I’m interested in doing this sock I saw on DIY yesterday as my first sock. I want to get an idea of what I’m going to need for this project so when time/money allows I can get my materials and get started.
Materials
2 balls Berroco Pleasure (130 yds/120 m per 50g ball; 66 percent Angora, 29 percent Merino wool, 5 percent nylon).*
U.S. size 7 (4.5mm) needles, one set of five double-pointed needles
Tapestry needle, scissors
Note: Remember that many yarns are seasonal and could be discontinued. If the specific yarn called for is not available, purchase a substitution yarn that comes closest to the specified gauge in your pattern. And be sure to make that all-important swatch to see whether the yarn works for your particular pattern.
Gauge: 5 sts and 7.5 rows per inch in stockinette st in the round on U.S. size 7 needles.
Note: Socks are typically knit at a tighter gauge and on smaller needles than what is recommended on the ball band of your yarn. If substituting yarn for this pattern, look for a recommended gauge of approximately 4 sts per inch on U.S. size 9 or 10 needles.
How do I know what kind of yarn to get? I found a sock yarn at knitpicks.com Essential (Content: 75% Superwash Wool, 25% Nylon Amount: 231 yards/50 gram ball Gauge: 7-8 sts=1" on #1-3 needles) which is a Fingering weight yarn. Will this work for my project or will I need to adjust my needle sizes?
If you look at the gauges, you can see that the fingering weight yarn is different enough from the recommended yarn to make a pretty big difference. 35 stitches in the recommended yarn would come out to about seven inches, whereas it would only be four to five inches in the yarn you’ve selected. Take the advice given in the pattern: Look for a yarn with a recommended gauge of approximately 4 sts per inch on U.S. size 9 or 10 needles.
Ahh ok, I see what you’re saying. So, according to Knitpicks, I would need a Worsted: yarn knits at 4.5 - 5 stitches per 1" on #6 to #9 needles. Perfect for winter sweaters without the bulk.
Heavy Worsted: yarn knits at 4 - 4.5 stitches per 1" on #8 to #10 needles. Great for coats, jackets and thick sweaters.
Hmm ok, have to look at a different set of yarns then! One of these days I’ll get the hang of it. Thanks!
Hi, secksiebrat, the yarn that was used in the Knitty Gritty show that you are talking about is a worsted wt yarn. I would suggest just getting a very inexpensive worsted yarn to make these socks since they are your ‘practice’ socks. These socks are really too thick to wear with most shoes, but are PERFECT for wearing around the house. This is a great pattern, the show & Karen Baumer are what got me knitting socks, too…and I’ve not looked back. So…have fun making your socks, I’m going to bet that you are going to be joined our Socknitting Addicts Club, too
Ahh if that’s the case, I can just get a nice color at walmart! I know, I said the WM word. But what can a girl do when she’s in the middle of nowhere? Thanks ladies for your responses!
I have to say the nasty WM word all the time… I work there! :lol: Anyway, I’d pick up some RHSS in a colour that appealed to me, and some 4.5mm dpns from the craft section and go from there. One ball will be enough {I think it’s 6 oz. ours are 175 or 200g here}. You’ll need 2 packages of needles since the ones sold at WM only come in sets of 4, and the pattern instructions are calling for 5. The extra needles come in handy for when one goes for a walk. I also like to keep my toe stitches live on a pair of dpns, and graft both toes at the same time… in case I need to do any “adjustments”. I would simply use the socks as slippers in the house, as 100% acrylic would be VERY uncomfortable.
As for WW socks made out of 100% wool or a wool blend, they fit into sneakers or work boots really well!
I wonder how many addictions that DIY sock pattern is responsible for.
That is the show and pattern that got me started. I just grabbed some red heart worsted that I had had for years and a set of 4 DPNs that I had and started in. Had to use a stitch holder for the 5th needle until I could get to the local yarn shop and buy a set of 5 dpns. But the socks came out great for house slippers (too bulky for shoe socks) and I haven’t looked back. I am TOTALLY hooked on sock knitting.
Just pick up the yarn and go for it.
The great thing is that if you get stuck, you can go to DIY website and watch the videos that are provided with that particular episode of Knitty Gritty. They were a great help to a beginner.
Have fun and realize that you are flirting with an addiction.
Hi, secksiebrat, the yarn that was used in the Knitty Gritty show that you are talking about is a worsted wt yarn. I would suggest just getting a very inexpensive worsted yarn to make these socks since they are your ‘practice’ socks. These socks are really too thick to wear with most shoes, but are PERFECT for wearing around the house. This is a great pattern, the show & Karen Baumer are what got me knitting socks, too…and I’ve not looked back. So…have fun making your socks, I’m going to bet that you are going to be joined our Socknitting Addicts Club, too 
