We all make mistakes.
That’s how we learn and grow. It’s part of the process.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from other people’s mistakes too!
Here are a few sock knitting pitfalls to avoid before you get started.
🛑 The Problem: Using the wrong yarn
Super soft socks made of squishy 100% merino sound like you would be walking on clouds. But they’ll wear out faster than Betty White playing football.
🟢 The Solution: Use yarn made for socks
We talked about what makes sock yarn unique earlier. Look for yarns that have 10-25% nylon, mohair, or silk.
They’ll add strength and durability so you don’t end up with Swiss cheese socks.
🛑 The Problem: Gauge is too loose
Some projects you can get away with loose open stitches. But if your tension is way off for socks, they won’t last, they won’t fit, and they’ll be uncomfortable.
🟢 The Solution: Aim for 7-9 stitches per inch
Using the average sock yarn a gauge of 7-9 stitches per inch will give you great results. If you need to go down a needle size or two in order to achieve it do what you gotta do. Socks have direct contact and friction with your skin, so a nice dense stitch gauge is an asset.
🛑 The Problem: Making the wrong size sock
It’s easier to knit the wrong size sock than you think. A lot of sock patterns use shoe size for sizing which is only based on your foot length, and your foot is more than just the distance between heel and toes.
🟢 The Solution: Measure your foot circumference (or knit toe-up socks)
You want to find a pattern that accounts for your foot width as well as length. As you get better at sock knitting you’ll be able to adjust certain elements of a sock for a more custom fit. But beginners can get some customization by knitting socks from the toe-up.
🛑 The Problem: Second Sock Syndrome
You finish one sock, and lack the motivation to finish the other one.
🟢 The Solution: Knit Two-at-a-Time or join a Knit-A-Long
Knitting both socks at one time, or in one long sock (🤯) will help you actually finish both socks. But joining a community that’s knitting socks together can also provide you with the motivation and support you need to see your project through to the end!
🛑 The Problem: Not getting started
You want to start knitting socks, you’re just not sure how to get started.
🟢 The Solution: Just try
The one sure fire way to never have beautiful hand knit socks, is to not knit any. If you’ve been dreaming about a drawer full of colorful socks you knit with your own fingers, then get a free pattern like the one in today’s issue, watch a tutorial on YouTube, or join our workshop and we’ll help you get going!
Conclusion
Ultimately it doesn’t matter what mistakes you make.
Learn from them and keep moving forward.
Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from taking action.
Just laugh and reminder yourself that “I am a Fearless Knitter!”
But what do you think?
Do you have a favorite sock knitting tip?
What is it?
Hit reply and share your experience with us!
We’d love to hear your feedback. 😊