Socks on circulars...two at a time?

#1

I love knitting socks, but I admit to that second sock syndrome. By the time I start the second one I am reading to move on to something different. I knit them on DPNs.

I’ve wondered about trying two at a time on circulars. Does anyone do this and enjoy this method? What length cable do you need for these?

Also, what size needle is best for socks? I think what I use are size two US. Is that the best size or should I try a size 1?

I’d love to know if there is a good men’s basic sock pattern, too. I had a good one from my not-so-LYS, but of course I can’t find it now! I am sure my hubby would love some handknit socks.

Thanks in advance!
Lynn

#2

I made a pair of socks, two toe-up socks on one circular needle and I must say it was really nice to have them both done at once. I used the Magic Loop method and used a 40" size 2 circular with yarn specifically made for socks. I love ML and use it whenever possible.

#3

One of the members here has a great online tutorial for 2 at once socks. Silver’s sock class click on the link and scroll down. Have fun!

#4

there’s also a book on how to do it, it’s upstairs on my bookshelf… http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Circles-Around-Socks-Circular/dp/1564777391/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231130934&sr=8-2

#5

I have SSS as well, not to mention a short attention span, so I really like doing both socks at the same time on a set of small (12") circular needles. The size needles I use just depends on the sock yarn; usually somewhere between size 2 to size 5. I use the basic sock pattern from the Knitting for Dummies book for men’s socks, but there are lots of other good patterns out there. Once you get the hang of doing two socks at the same time, you may never go back!:slight_smile: I had a pair to do the other day and couldn’t find one of the circular needles I was looking for, so I used a circular needle along with a set of 5 dpn’s just so I could do both socks at the same time!:knitting:

#6

2 at a time on 2 cirs is my preferred method.

Here is another tut to check out:
http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/twocirculars.html
There are several books, too. I’d check out the library to see if they have them before buying, since there is so much free info on the web.

I prefer one 24" and one 29", though any combination of 2 works fine. You probably don’t want anything longer then 29". As to needle size, that would depend on the sock yarn you are using. I have 2 each of 0 up to 4.

Once you’re comfortable with the method, you can use any sock pattern.

#7

Hi, Lynn! :waving:

Check out Melissa Morgan-Oakes book, “2-at-a-time Socks”. It’s very well written and there are some great patterns in there. And you’d be doing two at a time on one long circ.

BUT, just for giggles, check out this one - two in one socks! It’s a hoot! You work from two balls of yarn and are knitting one sock inside the other.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHtC_HlKz3o&NR=1

This is an even better one -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhiXmmrQ0aQ&NR=1

I saw these and got FASCINATED! Gotta try it, at least once.

And there’s another video that shows how to cast on but that one slipped by me. I’ll find it, though, since I really want to play with this as soon as I have the time!

Good luck and have fun!!!

Ruthie :hug:

#8

2 on 2 (there are several methods for 'setting up" (the only really hard part!)

after that, its great!

i went from never finishing a PAIR to knitting 50 pairs in 5 years. (about 10 pairs a year!)

Welcome to the new fangled way to knit socks. .IT’S THE BEST

#9

I absolutely love 2 socks on one circ magic loop! I use a 40" knitpicks circular needle, anywhere from size 1 to 3, depending on the yarn and pattern. I usually use a 3 for my own socks because I knit pretty tightly. It can be a bit fiddly at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not any harder than any other method- I actually think it’s much easier than dpns. :slight_smile:

#10

Hi, Oftroy!:waving:

Are you meaning knitting one sock inside the other? If so, I’d love it if you could give me a link to the method. I lost track of the cast on video for that technique.

If not, what method are you using? I’m always looking for better ways to knit socks!

Thanks so much!

Ruthie

#11

there’s an article at knitty.com about one inside the other. Let me see if I can find it…

here:
http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/FEATextreme2in1.html

#12

Is there one book that you would recommend out of the several mentioned? I’ve decided to give up on socks until I can knit them on circulars.

I checked out the tutorial but got stuck on making sense of the cast on. Do all the instructions for circular needles require a specific cast on? I only know how to do long tail so far and had trouble with the directions for other kinds. I’m left handed and knit right handed overall but there are some things I apparently do backwards like cast on. That may be why I have trouble with the directions.

#13

Hi, Marilyn!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! :muah: This is exactly what I needed! I’m so jazzed to try this out as soon as I can. From what I’ve read of the article I’ll probably feel like I’ve got 20 thumbs for awhile, but that’s OK - wouldn’t be the first time! :slight_smile:

I REALLY appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Happy knitting!

Ruthie :knitting:

#14

Knit picks used to have a free pattern for 2 at time socks that I am pretty sure uses a long tail or knit cast on( it’s been a while but I know it was not a difficult cast on). I know I have it saved on my computer somewhere. I’ll look for it and get back to you soon!

ETA Here it is! that was a lot easier to find that I though it would be!:teehee:

#15

Well, Ruthie - Good Luck to You!! I am not brave enough to try that 2 at a time method!

Let us know how it goes!!

Marilyn, another Marylander

#16

For top down socks - you can use any cast on you’re comfortable with. I, for instance, have to look up how to do the long tail cast on everytime I use it, so I rarely use it. So whatever cast on you prefer for your socks, use that one.

#17

Thank you, thank you, thank you all!!! I soooo appreciate all the feedback. I’ve got to just buy some circs and get started, I guess!!

I’ve seen that Knitting Circles Around Socks book several times and wondered if it was what I really wanted, so now I’ll have to look more closely.

Thanks again, everyone! You’re the best!

Lynn

#18

It’s a really good book, but not my kind of patterns. I have a copy that I’m not using if you’re interested in getting it for cheaper than in stores.

Marilyn, I just read that article on Knitty… Holy cow! I don’t think I’m brave enough to try that yet :passedout:

#19

Lynn,
When I learned to do socks I knew I would have the same problem, so I started out with 2 sets of needles, and had my yarn rolled into 2 separate balls when I bought it. (that way the colors in each sock ended up in the same place) I knit the top of one sock and then the top of the other, doing the same with the heel, gusset, and toes. When I’m done I have a complete pair of socks and feel very gratified. One of these days I’ll learn how to do them on 2 circulars, but for now this works for me.
KR

#20

Wow, double knitting…I just look a look at that Knitty link, and that looks crazy. Cool, but dangerous to the sanity!! lol.

LadyFirelyght, thanks for the offer - I’ll look at it and see. What about the patterns don’t you like? Just personal style?