Acrylic Socks

#1

I’ve knit several pairs of socks, on dpn’s, so I do have some sock knitting experience. However, I just knit one sock that I’m very disappointed in and there are no plans for it to get a mate.

The pattern called for dk weight yarn on size 4 needles. I bought Berroco Comfort DK, which is an acrylic blend. This is the worst sock I’ve ever done. The stitches look awful and the sock doesn’t feel right when I put it on - it doesn’t ‘hug’ the foot like it should. I tried to block it, but it didn’t help.

It certainly could be my knitting, but I have a feeling that at least part of the problem is the yarn. I’ve never knit socks in an acrylic before; I’ve always used a wool blend.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

#2

Hmm; your situation has me at a crossroads… I’ve knit several baby socks and one adult pair of socks in acrylic and they all turned out great. Albeit, if you’re looking for the ‘hug’ factor, I wouldn’t go with this type of yarn (weightwise) because it is too chunky and in my opinion is merely for comfy warmth. I’ll have to research the yarn you used on the internet also, cause I’ve never used that brand before…

Sorry your sock didn’t turn out the way you wanted. What is the pattern you are using? I’m knitting my first wool socks myself (my first real big break from the acrylic yarns). :aww:

#3

I don’t think a lot of the acrylics have much memory and when they stretch they don’t spring back well. Cotton has the same problem so is better blended with something that does hold it’s shape better. Look at it as a learning experience in choosing appropriate yarn for the project.

#4

Thank you! The pattern is the Pedicure socks in Knitted Sock Sensations (but I’m not a big fan of this book) so it is just a rib cuff, SS leg and foot, then a rib cuff again around the base of the toes (open/no toes,).

#5

I wish I had used wool or at least a wool blend. Now I have to decide if I want to try again with another yarn or just forget about it!

#6

I feel your pain when it comes to deciding to stop a project that you’ve put so much time and effort into. :hug:

I haven’t read that book, but I did find this while browsing the net and thought you might be interested :wink:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTpedicuresocks.html

With my adult pair, I’ve found that cascade yarns superwash 220 works great… a little bulky, but easy to use for a sock.

Good luck with your project whatever you decide :knitting:

#7

I have done many socks in acrylic without any problem. The first socks I made were with TLC Baby yarn and then I moved into Mellowspun from Mary Maxim…

Never had a problem with it…

But as I have been told…Every yarn can potentially behave differently…perhaps that yarn just didn’t want to be socks shrugs