How to Knit Socks that Last

Pretty much everyone who has ever knit socks or worn handknit socks thinks they are great, and many of us have a goal of replacing all or most of our socks with knit ones (at least for use during the cold months).

But we expect a lot from handknit socks. Not only do they need to be warm and comfortable, they also need to be able to take a lot of abuse, rubbing on our feet, the floor, our shoes, etc.

Kate Atherley wrote a great post for Mason-Dixon Knitting all about how to knit socks that last. From choosing the right yarn and the right gauge to start with to ways to reinforce potential problem areas, there’s lots of great advice here on what to do — and what not to do — to keep your socks looking great.

As I prepare to embark on fixing a pair of socks for the second time (I knew the yarn wasn’t a great choice for socks from a wearing perspective, but they sure are warm) I’d like to know if you’ve used any of these tips or what you do to help make your knit socks last.

[Photo: Mason-Dixon Knitting.]

Looking for more knitting patterns for socks? Check these out on Etsy. And these Knitting Pattern books on Amazon.

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Not too long ago my daughter and I had a discussion about what a chestnut really looks like. The nut itself is small and brown, of course, but on the tree they’re covered with this weird kind of spiky, kind of fuzzy shell. It’s a wonder anyone ever figured out they were edible.

If you didn’t know that, you might wonder why this project is call Chestnut balaclava, but now you know.

This fun design from Yevheniia Pyroh is covered with spikes just like a chestnut shell, and is even the same color, though of course you can make yours whatever color you like. It uses two strands of fingering weight yarn held together (which it says is fingering weight but you could try a light/DK yarn and see if you get gauge with it if you’d rather).

There are two different design options in the pattern. One is a more fitted balaclava style hat (it doesn’t cover the face but does go around the neck) and a looser fit hood.

It’s worked primarily in garter stitch, with shaping done by knitting and purling in the same stitch and through various decreases (including a knit 3 together).

The pattern is charted but also explained in words. It’s worked flat to the size you want, and then joined into a hood shape with ribbing at the neck. The opening for the face is finished with I-cord.

This hood/balaclava would definitely be a conversation starter and in different colors it might read more dinosaur than chestnut, which could also be fun. The sizing is totally custom so you can make it fit whatever head you’re stitching for.

If you want to try it for yourself (and I’d love to hear about it if you do!) you can download the free pattern from Ravelry.

[Photo: Yevheniia Pyroh]

Balaclava Knitting Patterns

Colorwork Balaclava Knitting Pattern [Knitting]

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