Choosing Yarn For Crocheting Socks

Hello! As you know, this week I released a new crochet sock pattern, Dunkeld Slipper Socks and I received a sweet review from Rosemary, who bought my pattern. She said
 
"Thanks for the lovely pattern. I will do a search here for similar yarn. They look so nice for the winter."
 
Now, Rosemary lives in South Africa and for her winter will be on it's way in a few months, so this got me thinking about the advice I would give anyone who was choosing yarn for crocheting (or knitting!) socks.
 
Crocheting socks requires yarn that can withstand the rigours of daily wear while providing exceptional warmth and comfort. The key to sock yarn durability, regardless of the fibre content, lies in the twist; a high twist creates a tightly wound yarn that resists stretching and pilling. This is crucial for socks because they endure constant friction and wear. In appearance, high-twist yarns tend to be smoother, less fuzzy, and have a more compact appearance because the tightly twisted strands lie closer together. I'm going to delve into the characteristics of various yarn types, including pure wools, blends and vegan fibres.

 
Merino
Merino wool is a popular choice for sock yarn, but it typically requires the addition of nylon to increase its durability. This is why you'll typically find sock yarns with a 75/25 Merino/ nylon blend. Merino wool by itself is quite strong, but the addition of the nylon significantly increases its durability, with the nylon providing extra strength and elasticity, helping the yarn resist stretching and pilling. Merino wool often undergoes a superwash treatment to make the yarn machine washable too. 

Blue Faced Leicester 
Blue Faced Leicester (BFL) is renowned for its exceptional warmth. This wool creates such a cosy, insulating layer around your feet and it’s also beautifully soft. While it might not have the legendary strength of Merino, BFL is still a strong fibre, especially when spun with a high twist.

Alpaca 
Alpaca is an excellent choice for those with wool allergies. Coming from alapacas rather than sheep, its structure lacks the lanolin that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Alpaca yarn is also incredibly strong and resilient, making it highly durable for everyday wear and it’s obviously luxurious and soft to wear on your feet. The current pair of socks on my knitting needles are Pierre Socks by Stephen West and I'm using Alpaca SOXX from Lang, it's gorgeous!

Shetland Wool 
Shetland wool is a more unusual choice for crocheting socks, yet its unique properties make it ideal for cold weather wear. The wool is sourced from the Shetland sheep breed, known for its dense, soft, and incredibly warm fleece. Its fine texture creates a beautifully dense and super warm fabric that provides possibly the best insulation of all the wool types. Over the cold spell we had a start of the year, I wore Shetland wool socks and my feet were super toasty! 

Vegan fibres
If you’re looking for something vegan friendly, in line with your own values or the recipient of your socks, there are vegan fibres out there which offer a cruelty-free alternative to wool. Your 3 main choices are cotton, bamboo, and acrylic. Cotton is naturally breathable and soft, but is certainly not as warm as wool. The stitches created in crochet (this doesn’t apply so much to knitting) on the sole of the foot can bunch up with wear and washing, creating a more pronounced, bumpy fabric which may become uncomfortable. Bamboo is known for its softness and moisture-wicking properties, making it a good choice for summer socks especially. Acrylic is a synthetic fibre that is affordable and comes in a wide variety of colours, but it can feel less soft and doesn’t have the breathability of cotton or bamboo. In my opinion, acrylic is best avoided for socks.

Click here to receive your copy!

Blended fibres 
Sock wool is usually a blend of some of the fibres mentioned above, rather than one single fibre type. This enables a yarn to be created with the best possible properties for wear. Here are some of the many firbres introduced to sock yarn:

• Nylon provides incredible durability and helps the socks retain their shape. 

• Cashmere offers luxurious indulgence and warmth. Blends with cashmere feel beautiful to work with and to wear.

• Alpaca​(mentioned above in more detail) is often blended with other wool because it adds a unique softness and warmth. 

• Bamboo provides moisture-wicking properties, keeping feet dry and comfortable. 

• Corriedale brings a soft, springy quality and at the same time enhances the durability of the finished socks.

• Linen is an ideal blend for summer socks because this fibre provides much needed coolness and breathability. Linen enhances air circulation within the fabric, helping to keep feet cool and dry

• Yak adds incredible warmth and a unique, slightly hairy texture, creating luxurious and exceptionally cosy socks. It’s also really lovely to work with!

• Zwartbles​ introduces a toothy look, a bit of bounce and a touch of rustic charm to the finished socks. 

Conclusion
Sock yarn can be a blend of one or more of these options with fibres chosen for their specific properties, such as warmth, durability, softness, stitch definition and moisture-wicking, to create the perfect yarn for comfortable and long-lasting socks. My advice to you is to experiment, try different blends and find out which ones you like to work with and which ones produce the best socks. 
 
I'm in the process of curating all my crochet sock advice together into a pdf guide for you - this information on choosing yarn will be one of the many sections in the pdf. Sign up to my mailing list for more info from me on this new pdf guide in the next few weeks! 

So, what type of yarn would I recommend for my Dunkeld Slipper Socks? Firstly, if you have some in stash or can get hold of some, I would advise that you choose the same yarn yarn which I designed the socks in - New Lanark Spinning Co, Aran weight (10ply), 100% pure new wool.

 
However, there are all sorts of reasons for not using this yarn (location, price, wanting a vegan fibre, allergies), therfore I have a few options for you here.
 
Yarnsub.com is an amazing website where you can search for any yarn and it will come up with the closest matches for you. I'd thorouhly recommend starting there and seeing what pops up.

I designed the socks in pure wool, choosing a pure wool of similar meterage would be another safe choice. Wool blended with Corriedale, Zwartbles or alpaca would all work very well too because they would enhance the texture of the socks and add to the warmth.

If you're looking for a vegan option, cotton or bamboo would both be good choices. Acrylic would also be suitable because this is a house sock rather than a sock to be worn inside shoes, therefore breathability isn't such a big issue.
 
I hope all this yarn info has been helpful for you - if you have any questions, leave me a comment or email me - martamitchelldesigns@gmail.com - and I'll do my very best to help. 

There's still time to take advantage of my early bird disount - DUNKELD10 - gives you 10% off until 23:59 on Sunday 19th January 2025.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

 

 

Crochet Pattern Release with Early Bird Offer!

Are you ready for a new crochet pattern release from me? I hope so, it's been a while!

Inspired by the beauty of nature, my Dunkeld Slipper sock pattern is designed to be crocheted in pure wool for a truly luxurious and tactile experience. Read on for your early bird discount code!

Never crocheted socks before? Don't worry! I've included 6 easy-to-follow video tutorials to guide you every step of the way even if you're a complete beginner at socks.
 
Fun fact: this pattern was first published in The Journal of Scottish Yarns, issue 2 - Autumn/ Winter 2022. 

Here's what you can expect from this crochet pattern:
 

• 4 Sizes: Available in a range of sizes to fit most feet, with easy customization options for the perfect fit.

• Yarn: 10ply/Aran weight, Pure New Wool (approx 160m/100g). I used New Lanark Spinning Co. for my samples.

• Hook: 6mm crochet hook, or required hook to achieve tension.

• Traditional Techniques: A classic heel turn and a folded-down cuff for a snug & comfortable fit.

• Perfect for Cosy Days: These socks are ideal for relaxing after a crisp winter walk or simply enjoying a cosy evening at home.

• Intermediate Level: Suitable for crocheters with some experience.

• Ravelry Support: After purchase, you'll receive a link to easily add the pattern to your Ravelry library.

 
Special Launch Offer:
Enjoy 10% off the pattern price until 23:59 Sunday, January 18th with the code DUNKELD10

You can purchase your copy of my Dunkeld Slipper Socks pattern on my website or via my Ravelry store.

Until next time, I hope you enjoy crocheting these,

Marta xx

Round Up of Socktober Challenges

Socktober is finally here! The month where sock knitters and sock crocheters come together and share their love for sock-making! One of the main goals of Socktober is to encourage people to knit or crochet at least one pair of socks during the month. Another popular tradition is to donate handmade socks to charities or those in need.

If you're looking to add something extra to your crocheting or knitting routine, consider joining one of the many sock challenges that have popped up on Instagram and Facebook. These challenges often have unique themes or requirements, such as knitting a pair of socks in a specific yarn, technique or time frame. Some challenges might focus on charity knitting, where you'll donate your handmade socks to those in need. Others might be more personal, encouraging you to create a pair of socks for a loved one or to try a new skill.

 

Participating in a sock challenge can be a great way to meet new people, share your progress, and stay motivated throughout the month. The yarn community is a welcoming community; by joining online groups & forums you're connecting with fellow creatives and you'll have a sense of belonging and connection. Sharing your work, exchanging tips, and learning from others creates a mutually supportive network which can combat feelings of isolation & loneliness. So, whether you're a seasoned sock maker or just starting out, be sure to check out some of the exciting challenges happening this Socktober ...

 

DB Socktober 2024 Sock A Long: My online friend Mariette in South Africa is hosting this sock challenge on Instagram and YouTube for the 3rd year! She has released a new knitting pattern to coincide with Socktober, but you don't have to use this pattern - knitting and crochet are both welcome! #dbsocktober2024

Fall Into Socks KAL 2024: This challenge runs until the 15th November, giving you a little more time! There are prizes too (I've donated a crochet sock pattern into the mix!). Any socks, any pattern, any yarn weight. Hosted on Instagram by Jennifer @ellyndria.knits with a Discord channel for an extra chance to make new friends! #FallIntoSocksKAL2024

 

Socktober With The Scottish Yarn Festival: A group for sock loving people, all coming together to knit and crochet socks during the month of October. This is a public group on Facebook.

 

EarthtonesGirl 7th Annual Falling Leaves Sock KAL: Denise started this one back in mid September and it runs on Instagram until November 15th with the goal of creating one pair of socks (or more) a month using autumn colour or themed yarn. Any pattern, knit and crochet both welcome, WiPs encouraged #fallingleavessockkal2024

 

Organised October: Whilst not strictly a sock challenge, it could be! This annual event is run by Laura on Instagram. Participants are encouraged to finish WiPs and achieve other creative goals throughout October. There is an Instagram chat group which is already buzzing with encouragement! #organisedoctober24

 

Have you seen a challenge you fancy joining? Most of the hosts are happy for you (indeed encourage you) to double, triple dip etc into multiple challenges, so feel free to add all the appropriate hashtags!

To encourage you to take part, I'm offering 15% off all sock patterns on my website and in my Ravelry Store throughout October! Simply use the code SOCKTOBER at the checkout for the discount to be applied!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you're hosting or participating in a challenge which I haven't mentioned, please let me know and I'll edit it into the post!

Your Ultimate Guide To Crocheting Socks

Hello! Over the last few weeks, with my Lazy Days Shortie Sock CAL on the horizon, I've received quite a few questions from subscribers and followers about crocheting socks. So, with this in mind I've created a round up blog post: a resource you can use if you need any information about crocheting socks. It pulls all my years of knowledge & experience, all my techniques & skills together in one place for you. 

Sock it to Me: Measuring Feet for the Perfect Fit: Let's start at the beginning with how to properly measure feet for socks. I pulled my dad in to help with the video to accompany this blog post! This step is super important to get right if you want to create a sock that fits well and feels comfortable all day long. Read post here.

Demystifying Sock Crochet Terms: No More Head-Scratching!: You have your pattern, but help! What on earth do all these terms mean? Don't worry, this blog post demistifies them all for you, no more struggling to decipher abbreviations or confusing techniques. Read post here.

My Pro Crochet Sock Tips: Here's a blog post with my top 5 tips for crocheting socks, a good one to refer to for some sound advice. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and make the sock crocheting process a smoother and more enjoyable one. Read post here.

Designing Crochet Socks that Fit: A Resource for Designers: If you are a crochet designer, or a budding crochet designer, I have a blog post dedicated to designing crochet socks that FIT. It has some useful pointers for crocheters too about achieving the fit you want. Read post here.

Choosing Colours and Yarn for Perfect Crochet Socks: My oldest crochet sock blog post is from a blog hop back in 2018 (yes, I've been blogging a LONG time!). The topic is choosing colours for socks and has lots of useful tips in it. Read post here.

5 Must-Try Crochet Sock Patterns: Looking for more crochet sock patterns to try? I have a round up blog post with 5 of the best, all tried and tested by me! My top 5 feature a variety of sock styles and difficulty levels, so there's something for everyone. Read post here.

I really hope this round up is useful for you! If you'd like to receive my weekly wisdom on all things crochet, consider subscribing to my mailing list here.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Lazy Days CAL Kit Launch!

Hello! I'm so, so pleased with how this year's Lazy Days CAL kits have come together! It has been a real pleasure to collaborate with Sophie at The Wool Shed to bring you a fresh new yarn for 2024. Also, you asked and I listened - this year it's an 8ply/ DK weight yarn instead of 4ply/ fingering weight.

The colourway is called Lazy Days, it's a 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon base, 225m per 100g and it's exclusive to my kits. 

I reached out to Rachel at Sew Ray Me and I'm delighted to bring you a selection of her cute notions tins in the kits for the first time! I'm sure you're going to love these for popping stitch markers and other wee treasures in.

My lovely Instagram friend Ruth at Labours of Love Crochet is supplying me with summer themed stitch markers - lobster clasp ones - perfect for crochet.

This year I'm bringing you another of my favourite crochet hooks; the Clover Soft Touch. I love the feel of these hooks, particularly in the summer when my hands can be a bit hot and sticky! It's a 4.5mm hook, the recommended size for the pattern.

There will also be a postcard included, designed by Katie at Katie Birdie. It was Katie who drew the beautiful illustration for me which sparked this CAL back in 2021, you can read that story on my blog here.

Another change for 2024 is that I've had the pattern professionally printed as an A4 folded leaflet (these are so much better than me churning out slightly blurry copies on my printer as in previous years!!)

All of these things will come in a drawstring kit bag made from organic, Fairtrade cotton which is printed in the UK with the lovely foxglove & bee illustration by Katie.

 

My CAL kicks off in 2 weeks time, Friday 5th July, with pre-orders opening for kits today! Kits are £50 each but I'm offering you a discount code - 10% off - which makes them just £45.00!

 

The kit includes:

• 100g of exclusive colourway: ' Lazy Days', DK weight yarn (75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon)
• 4.5mm Clover Soft Touch Hook
• stitch markers from Labours of Love Crochet
• notions tin from Sew Ray Me
• postcard from Katie Birdie
• printed A4 pattern leaflet
• pdf of the pattern with video tutorial links
• organic, Fairtrade cotton drawstring bag with the illustration from Katie Birdie on the front, perfect to keep everything in!

 

This year I'm introducing a budget friendly option too: pattern & project bag combo for £9, but with your 10% discount code, that's just £8.10!

Combo includes:

• printed A4 pattern leaflet
• pdf of the pattern
• organic, Fairtrade cotton drawstring bag with the illustration from Katie Birdie on the front

Both kits and combos will be posted at the end of next week.

 

The code for all offers is LAZYDAYS

I've listed the pattern on Ravelry and on my website and of course you can join the CAL using any DK weight yarn - although I'd recommend a superwash merino with nylon for best results. The links below take you to the pattern and the LAZYDAYS code will give you 10% off on both sites.

For my 2024 Lazy Days CAL there will be an Instagram chat group where we can discuss all things sock related, ask questions, share progress photos, cheer each other on; there will be a an opening Zoom meet up (new for this year!), with a prize draw for everyone attending; and there will be various prizes for taking part.

 

Sound good? Join my CAL today for a summer of crochet community fun!

Happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Fiddle Socks: My Easiest Sock Pattern For Newbie Sock Crocheters!

If you're keen to start crocheting socks then I would definitely recommend my Fiddle Socks pattern - it's my easiest sock pattern for newbie sock crocheters. We're not quite out of the cold weather here in the northern hemisphere and these socks will certainly keep your tootsies cosy! I designed this sock pattern in DK weight (8ply) yarn because it's easier to see your stitches and the socks will crochet up quickly giving you fast results!

Why are Fiddle Socks perfect for newbie sock crocheters?

While these socks might be listed as intermediate, there's magic woven into their design that makes them ideal for newbie sock crocheters looking to build confidence. The cuff-down construction means you start where you can feel and see quick progress, building excitement with each stitch. DK weight yarn is like the Goldilocks of yarn – not too bulky, not too fine – perfect for practicing gauge and mastering tension. Don't let the fancy "cleverly-shaped heel" intimidate you either! The flap, turn & gusset combo is ingeniously broken down, making it surprisingly approachable even for beginner sock crocheters. Plus, the half treble V-stitch adds a delightful dimension to the texture, hiding any minor wobbles while keeping your feet snug and comfy.

You'll pick up so many new skills along the way, helping to build your crochet confidence and once you've grasped the basic sock construction you'll be able to take on future crochet sock patterns.

Yours when you subscribe here!

Here's why Fiddle Socks are an excellent project (even if you don't think you're ready for crochet socks)

1. As well as the written pattern, each section is broken down into easy-to-follow YouTube tutorials. You can watch them over and over if you need to!
2. You only need 100g of yarn for the smaller sizes/ 200g for the larger sizes, so you're not wasting too much yarn if it doesn't work out - it's a budget friendly option.
3. There are no colour changes for the cuffs/ heel/ toes, making it flow nice and simply (of course, if you're ready to mix things up, go ahead and add colour changes!)
4. You only need to have knowledge of a few stitches to crochet up these socks: double crochet, extended double crochet, half treble, front & back post stitches, foundation half treble (UK terms). Plus, all these stitches have YouTube tutorial links to keep you right.

What else might you like to know about this crochet sock pattern?

Well, the pattern caters to four adult sizes, so you can whip up a pair (or four!) for yourself, friends, and family, spreading the joy of cosy handmade socks.

For this sock pattern I used Lay Family Yarn DK (8ply yarn, 225m/ 100g, 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon), my sample used Fireside Cuddles. 1 skein is needed for small & medium sizes, 2 skeins for large and extra large sizes.

You'll need a 4mm hook and a 4.5mm hook (or the appropriate hooks to achieve gauge), plus 2 stitch markers.

On my website the pattern is available in UK terms. On Ravelry, it's written in both UK & US terms.

What's the biggest piece of advice I could give a newbie sock crocheter?

My biggest tip for you is to take each line of pattern as it comes and do not get overwhelmed by the whole thing. Read the first step, follow the first step, then onto the next ... and so on. Before you know it, you'll have a completed sock - especially if you're following this DK weight pattern!

So, why not dive into Fiddle Socks – they're the perfect stepping stone to mastering the crocheted sock!

Don't want to miss my posts? Subscribe to my mailing list today and have them delivered straight to your inbox. There's a FREE pdf waiting for you when you sign up too, with 25 of my best crochet tips!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Get Hooked With My Most Popular Crochet Pattern!

Hello! Following on from last Friday's blog post all about measuring feet for socks I've decided to make April's pattern of the month my Fabulous Socks!

This crochet design is my most popular pattern both on Ravelry and on my website, it's also the simplest of all my sock designs, making it an ideal choice if you're new to crocheting socks.

Even though it's a straight forward pattern, there are 7 video tutorials to help guide you through if you need them.

The toes, feet, heel and legs of these socks are crocheted in a continous spiral in the round. After the legs are completed, the cuffs are worked in rows working vertically to the legs of the socks.

Extended double crochet stitches provide excellent stretch, particularly on the soles, and the ribbed cuff is worked in rows of back loop only stitches for a snug finish around the ankles.

If you're wondering what materials you'd need, here's your list;

• 100g skein of Painbox Yarns Socks (4ply/ fingering weight yarn, 390m/ 100g), I used Stripes - Rainbow

• 3.5mm crochet hook

• 3mm crochet hook

• needle for sewing in ends

• 3 stitch markers or scraps of yarn to keep track of rounds

Remember, I'm here if you have any questions!

Throughout the month of April, APR23 gives you 10% off the pattern on my website and on Ravelry (sign up to my mailing list today for 10% off the pattern!).
It will be at least another year before this design is on offer again, so grab your copy at this special price today! 

Until next time, happy crocheting,
Marta xx

How To Measure Feet For Crocheting (Or Knitting) Socks

 

Hello! Did you know a question I'm frequently asked is "how do I measure feet for socks?" - I'm here in this blog post to answer that question!

When you're getting ready to crochet or knit a pair of socks there are two key pieces of information you need to know; the length of the feet and the circumference of the feet.

The easiest and most accurate way to measure foot length is to place a piece of paper flush up against the wall and then step on it with the heel touching the wall. Draw a line on the paper to mark where the big toe comes to and then measure the distance between the mark and the heel end of the paper to give you you're length.

For foot width; use a tape meaure and measure around the widest part of the foot.This is usually across the ball of the foot. If you don't have a tape measure handy you could use a piece of non-stretchy yarn, such as cotton, wrap it around the widest part of the foot, lay it flat and measure it. 

If you want to be thorough, you could repeat the process for the other foot to see if there are any differences (go with the larger numbers if there is a discrepancy).

My dad kindly stepped in (no pun intended!) and helped me film a video to demonstrate. We had fun making the footage (another pun, ha!) and drank lots of freshly brewed coffee in the process! I left my parents' fueled with caffeine, ready to edit and release this YouTube short. Check out the video if you've ever wondered how to measure feet for crocheting or knitting socks!

Did you also know that I've published 10 crochet sock patterns? Now you've learnt how to measure feet you'll be able to confidently choose which size to follow!
 
You'll find most of my sock patterns on my website, a few are still exclusive to magazines/ subscription boxes but they will be added later in the year.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. If you'd like to receive my blog straight to your inbox every time, sign up to my mailing list here. 

Pre-orders for my super-special crochet kits are now open!

 

Hello! Launch day is here at last and I'm so glad I can finally share these super-special kits with you! They are now open for pre-order on my website and they will be shipped to you at the end of August, ready to start the CAL on the 6th September!

Each kit includes - 

• Fairtrade, organic cotton drawstring bag with the CAL image printed on the front
• 100g skein of exclusive hand dyed yarn from The Wool Shed (75% superwash merino/ 25%nylon, 4ply, 400m/ 100g)
• 4mm crochet hook
• 2 metal stitch markers
• printed copy of the Lazy Days Sock pattern
• 3 surprise extras!

NOTE: This kit is only available for shipping within the UK
You can save 10% off the kit price when you use the code LAZYDAYS10). The kits are available from my website at the pre-order price of £55 and with your 10% discount they are only £49.50!

HURRY though, I'm only producing 100 of these special kits - when they are gone, they're gone!

The pre-order news went to my mailing list first thing this morning and they've been selling fast which is brilliant!

These kits are a collaboration between illustrator Katie Gammie (Katie Birdie) and hand dyed yarn business owner Liv Spencer (The Wool Shed). Recently I've brought Ruth Pedlow (Labours of Love Crochet) on board too, asking Ruth to produce all the stitch markers for me. You can read more about this collaboration in this previous blog post.

I'd like to thank Katie, Liv, Ruth, all my testers (Angela, Carina, Clare, Sara, Sarah & Ulrika), my tech editor Catherine and to Alexander for the model photography. Thanks to you to for all your encouragement on this journey - leaving comments on my blog, sending me emails, comments and DMs on Instagram (and now TikTok too!), it's helped me so much. 

© The Wool Shed

If you have any questions about the kits, please ask! 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

Crochet sock terms demystified!

 

Hello! I remember when I first started crocheting socks, I used to get in a right tangle about what all the different parts of the sock were called. Also, toe-up, cuff-down, after-thought heel? What were they all about? I'm here today to help demystify some of these terms for you and also to encourage you to give crochteted socks a go if you haven't already!

The diagram above has arrows pointing to all the different parts of a sock. Most of them you'll be familiar with, the less well known ones are the heel flap & turn, gusset and instep.

The heel flap is worked in rows of crochet and can be on the sole of the sock in some cases.

The heel turn is where the crochet fabric is manipulated to go around the heel - often decreases are used to join the heel flap to the body of the sock (this part is where my degree in Scuplture comes in super handy, I can visualise and design exactly the shape I want!).

The gusset is a series of increases (in a toe-up sock) or decreases (in a cuff-down sock) to allow more room in the heel section.

The instep is the bit which covers the arched upper part of the foot. It's often referred to in a pattern because these stitches are unworked while the heel flap is under construction.

An after-thought heel is used when a sock is crocheted as a tube, without any gusset or heel shaping and a slit is created for the heel. Once the sock is completed the stitches are worked into and then decreased to create the heel.

A toe-up sock begins at the toe section and works up to the cuff.

A cuff-down sock begins at the cuff section and works up to the toe.

Well, I hope this has helped to demystify crocheted socks for you! They really are a dream to crochet - especially because they work up so fast.

My Lazy Days Sock CAL starts in September with the exclusive kits open for pre-order this Friday! I hope you'll consider joining the fun! All the info you need was in my last blog post. Sign up to my mailing list to be notified of the release and to have tips like this delivered to your inbox. 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

my Fiddle Sock pattern

My 5 Tips For Crocheting (or knitting!) Socks

Hello! Today I'd like to share my experience with you and give you my 5 top tips for crocheting (or knitting!) socks! Maybe you've never tried making socks before or perhaps you're a sock addict like me? Either way, there should be something here to help you on your crochet sock journey.

my Banjo Sock pattern

1.  Take each step as it comes. 

Don't go diving in, looking ahead at what comes up next and freaking out about how you're going to manage that heel! Simply look at row 1 or round 1 and take it from there. Follow that round exactly as the instructions tell you and then work onto round 2 and so on. I think when we leap ahead and see the big scary heel - that's when we're more likely to second-guess ourselves and make mistakes early on.

2.  Wind your yarn into two balls (or cakes). 

This is really easy if you're starting with a skein of sock yarn; I simply wind and when I reach the about halfway I pop the yarn on the scales and make sure that I end up with two balls, roughly 50g each. I've shared this tip before and it's one that I find very useful because then I know exactly how much yarn I have for each sock and I'm not panicking about running out of yarn.

3.  Choose yarn with 20 or 25% nylon content. 

This will ensure your socks are durable and washable. There are lots of different types of sock yarn on the market! Commercial sock yarn is a great choice and is typically 75% superwash merino/ 25% nylon. It's especially good for a beginner because it's less expensive meaning you're less likely to be upset when mistakes happen. There are lots of indie yarns dyers out there too, producing all sorts of gorgeous colours to choose from. These tend to have a 20-25% nylon content, perhaps with Blue Faced Leicester instead of merino. There are also smaller yarn companies producing more traditional sock yarn if you want to go for something fancier. At the moment I'm using a sock yarn with 80% Blue Faced Leicester/ 10% Yak/ 10% silk - it's gorgeous to work with!

4.  Work socks two at a time. 

I've shared this tip before and it's a good one to keep your motivation up. It's especially easy to do if you have measured your yarn into equal balls too! If you choose not to work two together it's a good idea, while your motivation levels are high, to jump straight in and start sock no. 2 as soon as you have finished sock no. 1. You can add the hashtag #nosecondsocksyndrome on Instagram - it's a popular one!

5.  Try on your sock as you go. 

This way you will have the perfect fit - you can get the length and width exactly right. Although most sock patterns are customisable you may need to make adjustments and this is easiest to do if you can try your sock on as you work.

my Synthesiser Sock pattern

Did you know that I have multiple crochet sock patterns available on my website and on Ravelry if you're curious and would like to give crocheted socks a go! Check them out today and remember that I'm always here to help if you have any questions.

I hope you found my 5 top tips for crocheting (or knitting!) socks helpful. Why not share with a friend who would find them useful too - help me spread the word.

Don't want to miss my posts? Subscribe to my mailing list today and have them delivered straight to your inbox. There's a FREE pdf waiting for you when you sign up too, with 25 of my best crochet tips!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

 

January sale on all my crochet patterns!

 

Happy New Year to you! My January sale has begun - throughout the month of January I'm offering you 3 for 2 on all my patterns!

This is the BIGGEST sale I have ever done and I'm looking forward to seeing you follow my designs - whether that's for the first time or whether you're a loyal fan! Below is a collage of some of my patterns, but there are 30 more patterns to choose from!

All you need to do to take advantage of this offer is go to my Ravelry store, add 3 patterns to your cart then use the code JANUARY at the checkout and the cheapest pattern will be yours for free!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. Don't forget that I'm here for you if you have any questions about my patterns - before purchasing and after - please ask! xx