What kind of yarn is best for socks?

How-to Questions
1

I’ve knit several pairs of socks. the first time i used 100% acrylic yarn and within a few weeks, they had holes in the bottom. right now i am knitting a pair using bernat roving yarn, which is 80% acrylic, 20% wool. i notice if i handle the yarn too roughly it will thin out and break while i am knitting. so i am wondering if that means the socks will wear out quickly too? so what is the best wool blend, bulky yarn for socks? sock yarn will not do because itis too thin. the socks are for my dad, who works outside in the winter and he likes them thick and warm. Thanks!

2

Sock yarn is wool with nylon added. All wool tends to wear out and you found the acrylic does too. You don’t really want a bulky yarn for socks unless worn under boots that are really oversize. You can double fingering yarn to make it a dk weight and knit them on size 4s. It’s not always the thickness of the yarn that makes it warm, but the fiber and sometimes the construction of the item. Using a doubled yarn will create air pockets in the stitches which will insulate pretty well.

3

Yep, anything with nylon lasts much longer. Most (not all) sock yarns have it and some heavier weights as well. Berroco Vintage comes in worsted weight and has nylon. I just got some for house socks.

4

I do not know about the US but here in Germany we have extra String that you use next to your regular yarn. It is a thin (partially?) synthetic fiber and makes the socks last longer. Usually you get it in yarn color and use it for the foot only or just for the heel… depending on where the stress goes on the sock most.

5

Thanks! Is there a name for this string? Where can i find it?

6

Some people knit nylon thread along with the yarn especially in the heel and toe areas where there’s more wear. You should be able to find something in the sewing section of a store.

7

I’ve used this yarn before, it comes with the ‘reinforcing’ thread for the heels/toes.
http://www.simplysockyarn.com/servlet/Detail?no=155

sock yarn can be many other fibers, too - cotton (usually has some elastic added for stretch), bamboo, even corn. they will all have nylon or somthing added to improve the wear.

I think places like www.webs.com or www.patternworks.com sell the reinforceing thread separately.

8

I like to add “wooly nylon” from my local fabric store, for the toe, foot, and heel part of the sock, no matter what yarn I am using. Wooly Nylon seems to add life and wear to any sock. Hope this helps…