Rubbish Day, Talk to Me About Socks!

[glinda]

I've had a rubbish day at work and I'm trying to distract myself in a positive fashion.

So...knitters of dreamwidth, if you would, please tell me about your favourite sock patterns. I have a bunch of sock wool and I kinda hate the pattern that came with the wool. I'm therefore looking for recommendations for better sock patterns. What are your favourites? Why do you love them? Do you prefer starting at the cuff or toe-up socks? Magic loop or four pins? And what on earth is an 'after-thought heel'?

Comments

[hellkitty]

I can't stand magic loop, tbh--I do two circulars, but I know I'm the mad minority there.

It depends how much yarn I have. If I know I have enough, I can do top down. If I'm not sure, I'll start toe up--rather a shorter cuff/shortie sock than a sock that can't make it down your foot!

A lot of people like Rose City Rollers (they're shortie socks), Tin Can Knit's Rye sock is nice and rustic. Basically, rav has a ton of free sock patterns that are pretty good. Hermione's Every Day Socks is a favorite on Ravelry--great with variegated yarns. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#view=captioned_thumbs&pc=socks&sort=popularity&availability=free Here's a good link to free ones. It all depends on what you think the yarn would look great in!

Afterthought heels are super easy--you put in a lifeline--basically, you knit some way-different-colored waste yarn for half the stitches, then go back and keep knitting around till you finish the sock (you have to know the length of your instep) and then go back, pull out that waste yarn, pick up all those stitches on both sides, and basically just knit another toe! It's fun to do afterthought heels and toes in matching contrasting yarn.

[fyreharper]

Oh, is THAT how those work? I can DO toes! It's turning heels that always comes out all wonky with holes where I don't want 'em!

[thistleingrey]

*raises hand for two circs*