Solid colours, variegated yarn or self striping yarn for socks … help!

Hello! In today's blog post I'm going to help you navigate the exciting world of colour choices for crocheting socks. I’ll go through various sock yarn options, from simple solids to more interesting self-striping yarns and teach you how to manipulate colour to create stunning and unique sock designs. 

1. Solid Colours: A Timeless Classic

• Simplicity: Solid colours offer a clean look

• Versatility: Easy to match with any outfit.

• Highlighting Texture: Allows the stitch definition to shine.

My Lyre Socks and Synthesiser Socks (pictured above) will both work best in a solid colour. This is because they have a textured pattern and if you introduce a mix of colours to the sock the texture will be lost. Solid colours are also best for more open or lacy designs, such as my Off-the-Beat Socks.

2. Subtle Variations: Variegated Yarns

• Speckles: Adds visual appeal and personality. A little colour introduces a playful touch to socks!

• Motivation: It keeps things interesting as you crochet; it’s fun to watch the tiny splashes of colour become incorporated in your sock.

One thing I like about crocheting socks is that a 100g skein of indie dyed yarn will give you 1 pair of socks, they’re a brilliant way to try out differnt yarns. My Lazy Days Socks and Fiddle Socks were both designed specifically for variegated yarn.

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3. Contrast Details: A Pop of Colour

• Add Interest: Introduce contrasting colours for the toes, heels, and cuffs.

• Customisation: Mix and match colours to create unique combinations.

If you want to input colour in a sock pattern one of the easiest ways to do so is to use contrasting colours for the different parts. Even if the pattern you’re following doesn’t specify the use of contrast colours, this is very simple to do and will really change the look of your sock. It’s a brilliant way to stash bust too!

4. Self-Striping Magic

• Effortless Colour Changes: Enjoy the magic of self-striping yarns without the hassle of constant colour changes and ends to weave.

• Endless Possibilities: Explore the vast array of colour combinations out there with self-striping sock yarns. If you’re not confident in choosing colours, this takes the guesswork away for you.

The first sock pattern I ever wrote was for self striping yarn; my Fabulous Socks! This pattern continues to be my best seller, I’m sure it’s down to the striking simplicity of the stripes.

5. Advanced Techniques: Colour Manipulation

• Colour Pooling: Explore the fascinating rabbit hole of colour pooling, where colours in a colour changing yarn line up to create unique patterns.

• Strategic Colour Placement: Carefully plan the placement of colours for intentional effect.  I sometimes start sock 1 from the inside of a self-striping ball and sock 2 from the outside of the ball, creating a pair of socks that are sisters, but not twins.

My Fabulous Socks! (pictured below) are an example of working from both ends of a ball of wool. If you look carefully at the socks you can see the colour order is flipped.

Conclusion

Choosing colours for crocheting socks is a journey of creativity and self-expression. The only way to find out which types of yarn you like is to start crocheting socks, experiment with different techniques, embrace unexpected results and don't forget to have fun in the process! 

Your next steps

If you found this post useful you'll be pleased to know that I'm working behind the scenes putting together the Ultimate Guide to Crocheting Socks PDF with everything you need to know plus all my top tips for success! Subscribe to my mailing list to be first to know of the release and receive my biggest discount code.

Also, if you're interested in trying out any of my sock patterns, they're available from my website and Ravelry, go take a look!

Until next time,

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.

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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