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"Is it hard to knit socks"?
No not really, however, there are some techniques that you must use aside from knit & purl. They are using double pointed needles, decreasing, intarsia and Kitchener Stitch.
Using double pointed needles is a way of knitting in the round (similar to using circular needles). A determined amount of stitches are slipped onto three double pointed needles and are knitted with a forth double pointed needle. As one needle is knitted, a spare needle is freed up to use for the next needle's stitches and so on.... When using double pointed needles, there is no turning of work and all rows are knitted. A very quick technique for beginning Continental Knitters. Grace's Dress Sock & Christmas Stocking patterns, clearly describe the number of stitches to be used on each needle and when to begin using the double pointed needles.
To get a perfect heel and toe It is best to "knit 2 together" (K2tog) for a right slanting decrease and "slip 1, slip 1, k 2 tog off right needle" SSK for a left slanting decrease. When positioned in the appropriate directions, these decreases form a finished angle. The Sock & Christmas Stocking patterns explain when to make the decreases and it is easy to determine which angle to decrease as it's worked.
Intarsia is a technique used when changing colors in a pattern when a tail yarn will be too long if it is carried across the back. It is simply a method of twisting or hooking the yarn on the wrong side instead of leaving long tails for many reasons. For example; toes can become caught on long tails when putting them on or if they are too tight it may "pull" the design and create an undesired effect or become wholly if too loose. I prefer to use the two-handed, two-color method of knitting in all areas that do not need Intarsia.
Kitchener Stitch is a
method of weaving two open edges of knitting together that when joined, leaves
no seam and the stitches meld into one another. This is an easy process using a
tapestry/darning needle & a matching yarn which is inserted into stitches
and then pulled off of the needles in a specific order. This process is
described and easy to follow when finishing the toes in the Socks &
Christmas Stocking patterns.
Marjorie Bergson from Berrien Springs Michigan Would like to know...
"What type of yarn should I use"?
Well Marjorie when
selecting a yarn for Grace's sock patterns I first recommend Socka 50. Socka 50
is manufactured by Stahl, and is imported from Germany Its nylon content is a
suitable yarn for sock durability. Socka 50 is available in a wide variety of
colors, and is considered a leader in the manufacturing of sock yarn. If you are
not able to find the exact yarn or if you would like to use a different yarn;
you must determine the gauge. It is best to work a yarn that has a similar gauge
and fiber as that of the recommended yarn. Substitutions are easy. Make sure to
do a test swatch with a similar yarn (weight, fiber & gauge). The labels
tell you a lot. You will be able to summarize by the label if the yarn will work
with your pattern. Take a test gauge with the substituted yarn. Alter the needle
sizes when necessary to obtain the gauge desired. Caution: avoiding these steps
may create finished projects out of proportion and not able to be worn. When
working with sock patterns, I recommend a yarn that contains a strong element
(such as nylon) added. If you decide to use a less strong fiber such as 100%
wool, it is wise to add a "sock thread" to the heel and toe areas.
Judith Fleming from Medfield New Jersey would like to know...
"Are Grace's dress sock patterns are done in the round?"
That's a great question
Judith , The leg portion of the sock is knitted on straight needles, however the
foot portion to the toe is done in the round on double pointed needles.
Phyllis Hadley from Windsor Missouri writes in to ask...
"How long will it take me to make a pair of Grace's socks"?
Generally, knitters
have different paces. Some can knit at 30 stitches per minute or less And some
have been clocked at as much as 60 stitches per minute, therefore the time
length will depend on the actual knitter. I estimate my time length to be about
40 - 50 hours total, with the average speed of 30 stitches per minute.
This question comes from Cheryl Larson of Charlotte North Carolina.
"I'm a beginner at knitting, and I just love Grace's patterns I just turned Twelve last week. Do you think I could knit one of Grace's sock patterns?"
Happy birthday Cheryl,
Grace's sock patterns include certain techniques such as intarsia knitting,
right & left handed decreases, and knitting in the round on double pointed
needles. If the beginner is familiar with these techniques, they should be able
to knit Grace's socks. The patterns are well written and easy to follow. I would
rate these patterns at an advanced beginner or intermediate level.
Shirley McPhedrian from Carbondale Illinois.
"I have a real fear of knitting socks. I just love the look of Grace's patterns. What would you suggest to help me overcome my sock phobia?"
The best way to
overcome a fear is to face it straight on. Try a pattern, work one section at a
time without getting too caught up in the whole pattern at once and if you run
into any areas that are not clear, feel free to ask questions. We are here to
help guide you through it. Once you've done one sock, you will never be afraid
of them again!
Deborah Moyes from Weston Florida:
"I think that the patterns Grace has designed are beautiful, but I'm not sure I could knit 10 stitches per inch - that seems very difficult."
Grace's patterns are
designed with a tight gauge which contributes to it's intricate design and
comfortable sizing. I am able to obtain 10 stitches per inch on size 1 needles
with Socka50 yarn without any difficulty. If your difficulty is in obtaining the
gauge, it is recommended to reduce the needle or yarn size until 10 stitches per
inch can be obtained. The alternative would be to produce a sock that may not be
proportionally correct or to change the pattern so that a different gauge will
work for you.
From Chicago Illinois Cynthia Ransdell writes:
"When knitting Grace's patterns, would the finished product be stiff? 10 Stitches per inch seems like it would be very stiff."
On the contrary, the
Finished sock, using Socka 50 yarn on size 1 needles produces a relaxed Garment.
Because of the wool content, it allows a lot of give to the knit. If you however
tried the pattern in a less-giving fiber, such as cotton; a Stiffer result will
occur.
A hint for the Christmas Stockings:
To add a hook for hanging the Christmas Stocking on your fireplace mantle; the following technique should be used:
Sew the seam with matching yarn beginning at the heel. When you have reached the top of the stocking, make a loop approximately 5-6" long and with a tapestry needle, secure the yarn to the top with a simple knot. Using your left index finger, insert finger into the top of the loop and begin twisting the yarn; do this until the yarn doubles over itself forming a 4-ply twist. You will need to secure the loop around your finger also to the top of the stocking. You may need to mold the twist with your fingers or needle to make it uniform. Fold over the "now 4-ply twist" to form a 2.5-3" loop and secure one more time. This will leave a decorative twist loop at the top of the stocking without attaching a separate piece of yarn or loop.
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