(no subject)

[ames]

So, knitters, my dad has asked for boot socks. No problem, I've got a cute pattern and everything - but what worsted weight yarn is good for socks? I don't do much in the worsted weight area, so I have no idea. suggestions please!

Comments

[damned_colonial]

Are you sure you want worsted weight? I have some socks I knit in a heavy sport weight, and they're about as thick as I'd want socks to be, comparable to my thickest commercial socks.

[ames]

well, it's what the pattern calls for. I have a pair of worsted socks that I did AGES ago on size 6 dpns, but I have no idea what yarn it was.

[theninth]

Depends on what he wears the boots for. Are they for everyday, hiking, construction...

I would def' go for something with bamboo in the blend, though. That tends to keep the feet from getting too sweaty, which is always good when you're wearing boots.

[stitchy_stitchy]

For boot socks, you almost certainly want a yarn with wool in it - it really does stay warm even when it's wet.

I wonder if you'd get gauge holding two strands of conventional fingering-weight sock yarn together? If not, maybe a superwash wool (Cascade 220, Moda Dea Washable Wool) or a wool-synthetic blend (Wool-Ease or Plymouth Encore).

[minxy]

I like a tight gauge on my socks, so I don't really go above using 3's. I've made thicker socks combining sock weight or dk yarn with another dk or lace weight, it's a good way to get a blend of fibers too (if you're knitting with bamboo, for example, but want some wool in there too to help maintain the shaping.)

[dunvi]

I use Plymouth Encore and US5. I'd probably go smaller, too, since I knit really tight. Encore has enough wool to breathe and feel nice, enough acrylic that it washes nice and easy, and comes in loads of colors, including plenty of manly ones.

[losgunna]

Maybe the Moda Dea Bamboo Wool blend? I just knit a hat with it, and I absolutely loved the stuff. The strand isn't huge, either.

[zinelady]

I've used Lion's Brand Wool Ease for my husband's thicker socks. I would suggest using double thickness at the toes and heels. It could be just my husband, but he tends to wear holes in both places. It doesn't matter what brand wool I use. I've been threatening to make him get pedicures.

[crafty_packrat]

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted. It's superwash so he won't have trouble washing the socks, it comes in a ton of colorways, and it's really good quality.

[firecat]

My dad loves the socks I made him with Cascade superwash.