Feb 22, 2013

An Education

When my sock bug began, I knew that there would be a wide range of methods and techniques to explore, but I really didn't have any clue that my knitting education would expand the way it has.  At this moment, my focus has been on toe-up socks and my favorite method of casting on is this one which is also how one casts on for a hexipuff:


As you may remember, I recently taught myself how to knit Cat Bodhi's sweet tomato heel and have now made another sock with this adorable heel.  There's something really sweet about the way it looks but most importantly, it fits great!

Tanis Fiber Arts Blue Label in Truffle

One thing that I've learned (the hard way) is that a regular bind-off on a sock cuff simply doesn't work.  For a while, I have been wanting to try Jeny's surprisingly stretchy bind-off and decided that now was the time to attempt it.  It worked like a charm and when I went to try on this sock, the comfort & fit was perfect. 


I'm working on the second sock of this pair of Pure Vanilla socks but I'm already dreaming about the new methods I want to try on my next pair.  I'd love to know what your favorite sock knitting techniques are for any part of the sock.  Please share!

14 comments:

  1. Both of those are methods I have yet to try, but I think that's because I don't do vanilla socks very often so I tend to just follow the instructions for the pair I'm making.

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  2. I had the same trouble with the cast-off the one time I made toe-up socks. I'm a confirmed top-down sock knitter though, for a lot of reasons: I have a high instep, so there's usually not enough gusset room for me on toe-up socks. (I add extra stitches on my top-down pattern.) But mostly, the cast-on is so fiddly for me, I'll go to great lengths to avoid it, LOL!

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  3. Sock knitting is all new to me, I must remember to look up that bind off as to stuff my socks up at the last bit, would be so annoying! I am enjoying sock knitting, but will definitely do something chunkier next I think....lazy eh!

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  4. I love how curious and fearless you are with your knitting techniques, for socks no less! It feels so good when you master something new, and understand what the technique actually does for your garment/fabric :) happy sock knitting

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  5. You sound like you are having an enormous amount of fun. Go you! I'm like Gail with my sock knitting - top down all the way. For very similar reasons as she notes. Personally, I find it a more intuitive way of knitting. :-)

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  6. That heel looks great. I will have to try that method. I do like doing a slip stitch heel - alternating slip one, knit one. It makes a nice firm texture on the heel.

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  7. Sock knitting is a major part of my PASSION for knitting

    Cookie A has been my favorite designer as I cut my sock knitting teeth knitting her fabulous designs. While they may look intimidating, it's only K and P with a few variations. :-)

    I don't have a preference as to toe-up or cuff-down. There are so many casting on and binding off techniques, let alone heel methods. Makes even the Vanilla sox an adventure.

    So many videos online and many designers are readily available on Rav.

    Well, back to my Business Casual sox

    Hugs

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  8. I loved watching the video and am fascinated with that cast-on technique!

    However, I'm firmly in the cuff-down camp, because like Gail, I have a high instep. I can usually adjust my sock accordingly on a cuff-down sock. I will try toe-up someday!

    Your socks are beautiful. Can't wait to see what new techniques you find to share.

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  9. I loved watching the video and am fascinated with that cast-on technique!

    However, I'm firmly in the cuff-down camp, because like Gail, I have a high instep. I can usually adjust my sock accordingly on a cuff-down sock. I will try toe-up someday!

    Your socks are beautiful. Can't wait to see what new techniques you find to share.

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  10. This colorway is so beautiful! It makes beautiful socks!

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  11. Such a pretty colorway--and if I ever try socks, I will try that heel--I love how it looks!
    *smiles*
    PS: My yarn arrived yesterday--thank you so much! It is truly lovely.

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  12. I love how not only have to ventured into the sock knitting addcits world, but you are exploring the different options that are available. Indeed an education.After many socks, I have discovered what works for me, are top down, gusset heel socks. Thankfully there are so many varities that allow for the perfect fit for all!

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  13. You have really been venturing into the world of socks. I love how you are trying so many different techniques, you are becoming a sock master! I hope you are well!

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  14. Out of six pairs of socks, I used the traditional top-down method and slip st heel on five pairs. One pair I tried the Eye of Partridge heel which has a great textured look. I love how you're a sock knitter. I think you've inspired me to try other heels first and then I'll try toe up.

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