good! I don't have much experience with crochet socks, so I'm happy to hear that!
I don’t knit but I appreciate people who can! I just found your channels and enjoy them!😊
Love the knitting socks in tandem idea.
So simple, yet so effective!
Thanks so much for this video. I always love your presentation style. So welcoming. I’ve been knitting socks for a while now. I use 2 circs, dpn needles, or magic loop. Have always loved a gusset heel. I’m looking forward to your knitting the perfect sock class. I’m more than certain that I’ll be able to learn something wonderful from you. Blessings! Beverly
Excellent video. Very informative. Thank you!
Great tidbits! I have an idea-when measuring your foot try using dental floss or string and put it on tape to get accurate measurement. Especially good for hard places like ankles. Super teacher!
Natalie, can you share where you ball winder and swift are from? I'm looking to replace a plastic one, thanks
Love the tips!!!
I always try to do 2 skeins,,,,and work two on two needles,,,,
Elaine 🏡🏡🏡🏖🏕
Yay! Good job!
Thank you, awesome tips for any and all levels of knitters.
I was so disappointed with my first sock because I measured everything properly using FLK heel method but it was still too tight around my arch.
I'm going to try shadow wrap heel next
Short row heels aren't going to work for everyone. It's definitely a good idea to try different heels to get an idea of what you like. Even when you think you've found the heel you like the best, I recommend trying others just for the experience!
@@jennifer_beaulieu I really don't like the look of gusset heels. So I'm going to keep trying to get the short row that fits me with minimal extra increases
Great tips! Can't wait for Sock Week!
Me too!!
I have decided I want to be the best sock knitter I can be. Don't want to do sweaters and such so I really appreciate this site. I am curious about Sock Week. What is it all about?
Great tips, Natalie. I've been knitting for five years, but never tried socks. Obviously, you've knit a lot of socks. Which pattern would you recommend for an ankle-high sock in tonal fingering/sock yarn as a first project?
I found toe up as a first time sock knitter to be easier since you can measure easier imo as you go. That's just me though
Thank you so much for this video!
You are so welcome!
Love all the tips! Thank you so much!
You are so welcome!
Great tips. I hate knitting swatches, but I do dream of being super organized, cataloging yarn, swatches and patterns.Still have not received yarn from the Little Wolf....will I be able to swatch? I always enjoy your positivity.
I hate knitting swatches too. I consider the cuff to be my swatch.
That totally works! Just use caution because ribbing gauge isn't the same as stockinette.
Lol I don't love swatching either. I try to do something fun while I'm making them so I'm distracted. Love the idea of a catalog! They're still dyeing up orders so I wouldn't worry if it hasn't shipped yet!
@@KnittyNatty Oh, and Shark Week starts July 24th!
Well, i meant that the whole leg part is basically my swatch,or the foot if I’m doing toe up.
Good tips, however I always knit my socks two at a time and toe up - that way I know they are going to be identical, as I like my socks to match, and I can still try them on as I go to ensure the heel is in the correct place.
That's a great solution!
I like two at a time on two circulars. No row counting. A lot less stressful and the socks are identical. It took me a while to master this but it is well worth it. I made 2 pairs of socks before I decided to do 2aat. I'll never go back. First I learned cuff down. Now I am working toe up. I'm not really familiar with wrap and turn, but I'm working on it!
Great sock tips tks
Glad you like them!
Gracias !
Hello from St. Louis Missouri.
Such a wonderful and informative video! You are always so clear and explain things so well!!! That’s why I’m taking and totally recommend the perfect fit sock course!!!🧶🧦
I always have problems with my he’ll never can get the hill right
I really like the Fish Lips Kiss Heel by Patty-Joy White. Have you tried that one?
I’m gonna keep trying to do the hill
I am so excited for sock week! I do maybe not agree on the lightbulb markers as the best way for marking your rounds. I prefer to use a contrast thread of yarn and mark every five, ten, or twenty rows. It requires less equipment and is cheaper. Plus, when you are done with the sock, you can just pull the thread right out in one second instead of removing each individual marker. 😍
To me tie up is easier even though I’ve been knitting over 20 years + I don’t like doing Kitchener stitch
I don't agree with cuff down for a first time sock.