Need needle size for socks

#1

I ordered Cat Bordhi’s socks on 2 circ. but, it is on back order and may be weeks before I get it. I wanted to get needles for socks, but don’t know what to buy.

What does she suggest for needle size and length of needles.

thanks,
knitbebe

#2

If you are talking about “Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles”, I have that book. It looks like size “1 or 2” are the most popular. That is what most of the patterns say. They are 24" needles.

#3

Thanks! brightspot that’s what I was looking for.

:thumbsup:
knitbebe

#4

Have you ever knit socks before? If you haven’t I highly recommend going with bigger needles and thicker yarn :thumbsup:

#5

I probably is easier to start with bigger needles and yarn, but I did my first one’s on 2’s and it really wasn’t bad. The size just took a little getting use to.

#6

I started with worsted weight and size 7 needles. I am glad I did. If I had started with the 3’s and sport weight (that I am doing now) I don’t know if I would have finished. I have gotten used to the 3’s now I need to go to 1’s and sock weight. That is my knitting olympics project. To learn to knit those on 2 circulars.

#7

Yes, you guys are right --I larger needle is a better choice.

I’ve knitted on size 6 dpn–and didn’t find them difficult. I had started a sock on them ,didn’t finish it because the sock was huge! (I wear a size 6 shoe ).

so I’m thinking maybe a compromise —say a size 4 or 5 needle. Do ya’ll think that’s still to small. I can buy only one set of needles --so something that will work for a while is a big plus.

thanks,
knitbebe

#8

I am using a size 3 right now for sport weight yarn. My problem is that I can’t find another set that size in town. They only have larger and smaller sizes :crying: I like to do both socks at the same time. I got this set at a thrift store. Uggg.

#9

I was hoping to get my “socks soar on two needles” (Cat bordhi’s book) soon, but got an email from Barnes N’ Noble that they weren’t shipping it…darn!! that was of course what I was waiting on.

Maybe I’ll pull out the size 6 dpn and get to work on the socks–in the meantime I’m going to check out the tutorial on knitting with 2 circs and look for patterns for knitting with circs.

knitbebe
(Rowan)

#10

I actually learned to knit so I could knit socks. Having said that I am no expert, I have only knit 1.5 pairs of socks successfully so far.

But I am an expert at what I discovered did NOT work for me.
The first pair I tried I used magic stripes yarn and size 2 dpn aluminum needles. It took me forever to get the cuff done. Worse yet I had huge ladders. I dropped needles about every round and dropped stitches without even knowing it. lol

I switched to scarves :rofling:

I still have not tried 2 circs but I did manage to complete a very wearable pair of basic socks using size 4 dpns and wool ease worsted weight yarn.
I discoverd that plastic needles are stickier and I did not loose one needle.

I have to agree with the others here, a larger needle and yarn weight is easier to handle. Especially when doing the first stitich on the needle. Its easier to get that first stich nice n tight with the heavier weight yarn.

On the other hand - you might be more comfortable with smaller needles.
I say try it! You really wont loose out even if you decide to try a larger needle and yarn. You can always go back to the smaller needles at a later date.