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Thursday, February 09, 2012

How I Make My Socks


(photo ~ my handspun fingering weight yarn from Dyeabolical superwash wool roving, sock blockers from The Loopy Ewe)

Hi Knitters,
Oh my goodness, you all make me smile and laugh. Last I looked there were well over 30 comments on the Super Sock Update post. Well, if you double that number that's about how many emails I have received asking specific questions about my socks. I have to smile again because while I am writing this I am getting more emails popping up with questions about socks.

Anyway, instead of trying to respond individually to dozens of emails I am writing this post packed full with information about the stockinette stitch socks I always have on my needles. I always use double-pointed needles (dpns), too, I don't magic loop or two at a time, I do plain and simple dpns only!

If you want information about other techniques like magic loop or other circular needle techniques you will have to go elsewhere to find it, like youtube or do a google search or look for some good books.

Here it goes! Also, because I know I will get asked, I am not making a pdf for How I Make My Socks. Feel free to copy and paste the text from this blog post in your word program and make a pdf or simply print it out from there if you'd like. This is just a simple write up of my version of stockinette socks.

I put this up in Ravelry if you want to favorite it there. Click here for the Ravelry project page for How I Make My Socks.

How I Make My Socks
Written by, Susan B. Anderson

Materials:
Sock/fingering weight yarn
US size 1 double-pointed needles (set of 4)
Yarn needle
Scissors
Tape measure or ruler

Gauge:
I don't worry much about this although I don't recommend not worrying about it. I simply use fingering or sock weight yarn and US size 1 dpns. My gauge varies between 7-8 stitches per inch in stockinette depending on the yarn I use.

Cuff:
Cast on 64 stitches. I use a long-tail cast on (click here for my video tutorial on this cast on). Join to work in the round.
Rnds 1-12: (k2, p2) repeat to the end of the round.
(Sometimes I forget to stop ribbing and then I have more like 15 or 16 rounds of rib, I just match it on the second sock.)
Continue in stockinette stitch (knit all stitches on every round) for 6 inches. This is my cuff length preference. You can make your cuff shorter or longer as you see fit.


Heel Flap:
Divide the stitches as follows:
Needle 1: 32 sts (Needle 1 becomes the heel flap)
Needles 2 and 3: 16 sts each
Work back and forth only on Needle 1 for the heel flap.
Row 1: (slip 1 stitch as if to purl, k1) repeat to the end of Needle 1
Row 2: slip 1 stitch as if to purl, purl to the end of Needle 1
Repeat rows 1 and 2, fifteen more times (16 times total). If you count you will have 16 columns of slipped stitches on your heel flap.
Repeat Row 1 one more time.

Turn the Heel:
abbreviations:
p2tog - purl 2 stitches together
k2tog - knit 2 stitches together

Now, continue to work back and forth on Needle 1 only. You’ve just completed a right side row. Turn and work back on a wrong side row as follows:
Row 1: slip 1 stitch as if to purl, purl 17 stitches, p2tog, purl 1 stitch, turn to go work back in the other direction.
Row 2: slip 1 stitch as if to purl, knit 5 stitches, k2tog, knit 1 stitch, turn to work back in the other direction.
Row 3:  slip 1 stitch as if to purl, purl to 1 stitch before the gap (look and you’ll see the gap where you turned on the row before), p2tog, p1, turn to work back in the other direction.
Row 4: slip 1 stitch as if to purl, knit to 1 stitch before the gap, k2tog, k1, turn to work back in the other direction.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all of the stitches have been worked. Your last row should be a row 4 so you are at the end of a knit row. On the last 2 rows you work, you will end the rows with a p2tog and a k2tog.
You will have 18 stitches remaining on Needle 1.

Gusset:
First:
Continue on with the working yarn to pick up stitches going down the side of the heel flap using the free dpn to pick up the stitches.
Pick up 16 stitches, (pick up one stitch in each of the slipped stitches).

Second:
Now place all of the stitches on Needle 3 onto Needle 2. Needle 2 now has 32 stitches. Knit across Needle 2, which is now the top of the foot on your sock.

Third:
Continue on with the working yarn to pick up 16 stitches going up the other side of the heel flap, picking up 1 stitch in each of the slipped stitches. This is Needle 3.

Fourth:
Continue working onto the same needle (Needle 3) and knit 9 stitches from the heel turn. Place the remaining 9 stitches onto what is now Needle 1.

New stitch count:
Needle 1: 25 stitches
Needle 2: 32 stitches
Needle 3: 25 stitches

Decrease rounds for the gusset:
Rnd 1:
knit all stitches
Rnd 2:
Needle 1: knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1 stitch
Needle 2: knit
Needle 3: knit 1 stitch, ssk, knit to the end of the needle
abbreviation:
ssk – slip 2 stitches separately as if to knit, knit the slipped stitches together through the back loops

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until there are 16 stitches on each of Needles 1 and 3, and 32 stitches still remain on Needle 2.

Foot:
Knit every round until the foot measures (from the back of the heel to the stitches on the needles) 2-inches shorter than your desired total foot length. 
For example, my foot measures 9 1/2 inches from the back of my heel to the end of my toes. I work my foot to 7 1/2 inches before I start the toe decreases. My shoe size is a US women's 7.5, I wear a 38 in Birkenstocks. I have a 9-inch foot circumference at the ball of my foot.

Toe:
Rnd 1: knit all stitches
Rnd 2:
Needle 1: knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1 stitch
Needle 2: knit 1 stitch, ssk, knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1 stitch
Needle 3: k1, ssk, knit to the end of the needle
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until you have 6 stitches remaining on Needles 1 and 3, and 12 stitches on Needle 2.
Now knit the 6 stitches from Needle 1 onto Needle 3. You now have 2 needles with 12 stitches each.
Cut the yarn leaving a 10 inch end. Place the end on a yarn needle. Use the Kitchener stitch to close the toe. 

I have an instructional video tutorial on the Kitchener stitch to close the end of a toe. Click here for the video.

There you have it! I am not going to individually respond to email questions and instead I am offering this post of sock-filled information.

I have had a few people ask about the cuff falling down while wearing the socks. I don't have this problem but my suggestions would be to either decrease the number of stitches for the ribbed section of the cuff (make it a multiple of 4 if using a k2, p2 rib) or decrease the size needle you are using to work the ribbed section of the cuff (or do both a smaller number of stitches and a smaller needle size) in order to achieve a more customized fit.

Added later: By chance I happened upon this today to help with cuffs staying up! Click here.


Here are the books I constantly recommend to people for basic sock instruction and know-how:
Knitting Rules  - Stephanie Pearl McPhee (pg. 131) - a sketchy recipe for socks that I really enjoy and a generally great book on knitting!
Getting Started Knitting Socks - Ann Budd - The best ever and most informative sock knitting basics book, extremely thorough, lots of options, etc. Highly recommend!!!
The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns - Ann Budd - This book contains a basic stockinette stitch sock with heel flap and gusset in 5 different gauges. You'll have everything at your fingertips for this same type of sock starting on page 48. Plus, this book is a must have for basic patterns of all sorts!

Also, there is a great little tutorial by Mary Jane Mucklestone (click here) on how to sew up holes like the ones you might get when picking up stitches on the sides of the gussets. She is using mittens as her example but it could be used for socks as well. There are lots of tips and tricks available about different techniques to close up these holes so you might want to do a search for those.

Enjoy! I hope I have answered all of your questions.
best, susie

144 comments:

  1. Thank you for this post. I have been reading and studying up on making socks. And the double pointed needles were worrying me. I am sure that this will help tremendously!

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  2. Thank you for the "holes horrors!" link. It makes me smile just thinking about "snugging [things] up." :)

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  3. Funnily enough, your vanilla sock recipe is almost exactly the same as mine...the only big difference is that I knit until the cuff/leg is 5" instead of 6".

    Either way, I made a document with this recipe and saved it to my folder with other knitting recipes...

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  4. I commented on Facebook but wanted to come over here too and say thx for the pattern! I just cast on for a sock (only have two other pairs going!) and am excited to give your pattern a whirl. :)

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  5. I love this post, both for the information and for the spirit with which it is written. It's humorous and firm (that kind of parenting firm where we say things with a smile but we deliver the message with such a tone which indicates we mean what we say). I'm going to take your suggestion and make a pdf to have on my phone just in case. Thanks!

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  6. I have the Ann Budd book also. I concur that it's a really great one and one of the best out there. I also have Laura Chau's Teach Yourself Visually Sock Knitting. It's a good book and the basic sock pattern is cool, but I like Ann's more.

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  7. Susan, thank you for the sock instructions! What shoe size are you making these for? I know I can lengthen here and there, but it's nice to start out with a reference.

    Thanks!
    Jennie

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  8. cute post Susan! I laughed out loud a few times (got some odd looks too). I'm not as sock crazy as some but I do enjoy a basic recipie and this one works great. Thanks for taking the time to write it down! Cheers :)

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  9. Thanks for this! I didn't post, but I loved the first sock post, too!

    I just wanted to throw out the that I've had good luck with using a twisted rib on the cuff ribbing. It can help avoid the dreaded droopy cuff syndrome!

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  10. jennie - i added all of my foot information in the post under foot:)

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  11. I always have plain socks on a set of needles for traveling to appointments, etc., too. I use 0's and cast on 72, though. Everything else is the same!
    Sara

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  12. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I feel like I have been wondering for years (ok, maybe only months) about your sock pattern but never wanted to pester you. So thank you for taking the time to post it.

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  13. This is great! Thank you! You are like a big sister in that I gotta do every thing you do. I say that in much respect. :)

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  14. Har har! This is exactly how I do my socks! But, I have been trying to spice things up a little and have been trying out new heels and toes, although I think it's nice to have a plain ol' sock in the purse at all times.

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  15. I am a sock knitter, but like you, I only use 4 dps, knit top down, one at a time, and I always have a heel flap. I just can knit this type in my sleep and enjoy doing them. When I get depressed, I open up my sock drawer and they make me smile--all those pretty colors lying there smiling up at me! So, I decided to count the pairs and I have 22 just for me! I have knit twice that many for my family, and at least that many for charity or presents. I keep a little notebook and write down the "recipe" for each pair as I knit them. That way I can refer back to it when I go to knit another pair for the same person. I CO 68 for me and 72 for men, use a size 1.5 or 2.5mm set of needles, my ribbing is K1,P1 and I like mine longer in the leg, usually 6" to 7". I always have one pair in the works and most of the time two or three along with whatever else I may be knitting. There is nothing like wearing a well-made pair of hand knit socks!

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  16. Thank you so much for the sock pattern - I'm copying and pasting it right now! I have tons of sock yarn in my stash, but have never made a pair of socks. I will be casting on this weekend!

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  17. Thank you so much for the sock pattern - I'm copying and pasting it right now! I have tons of sock yarn in my stash, but have never made a pair of socks. I will be casting on this weekend!

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  18. Thanks for sharing your pattern! You rock!

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  19. Thanks for sharing your pattern! You rock!

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  20. Haha Susan, you DO rock! Of course if you post about socks, at least 1,000 people are going to knit some socks soon! Me included, and I was just thinking of some questions so this post just made my day! Thanks for all of the inspiration!

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  21. Well, thank you. Now this is how I make socks! LOL

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  22. Thank you, Susan. I will copy your recipe for when I make socks (next, I think)...still working on the oven mitt! LOL! Thanks for the book recommendations. As a novice that comes in real handy as there are so many to chose from. Thank you for the tutorial/video about "holes"...I need that for the oven mitt! You're a whiz and no I did not email you with any questions only because I know so little I don't even know what to ask! Ha! Ha!

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  23. Thanks for the pattern. Makes me want to pick up some needles.
    My favorite "recipe" for knitting socks is the basic sock pattern in the book "Knit Socks" by Betsy McCarthy. Works great every time. Besides, how can you resist a book that is in the shape of a sock?! :)

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  24. Thanks so much for sharing the sock notes. It makes me chuckle to think of all of your readers asking the question that immediately popped into my mind. We are so predictable. DPNs, top down, one at a time, that's my style as well. The only thing is that I hate knitting with size 1 needles. I knit slowly and have little time,so it takes me more than forever.

    I really enjoy Knitting Rules. Those directions are easy to follow and I got good results.
    P.S. The socks are gorgeous!

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  25. One thing I really like to do is to use different patterns on the heel flap. There are a number of ways to vary this part of the sock without jeopardizing the integrity of the flap. You can slip with the yarn in the back, or in the front, or vary it every other row, or stagger it i.e., Eye of the Peacock. I also always have a garter stitch border on both sides of the flap. I find it makes it easier to pick up the stitches for the gusset. Does anyone have any other patterns to share for the heel flap?

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  26. Thanks so much for this! This is great!

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  27. Thank you for this post, Susan! This is exactly what I was looking for a few months ago when I started knitting socks for the very first time. I'd abandoned that project for others, but your post has inspired me to pick it back up.

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  28. Hi Susan,
    Thank you for these explanations so easy, I was looking for an easy way to make socks and I found your blog, I just finished the first, I was surprised by the easy with which I made, thank you From France.

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  29. Your sock blockers are ADORABLE.

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  30. Thank you , Thank You, That was so great of you to post this! I really appreciate you and your wonderful blog!

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  31. Ok, this post made me start a pair of socks with some cool self-striping yarn that I bought 6 years ago, but never completed because I was new to knitting and had a hard time with them. I have about 2" of a sock done and it is so cute. LOVE this basic "recipe" and I know I'll use it again and again!
    Thanks again for posting!

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  32. I really wanted to add another big thank you! my very first sock was for the little keychain blocker you can get in a kit, (later at my LYS the ladies thought I was crazy! I thought smaller would be better to get the hang of things) I found your ribbed pattern for kids feet and cast on, watched your Kitchener video a few times and have never looked back. love this vanilla recipie too, it will certainly be my next pair. you are so awesome :) and I think I've got the hubby convinced to get me a wheel, since he thinks sock yarn only comes in crazy bright colors - so I can make him some nice neutral socks-hehe!

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  33. I've just finished my first pair of socks! Thank you. :DDD

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  34. I just finished my first sock ever. Thank you for this recipe and the videos too. This was super helpful!

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  35. If there are 8 slipped stitches on each side..how do I pick up 16 stitches...completely stumped..my first pair of socks...everything else has been so easy..thank you for the pattern
    Bretay48@gmail.com

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  36. If there are 8 slipped stitches on each side..how do I pick up 16 stitches...completely stumped..my first pair of socks...everything else has been so easy..thank you for the pattern
    Bretay48@gmail.com

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  37. Bretay - you should work the heel flap until you have 16 slipped stitches along the sides of the heel flap.

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  38. thanks susan for responding back.ilike a dummy was counting 16 times total for both sides..sorry for misreading.

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  39. I have made several pair of socks using this pattern. It is now my go to pattern. Right now I knitting with Opal Vincent van Gogh yarn. One sock done, starting the second sock. Thanks so much for this great pattern.

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  40. When using dpn's with wool worsted weight I can knit fine but using finger weight yarn, I have a much harder time. Is it all in the practice that I will get better using sock yarn?

    Thanks

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  41. Hi, Katie,
    Yes, I think with practice that will be easier for you:)
    susan

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  42. Thanks Susan, I was determined to use sock yarn, so I practiced and after the first 2 rows it went quite well.

    I love handmade socks!

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  43. Love the videos. You made kitchener stitch easy! Other videos make it look impossible. Would you consider adding a few videos for the other sections of the sock like turning the heel and picking up the stitches, etc.? I am new to this so I am sure it is easy once you do know how to do it but it is terrifying at this stage. :)

    My goal in 2013 is to make ME some socks.Your sock drawer is an inspirations!

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  44. Love your blog. And I am now following you on Pinterest. I have always wanted to make socks. I would like to see if you have a step by step video of making socks.

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  45. Susan,
    Do you have an estimate for how many yards of yarn this uses? I am just past the heel on my first sock using this recipe and I love it. Thank you!

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  46. I don't have an estimate for the yards per sock. I ball of sock yarn around 400 yards is always more than enough.

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  47. Hi Susan! I have now made 5 pairs of socks using your awesome pattern! I am teaching my self how to do short rows, and realized that I used to have a sock pattern that used the wrap and turn method for the heel. But it doesn't seem like you use that method here, and my socks have been turning out fine with the wrap part. Just wanting to check and see if I am correct in interpreting your pattern: NO wrap and turn necessary? Thanks so much! -Jennifer

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  48. Hi, Jennifer,
    I don't use short row heels or short rows at all in my sock pattern so you are correct.
    susan

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  49. Hi, Susan! I just finished my first pair of socks thanks to your great pattern! My only question was at the end when time to place the 6 sts from needle three to needle one before doing Kitchener stitches. I ended up with the working yarn in middle of the needle. Did I do something wrong?

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  50. Diane S.

    Knit the sts from Needle 1 onto Needle 3. that way the working yarn will be at the end:)
    suasn

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  51. I have successfully knitted several pairs of sock using a 12" circular. Thanks for your pattern.
    I know you can use any sock pattern but I wondered if there is a site or book that has written instructions specifically for 12" circular.
    I'd like to start off with a easy four stitch ribbing pattern and then go more advanced but I find it hard to modify easily the instructions to the 12" needle. I like easy as I'm fairly new to knitting socks. Thank you. Katie

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  52. Katie,
    I don't know of any patterns/tutorials that address 12-inch circs. Maybe if you google it something will pop up.
    susan

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  53. Your socks are lovely! I would really love to learn how to make these socks. I'm somewhat overwhelmed by the instructions. It's Greek to me.

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  54. Beth from ORJanuary 17, 2014

    Hallelujah! I just finished frogging a sock from a pattern that was making my age and IQ do flip-flops when, lo and behold, a Ravelry pal messaged that she had found your sock pattern and blog and is taking all on their vacation to AZ. I'm starting "your" socks tonight -- thanks!!

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  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  56. Just finished my 1st pair....came out pretty good for my first try. they look kind of "box-y" though...did I do something wrong?

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  57. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  58. Just what I've been looking for: a basic sock pattern that's easy to follow. I am struggling to get a pair of socks to fit properly, so wanted a pattern with no frills. Also, am helping a friend learn to knit socks - the proverbial "blind leading the blind". Your "recipe" will be a great help.

    Also, the Kitchener video is the best I've seen. Makes a confusing and complicated task so easy.

    Thanks.

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  59. Love the sock pattern--
    ??-- when you start the heel flap and slip 1 as if to purl-- is the yarn in back or in the front??
    Thanks for any help

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  60. linda! hold the yarn in back while slipping.

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  61. I've been knitting for YEARS and have never made a sock -- until today! I finished the first of a pair, thanks to your awesome recipe. They're a little loose, but it's my own fault, because I couldn't wait to get size 1 needles, so I used 1.5's. Makes a perfect slouchy lounging sock. :)

    Can you tell me which size sock blocker you use? Is it a medium?

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  62. yay! i use a medium sock blocker but they are by foot size so be sure to check.

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  63. Great! Thank you. I think mine fall in the medium zone, too. Of course, Loopy Ewe is out of stock, because everyone has a medium foot! Ha! Thanks for the information. I'm halfway through sock #2, with new yarn coming for a pair for my husband, He's... excited? He doesn't know what he's been missing, perhaps. :)

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  64. Wow! Great pattern and fantastic instructions. The video on the Kitchener stitch is the frosting on the cake--could not figure this out from either of my reference books but you made it so easy! The best part is that the socks actually fit me, and well. You've given me the confidence to start another pair with a simple pattern in them. Thank you.

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  65. Love this pattern, and Kitchener video. When starting the cuff ribbing how many stitches are on each needle?
    Thanks!

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  66. Marty,
    I cast on 20, 20 and 24 stitches respectively on 3 dpns.
    susan

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  67. thanks for your quick response Susan. Can't wait to get started on these

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  68. I am working on a pair for my husband size 14!! I cast on 72 stitches and I am now getting ready to tun the heel, but I am not sure how to calculate for row 1 of heel turn how many to purl before i p2 tog, and for row 2 how many to knit before I k2 tog? Love ths pattern... Thanks for any help!

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  69. Totally frustrated. Have tried to turn the heel 4 times and have had to rip it out. I keep following the directions but it never seems to turn out. Is there possibly a typo in the directions? I am not beginning and ending where I should be and I know I am following the directions.

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  70. Jen,
    I don't think there is an error but I do know that there are lots of video tutorials on youtube that may be of help to you. the videos may use different numbers but the concept will be the same. Here is one link that may be helpful:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAR2USuQ16M&spfreload=10

    susan

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  71. I noticed you don't use short row heels. I never have either and recently came across a comment on Serendipity Socks on Ravelry that said these don't fit people with high insteps (definitely me...). Do you know anything about that?

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  72. Hey Beth! I don't know much at all about short row heels and which type of foot they fit best....

    Let me know if you find anything out:) I'm interested.
    susan

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  73. Hey, Susan -- when I was hunting around for info re knitting socks for high insteps, I happened onto this on-line discussion. Glad I did, and glad to share!

    http://www.knittersreview.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=95723

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  74. Susan!!!

    Thank you for the link - I finally figured it out!!!!!! :-)

    Jen

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  75. Beth, I like the idea of ribbing the instep. New athletic socks grip that part of the foot and are very comfortable. If you have you tried this technique what ribbing pattern did you use? TY, DB

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  76. I assert that either heel flap or short row socks can be knit to fit any shape foot.

    I think heel flap socks are a bit better functionally for socks that are going to be used in "walking shoes" (Nike) and short row is more aesthetic for sandals or soft 'slippers" (Feregamo).

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  77. When I originally commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with
    the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that
    service? Thank you!

    My page latest news

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  78. anonmymous, sorry but i don't have any control of that since it is something you selected at the time you left the comment. i don't know if you can somehow go back in and change that option.
    susan

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  79. This will be my first sock attempt!

    I'm exited :)

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  80. Hi Susan! What brand DPN's do you use?

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  81. muriel ~ i mainly use Signature Needle Arts dpns, 6-inch length in the US size 1/2.25mm. I also use Knit Picks metal needles at times.

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  82. Hi Susan,
    so on the heel flap row 1 should the wrong side be facing me? (Purl stitches) or have I got my yarn on the wrong end of needle 1? It would mean row 2 would be purling on top of knit stitches, so I wasnt sure if Id gone wrong - very new to this :) :D
    Nicola

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  83. Hi Susan! Very new to this :)
    On row 1 of heel flap, should wrong side (purl) or right side (knit) be facing me? Thanks!!

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  84. Hi Nicola,
    Row 1 of the heel flap, you should have the knit side facing you.
    susan

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    Replies
    1. Great, thanks! So I probably had my yarn the wrong end of the needle somehow, not sure how I did that! :)

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  85. Exactly how much sock weight yarn will I need to knit a pair of these socks in your size? Thank you!

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  86. Kate,
    100 grams should do the trick.
    susan

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  87. Hi Susan, I was wondering how you change the pattern if making for a man? I just love your socks, thanks so much for you patterns and your help!!

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  88. Hi Susan, thanks you so much for all of your help with knitting. I was wondering how you change your pattern if doing a pair of socks for a man. Your socks are amazing, thank you!!!!

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  89. Making socks using needles is not easy! But, your provided guideline seems to be okay and pleasing to start again. Earlier, I stared but could not make a sock properly. Hope, your guideline can give a good pair!

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  90. I love using your sock pattern. I've made some lovely socks but I notice that after I wear them for a bit they become slouchy and very stretched out. Am I doing something wrong?

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  91. Love your sock pattern!! In one of your blogs or podcasts, you mentioned using a small bit of yarn for the heel flap so when you return to knitting the foot, your striping is continued. I have tried adding this technique but find my foot yarn is ending up at the opposite site of the foot. Any hints to help me utilize this technique, I love the idea. Thanks

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  92. Hi Susan, I love this pattern and am wondering if you could update to include the technique of using a separate, small bit of yarn for the heel so the pattern continues from the leg to the foot.

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  93. How many dons do you need

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  94. Anonymous, I think you're asking how many double-pointed needles you need? The answer is 4!

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  95. For the gusset it says 1 2 3 4 do you mean rows?

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    Replies
    1. Those are the steps for picking up the stitches.

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  96. I would love to see a step-by-step video of you knitting the socks Susan! It was be very helpful especially for all of us who are knew to sock knitting!
    Would that be something you would consider?
    Thanks for all your help!

    Deborah

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  97. I have a pattern that says for the heel flap knit as many rows as your have stitches so for me that would be 30 rows up..so then on my pick up on the sides I would have 30 stitches on each side correct? It says only pick up half on each side..That makes no sense....I need to pick up every row correct?

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  98. Unknown,
    You are slipping the first stitch on each row of the heel flap, therefore you will have half of the number of rows on each side in slipped stitches. You pick up one stitch in each slipped stitch along both sides of the heel flap.

    I hope this helps!
    susan

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  99. Thanks so much for the post. I am knitting my first pair of socks in 2 1/2 years and drew a blank when it came to the second row of turning the heel - your pattern was just what I needed to get back on track.

    One thing I do that I find really helpful is knit the first 2 stitches on each row of the heel flap (garter stitch). It makes picking up the stitches later so incredibly easy as the needle slips right through the garter stitch "bumps."

    Thanks again

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  100. Hi Susan!
    Is it 6 " from the start of the sock before you begin the heel flap OR 6" of stockinette after the ribbing?
    Thankyou!

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  101. Deborah, You could do either. I usually measure 6-7 inches from the cast on edge.
    susan

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  102. Thank you sooooo much Susan!
    I went from a gal who said she'd never make socks (because of the dpns) to a gal who has made one pair of slouchy socks (a bit more of a detailed pattern for my first try lol) and now to a regular pair of socks. I have 2 on the go and am loving it!!!! It is actually very easy to work on dpns and working with the 3 needles and the 4th to knit with.
    I can see how you love having at least one pair of socks on the go at all times...it truly is so enjoyable! I am using your pattern as my go-to pattern...yours always look so lovely!
    Thank you so much for all your love, kindness and sharing...I appreciate you and I love to come and visit.
    Blessings!

    All my heart,
    Deborah :)

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  103. Hi Susan - thanks for this easy but perfect sock pattern! I just finished my first sock right up to the step where there are 12 stitches on each of two needles and am ready to cast off. But I am confused because after putting the stitches from needle three onto needle one the working yarn is in the middle of the needle rather than at one end. So I'm not sure how to proceed with Kitchener Stitch. I would appreciate any advice/clarification on this. Thank you for your time!

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  104. Hi Susan - thanks for this easy but perfect sock pattern! I just finished my first sock right up to the step where there are 12 stitches on each of two needles and am ready to cast off. But I am confused because after putting the stitches from needle three onto needle one the working yarn is in the middle of the needle rather than at one end. So I'm not sure how to proceed with Kitchener Stitch. I would appreciate any advice/clarification on this. Thank you for your time!

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  105. eve-marie, knit the sts from Needle 1 onto Needle 3.

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  106. Of course! Thank you so much for your quick reply.

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  107. Love this because it is so clear. I learned a pattern such as this from my mother-in -law.She didn't give me a written pattern as such. She just taught me a sliding scale which I confess has disintegrated in my mind over the last few years of her passing, May she rest in peace.
    This is so clear there is no room for doubt. I love making socks because its so portable and the simple pattern just makes it so I don't have to count every row and my many grandies can come and choose freely from my yarn stash what colours they want.
    She also gave me a pattern, written this time, for workman's socks to go into boots. She even made a mistake in the first part maybe to see if I was actually using her patterns! Once I fixed the cast on amount on each needle they come out perfect and very fast as they are knitted on larger needles with bulkier wool for the winter logger or construction worker
    Thanks so much for sharing this standard. Love this kind of heel!



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  108. This may be a stupid question, but could you tell me what foot circumference this pattern fits? I don't know if I need to cast on more stitches on less.

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  109. Hi Nina,
    It fits my foot with a 9-inch circumference but it could fit a foot a little bigger or smaller. It fits my foot with 1-inch of negative ease, so it is a snug fit.
    susan

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  110. Thanks for letting me know.

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  111. Hi Susan Love your sock pattern. I am now on my fifth pair. I am now making the men's pattern & am having trouble turning the heel. I ended with a knit row row & have sl 1 & purled 20, p 2 tog purled 1. next row i knitted 5 k2 tog k1. For some reason I'm not coming out even on both sides. Can u help. Thanks!

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  112. just purl 20 stitches or slip 1, purl 19 on that first row of the heel flap.
    susan

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  113. I was wondering if you could post the dimensions, esp around instep.
    This sock looks really great for my dh but he has a wide foot.
    many thanks, women slippers

    grace who loves your site!!

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  114. Hi Grace,
    You can figure out all of the dimensions by taking the number of stitches on the needles, including at the instep, and dividing it by the number of stitches per inch.

    I hope it will fit your husband:)
    susan

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  115. Thank you... Very helpful and informative blog

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  116. Susan, Do you know it's just awesome. I love this shocks pattern & your step by step guideline is perfect for making the same.Thanks a lot.

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  117. Susan, on the heel flap is it a total of 32 alternating rows (16 each), or 16 alternating rows (8 each)? I'm thoroughly confused!! Thank you for your help!! 😊

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  118. Hi Susan, thank you for this pattern and guidance, you have given me the confidence to try again. I wonder if you could help me. I thought I would purchase the Bryson Stainless steel sock blockers and have them ready when I finish. I wear a shoe size 7 to 7 1/2. The company says the Small is good for size 7 and the Medium for 7 1/2. Since I have never knit socks before I really don't know if they will turn out on the looser or tighter side. What would you suggest I purchase?

    Kind regards, Lori

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  119. Lori, I wear the same size as you and my sock blockers are mediums and I think I would order the medium in this case.
    Good luck!
    susan

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  120. Thank you so much Susan!

    ~ Lori

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  121. Susan, please help me!

    I did the heel flap and and turned the heel, but when I went to go pick up stitches for the gusset, I keep finding 17 slip stitches on the first gusset instead of 16. I don't know what I did wrong. Could this be because after alternating rows 1 and 2 16 times, the instructions say to knit row 1 one more time? If so, how do I proceed? Or could I have messed up and done a purl/knit somewhere that I should have slipped?

    This is my first sock ever and it was going so perfectly until now. Please help!

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  122. Hi Emily,
    It won't matter if you have 16 or 17 slip stitches on the sides of the gusset. You can pick up one stitch per slipped stitch and then you just decrease for the gusset until you get back to your original number of stitches, which is 64. I often pick up 16 or 17 stitches on the gusset side.
    Susan

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  123. Katie I found a very tiny size one with a very short cable st my knit shop. I got frustrated with dropping stitches and this was useful until the heel flap. I went back to dpn's.

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  124. Hello! I'm making socks for my Passion Project and this was very helpful! A Passion Project is where you take something you love doing and use it to help others. I love making clothes so I am going to donate the clothes to less fortunate people. Anyway, I need to interview an expert and you seem like an expert to me! Can we stay in touch?

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  125. I love your socks and want to say thanks for this information. I wanted to find the tips for cuffs at the webs site but the link is broken. Can you direct me to some tips for making sure my cuffs don't slouch?


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  126. The link for making sure my cuffs aren't slouchy doesn't work. Can you please provide me with some information to help with this? Thanks in advance! I love your work.

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  127. Hello Susan,

    Thank you very much for your pattern for How I Make My Socks. Sadly I have never managed making socks cuff down on DPNS but hopefully I will try. I love working toe up socks and use the circular needle. Appreciate it if you could give me a super simple pattern for toe up socks.

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  128. Can someone please tell me how to make this pattern with self-striiping yarn and maintain the stripes across the instep. This is the same pattern that I use, but, I always have pooling across the instep. Thank you for any help.

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  129. Can someone please tell me how to do the heel flap and gusset with self-striping yarn and maintain the stripes across the instep. I always get pooling. Thanks for any help on this.

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  130. Beachrose, The best way to do this is to start the heel flap with a contrast color or to use the other end of your working yarn. Complete the heel flap and turn with the new yarn. Then go back to the working yarn when you start the gusset. This will help keep your yarn in pattern.

    I hope this helps.
    Susan

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  131. Hi Susan: First pair of sox. Not having any trouble until I get to the end of the heel turn. I'm making the men's sox. How many stitches will I have on needle 1 before I start picking up the 18 st. along the side or alternatively how many will I end with. Looked and didn't see this question. Feeling quite chuffed about the sock so far!!

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  132. HI Susan, Loved your explanation and comments on basic socks. This is exactly the way I have made them for years, even down to the number of stitches.(Sometimes I do 60 instead of 64.) I just wanted to add something I do when making socks. I work the first sock all the way to and including the heel turn. Then I start the second and work it to the heel turn. I then finish then both off. Just seems to make me think it goes faster. But mostly, when I finish one sock, I don't put off starting the second one, cuz it's already half done. Kinda like knitting both sleeves at same time. Just an old knitter's quirky mind. Like your book suggestions and links to help sites. Keep knitting.

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  133. Hi Susan! I read your post with interest. I make my socks the same way, too. In fact, Knitting Rules was a great help in getting me started with socks. I especially liked Stephanie's quip about ribbing -- to do it as long as you could stand it. For me, that's about an inch and a half! I'm a dpn person too. I've tried and tried to do the two-at-a-time thing, but just can't quite manage it. I love the idea of it especially when the Christmas knitting deadline approaches. Sometimes I do an eye of partridge heel flap just to keep me interested, or if I have a yarn that pools colors in an interesting way, I do an afterthought heel so as to not spoil the pooling. I love making socks!

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  134. Hi Susan! I read your sock post with interest. I make mine pretty much the same way, using dpns too. I've tried and tried the two-at-a-time technique, but just can't quite wrap my brain around it, though I do like the idea of it especially as the Christmas knitting deadline looms! Sometimes I do an eye-of-partridge heel flap, just to keep me mindful, or if my yarn pools colors in an interesting way, I'll do an afterthought heel so as not to disrupt the flow of the colors. Thanks for your post. Sock on!

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  135. Hey Susan, I started a pair of socks with your pattern (thank you for the description :-)). I have a little question regarding the 'slip 1 stitch as if to purl'. Do I need to put my yarn like I'm gonna purl the stitch, or can I leave the yarn in the same place as if I would knit the stitch?
    Thank you for your answer!!

    Belgian greetings

    Ilse.

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  136. Thanks so much for this pattern, Susan! I am trying to follow the directions to adjust for a 'male' pair of socks. I am stuck where it says "Worked the heel turn starting with purling 20 sts across". Does this refer to "Row 1: slip 1 stitch as if to purl, purl 17 stitches, p2tog, purl 1 stitch,"? I'm confused because if I purl across instead of doing the 'p2tog', I end up with 21 stitches. Can you please tell me where I am going wrong?! Thank you, thank you!

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  137. thanx for your very consice instructions

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