First pair of sock questions

#1

I’m dying to make my first pair of socks, but I have a few questions…

First, what are the best dpns to get and where can I get them from? I’ve used dpns before, but only to finish hats when using a circular needle, so I don’t have anything smaller than size 7.

What yarn should I use? I’d really like to use dk or lighter or fingering weight. But I’ve seen the thread on using worsted weight for a first pair, so I’m not sure…

Oh my gosh, I’m so excited!!! I can’t wait to get started! It’s because of all the great knitters on here posting all their pictures of beautiful “first socks” that I’m dying to make some myself! :thumbsup:

#2

If you have used dpn’s before you could certainly do a pair of socks in a lighter weight yarn. I usually recommend a worsted weight because 1. it is the knitter’s first time using dpns and 2. the sock is done fairly quickly. IF you don’t mind being patient and working on it longer go ahead and use a fingering or a dk. Any dpn’s are fine. I prefer bamboo because the stitches are less likely to slide off the needle.

#3

yup, what Vicki said. Bamboo needles so that stitches don’t slide off and I would look for socks that could be made on at least a size 3 dpn for your first project. (This comes from someone who knit her first socks on size 0’s! LOL!) I thought I would never finish those socks. OH and guess what? I have never knit on size 0’s since! I’ve made them on 1’s 1.5’s, and 2’s but for some reason have no desire to ever knit on 0’s again (not that there is that much difference between 0’s and 1’s LOL!)

#4

Thanks Vicki and knitncook!

I’ve used bamboo dpns before b/c I heard that the stitches didn’t slip off as easily. I found an eBay store that sells size 0, 1, and 2 Clover bamboo dpns for around $8.00 for a set of 5. I think I’ll run over to Hobby Lobby and see what they have, but if I remember correctly, HL doesn’t really have to much in the way of dpns… ooooooh, I may have to wait for the mailman. LOL I just can’t wait to get started.

#5

You might want to also check Knitting on the Go. I like their needles, they are comfortable on the hands, and they won’t break - best of all you get six in a pack!

#6

If you are going with something as small as 0 or 1 you may want to think about getting a stronger wood. The bamboo can snap at that size. I bought some Lantern Moon Rosewoods for my 1’s and 2’s. They are very strong and not as likely to break as the bamboo are. My 0’s and smaller are all metal. And my 3’s and up are all bamboo.

#7

Thanks everyone! I just ordered size 0, 1 and 2 from knittingonthego.com. Now, I just have to wait. :happydance:

#8

Hehe I used worsted weight yarn for my first sock and homemade DPN’s made out of chopsticks :rofling:

Suprizingly my sock turned out fine :smiley:

#9

I did my first sock in dk on 4s and it worked out really nicely. They’re thin enough that I can wear them in shoes but they didn’t take too long.

Personally, I really like the Inox DPNs (they’re metal) because they come 5 in a pack so I can knit in a square if I want and I can knit quicker on them than bamboo needles. Also, I tend to pull pretty tightly and I bent my bamboos. :shifty: I’ve never had a problem with the stitches falling out.