Just knit my first sock! What yarn to use next time?

#1

I just finished knitting my very first sock! I used Sassy Stripes by Moda Dea and knit the sock with four Clover Takumi bamboo double pointed needles. I was really surprised how easy it was. Really, it was just a matter of following directions. The hardest part was grafting the toe and that wasn’t even all that difficult. (Thanks to the Knitting Help site!)

Of course, I only had one skein of Sassy Stripes, bought a long time ago. So I can’t cast on for a second sock until I get another skein, but I think I’d like to use a higher quality yarn for the second pair.

What I need are your recommendations for inexpensive but nice DK or sport weight yarn for socks? I’d like my socks to last a while. The colorway on the Sassy Stripes is fun, but I’d like to get some natural fibers next time rather than acrylic.

#2

One DK yarn I have used a few times and really like is Patternworks Bretton and Meredith Bay. Both are mostly wool with 5% alpaca and the Bretton is machine washable. I made a sweater in each of them as well as some neckwarmers, etc. Have some right now I planned to make some socks from - I would recommend buying three skeins. Also Encore DK is 75% acrylic/25% wool and would be good. I have been wanting to try Knitpick’s DK but haven’t yet.

#3

I really like to make thick, winter socks with Wool-Eeze From Lion Brand. They do keep your feet very warm on our concrete floors. I also use a lot of Patons and Red Heart sock yarn. Once it’s washed the socks are extremely fluffy. My daughters wear their socks all the time. That’s about the best recommendation I can have for any yarn because they are both fashionistas.

#4

Angela, what size needle do you use to knit your daughter’s socks with Wool-Ease?
Also, do you use dpn’s or magic loop, etc.?

#5

Knit Picks Essentials is a great & inexpensive sock yarn. If you need INSTANT sock yarn in your hands though, the best I’ve found from craft stores is the Deborah Norville Collection from Premier yarns (@ Hobby Lobby, JoAnn’s & Michael’s). It’s SUPER soft! I also like Patons Kroy from craft stores.

If you’re on Ravelry you can see in my project (under ‘feet/legs’ tab :D) both of those used.

#6

Oh, I just realized you were only asking about DK yarn :teehee:, I haven’t done a lot of DK, mostly thinner socks due to my hot climate, but the recommendations still stand. I’m sure KnitPicks probably has great DK weight yarn too.

I haven’t seen any DK sock yarn at craft stores, that I know of.

#7

I just finished my second sock. I grabbed a skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease out of my yarn stash, though for some reason I do not seem to have a second skein to knit a second sock from. But, I do now have two socks to wear, even if they don’t match.

I’ll probably have to keep knitting worsted weight socks until I can get some sport or DK yarn. I do have some actual sock yarn in my yarn stash, but I was thinking I’d work my way down to the fingering weight yarns.

#8

Just wanted to mention that IMHO the very best place for sock yarn is ebay. I just bought a lot for 32 bucks with enough for several pairs of socks. When I added up how much it would have cost me- $111 bucks!

I am using wildfoote yarn right now and love it. It also has nylon in it that helps it last longer…