Knit and Crochet Sock Reccomendations

Knitting and crocheting socks can be very fun, and with sock calmness just around the corner, we are gearing up for a great time!

Sock Calmness is The Nook's way of getting to crochet and knit socks with our fiber buddies, without all the madness that comes with competitions such as Sock Madness.

We wanted to get together in person (with masks, of course) and over Zoom, to make a staple accessory, socks. Fiber Buddies who would like to participate can learn more and sign up here. However, in essence, each person gets to pick their own pattern to work on, and gets a couple of perks and discounts on sock yarn.

Since everyone gets to pick their own pattern, we thought we would lend a little hand with some great sock suggestions. From knit socks to crochet socks, and from easy to challenging, we have a couple of suggestions.

Easy/Beginner Patterns

Knit

We will start here with two classic socks that are simple for beginning sock knitters: Ol' Reliable Top Down Socks by Tanis Lavallee, Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes and Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder.

First, Hermione's Everyday socks is a knit sock pattern we usually use to teach our sock knitting class here at The Nook. We know it pretty well, and can assist with this pattern very easily. It is great for beginners who also want to knit with some texture.

Both Vanilla Latte Socks and Ol' Reliable Top Down socks are a little bit less textured, but they are great for beginners. Both start from the cuff down. If you are intimidated by a Kitchener stitch, never fear, we are here for you.

We have a few tips on whether to use toe-up or cuff-down patterns. A good rule of thumb is to knit/crochet toe up if you have a wide foot. On the other hand, if you have a narrow foot, cuff down gives the best fit.

How to determine size

Of course, it is definitely worth spending some time to take a good measurements of your feet.

For the best measurements, you'll need to use a hard ruler to measure foot length and a soft tape measure for the foot circumference. Measure your feet early in the day because activity and warm temperatures can cause feet to swell a bit.

Measuring Your Foot Socks

Foot length should always be measured with a hard ruler. Place the end of the ruler perpendicular to a wall and step on the ruler. With this in mind, a flat ruler will be more comfortable! Measure length from the back of the heel to the end of your longest toe. Be careful not to bear weight on the foot being measured or your foot will lengthen and spread.

In order to measure your foot circumference with a tape measure, set your foot on the floor with the tape measure around the widest part of the foot. Remember not to squeeze the tape measure too tightly.

Don't forget to measure both feet. They may not be the same size.

Measuring Your Foot for Knit Socks

Foot length should always be measured with a hard ruler. Place your heel and the end of the ruler against a wall. Measure length from the back of the heel to the end of your longest toe. Be careful not to bear weight on the foot being measured or your foot will lengthen and spread.

In order to measure your foot circumference with a tape measure, set your foot on the floor with the tape measure around the widest part of the foot. Remember not to squeeze the tape measure too tightly.

Also, don't forget to measure both feet. They may not be the same size.

Want to knit a sock by shoe size? There are charts for doing. Here is a good one for US sizes. https://www.knitgrammer.com/blog/foot-size-chart-for-sock-knitting/

Crochet

Crochet socks often have the same basic build as knit socks, but can be used with heavier weight wool, such as worsted. A highly rated pattern Crocheted Socks by Sue Norrad, fits the bill for easy and worsted weight yarn crochet socks. It is about the standard height for socks and is free on Ravelry.

If you prefer to work with fingering or sock weight yarn, try Fabulous Socks! by Marta Mitchell. This looks like a really fun pattern to work with, and can use a vareity of colors in sock weight yarn.

More Advanced Patterns

Knit

If you ever wanted to knit colorwork socks, Diamond Duality by Liz Harris looks like a lot of fun! It is a top-down sock that has solid colored areas, but also aread with a lot of colorwork. Sock Calmness would be a great time to try these, as you would have cheerleaders, help and support.

If you want to try crazy cable, why not try Dolores Socks by Sari Nordlund. They have traveling cables and would be well suited to a solid or very lightly speckled yarn.

Crochet

If you have ever wanted to use self-striping sock yarn, but don't knit ACCROchet has got you covered with her Dobby Socks pattern. She says she has made this wonderful pattern to use fingering weight variegated yarn. They look really cute and fun!

If you want a more highly textured sock and a tonal yarn, try out Fireside Socks by Brenda K.B Anderson. They are worked in pieces and then joined as you go. These socks are supposed to look like a traditional structure, but have a better fit for crochet, according to the designer. This pattern looks like a lot of fun!

Sock Yarn

Most of the patterns above use sock or fingering weight yarn. Either way, some of our favorite sock yarns are either 75% Superwash Merino/25% Nylon or 80% Superwash Merino/20% Nylon. They are all very strong and very soft and comfortable. Check out some of our sock yarns, get a pattern and join us for Sock Calmness.