Choosing Sock Yarn
Frequently asked questions
Why does sock yarn have nylon in it?
Strength. Wool alone wears through at the heel and toe; 20 to 25 per cent nylon or polyamide lets a sock survive years of walking and washing.
Can I machine wash hand knitted socks?
Yes, if the yarn is superwash, which most sock yarns are. Check the ball band, wash on a gentle cool cycle and dry flat.
How much yarn do I need for a pair of socks?
About 100g of 4 ply for an adult pair, or around 400 metres. One 100g skein or two 50g balls from the same dye lot.
What needles do I need for socks?
2.5mm to 3mm, either a set of double pointed needles or an 80cm circular for magic loop.
Can I use sock yarn for a shawl?
Yes, and many people do. It is a fine, hard wearing 4 ply with a big range of colours, and a 100g skein makes a small shawl.
Do I need a special pattern for self striping yarn?
No. Any plain sock pattern lets the yarn do the work, and simple stitches show stripes best. Complex textures fight the colour changes.
What is the difference between sock yarn and 4 ply?
Sock yarn is a 4 ply with nylon or polyamide added and is usually superwash treated. Plain 4 ply merino makes soft socks that wear through faster.
How many stitches do I cast on for socks?
Most adult socks in 4 ply are 60 to 72 stitches at 30 to 32 stitches to 10cm. The pattern gives the number for each size, and a tension square tells you which to use.