KEEP YOUR CUFFS STRETCHY
Getting the cast-on (cuff-down socks) or
cast-off (toe-up socks) right can be tricky.
You need the cuffs to cling around the calf
and not fall down, but they also need to be
big enough to stretch over your ankle. If
you’re working cuff-down, use a long-tail
or Twisted German cast-on, and consider
casting on over two needles. If you’re
working toe-up, use Jeny’s Surprisingly
Stretchy Bind Off, which does exactly as it
says and gives the perfect sock cuff finish.
You can read more about this cast-off at
https://bit.ly/jenyssboCHOOSE YOUR HEEL
Remember: you don’t have to use the heel
type specified in any sock pattern you’re
following. Different heel types give very
different amounts of room around the
ankles, and the one in the pattern may
simply be the one that works best for the
designer. Heels are generally worked over
half the stitches and can often be simply
substituted for each other. If the pattern
uses a short-row heel and you have a large
instep, switch it for a heel flap construction.
If your heel is quite narrow, you can even
work it over fewer than half the stitches –
just leave the edges in stocking stitch. Read
more in our heels masterclass in Issue 138.WHETHER YOU’RE new to sock knitting,
or have made a fair few pairs already, there
are many different tricks worth knowing
to get the best possible results. We’ve put
together our top tips for improving the
look, fit and resilience of your socks.
PICK A RESILIENT YARN
Pure wool sock yarns can feel lovely,
but they’re best kept as house socks if you
don’t want to see holes in the toes and
heels. Many purposely designed sock
yarns contain 20-25% nylon for a sturdier
finished knit. Tightly spun yarn will also
last longer than loosely spun. Meanwhile,
cotton-blend yarns will look lovely at first,
but can quickly stretch out of shape and
bag around your foot.
TOP TIPS FOR
SOCK KNITTERS
Rhian Drinkwater shares her expert advice on stress-free
sock knitting, and achieving a perfect fit and finish
About our expert
Rhian Drinkwater is a
knitting writer, editor,
designer and prolific sock
knitter, who has created
many beautiful sock patterns for The
Knitter and Simply Knitting magazines.Find the heel type
that suits you - a
Dutch heel gives a
wider fit, for exampleThe Knitter 76 Issue 150 Subscribe now at http://www.gathered.how/theknitter