I have learned to knit socks now and I love it. They make great waiting in line projects and can be transported in a small knitting tote anywhere and usually make a great conversation piece.
I want to purchase some sock yarn that is good quality, durable
and knits great.
My Question is
What is your favorite sock yarn, Why and Where can it be purchased.
Thanks for your help
Anne
I’m really liking Simple Stripes from Knit Picks, but I have to admit that I haven’t really worn them in shoes or anything yet because I haven’t actually finished a pair…so don’t take this as an expert opinion! From wearing the completed sock around the apartment, though, I can say it’s comfortable and warm (but it doesn’t give me icky sweaty feet!). It’s great to work with, too. And it’s inexpensive and machine washable!
I knitted my first pair of socks last week in Simple Stripes from KnitPicks and I love them! They are my new favorite sock and I have worn them in shoes. I even told DH that they were the best fitting sock I’d ever had, and he looked a little amused, and asked if I wasn’t a little biased since they were my first pair of socks. LOL
I’m knitting my second pair of socks (ankle socks) in Sockotta (45% cotton, 40% wool and 15% nylon) and it’s nice too, but I still think I like the warmth of Simple Stripes, but the ankle socks are for warmer weather, so I may end up liking this yarn better this summer.
Those are the only ones I’ve tried so far.
I really love Lorna’s laces, both shepherd sport and shepherd sock. My other loves are Regia, KPPPM, Cascade fixation, Cherry tree hill, Knitpicks (sock landscape, sock garden, sock memories)
I HATE and wouldn’t ever use again even if I was getting payed, Knitpicks essential sock yarn. it’s rough, stiff, feels like crap, difficult to work with. it has the same fiber content as the simple stripes, but it feels nothing like it. the Simple stripes is a decent yarn IMHO, but the essential is crap.
I love the Wildfoote sock yarns. They feel good to work with and have worn well. I started writing about this yesterday and got distracted by some needing child. I made up a pair of socks using Knitpick’s Palette. Never again! It does not wear well for socks. My socks are already falling apart. It’s very soft and I’d make mittens or baby items with it, but never again socks. The bottoms are felting and the stitches along the decreases are pulling open. 
I worked so hard on those socks and wear my socks. These are the first socks I have had that haven’t lived up to being worn.
I did knit a pair of socks for my daughter from Knipick’s Dancing and they are holding up just nicely, so I think sock yarn will wear better because it is made for socks and therefor should hold up more. I just wanted something other than stripes.
I love Opal sock yarn! Love it! Definitely my favorite.
Honorable mention goes to Jawoll and Regia, and I just started a pair for DH with Skacel Trampoline Stretch with the tiny elastic thread, and it’s pretty awesome.
Is the Knitpicks Essential really not good? I was planning on getting some to do heels and toes so I can do a pair with my left-over Simple Stripes yarn.
Can anyone recommend a good (inexpensive?) sold color sock yarn to make heels and toes?
I have both knit picks essential and stripes. I can not tell an appreciable difference between the two.
But choosing a yarn is so subjective! What is soft to one person may be rock hard to another.
Too bad there isnt a “feely” option on the net!
Edit: I found this review page that might be helpful
Lisa, I used Palette, not Essential. Essential is listed as a “sock yarn” so I would presume it would hold up well. I loved knitting with the Palette, but I’ll never use it for socks again!
I love opal…the patterning is awesome.
I’m using Trekking XXL right now and it is ok…as far as warmth and softness, it is good, but I’m finding that I split it too easily. I just started a pair with Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock and so far so good.
What do you guys and gals use for summer sock yarn? I assume you don’t use wool? or maybe you do! lol
Kath
I use wool all year long for socks. Wool breathes. We tend to think of wool as cozy warm, but it can actually keep your feet cool as well. I’m looking at doing some lacier socks for this summer, but still using wool.