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.

Next Pattern:

I feel like a lot of the patterns I have been sharing lately are sweaters that you can use for layering. Maybe that’s because it stayed warm for so long this year where I live that I’m still thinking about lighter weight sweaters.

I love this kind of garment for wearing over a T-shirt when it’s cool in the morning but warm in the afternoon. They’re great for throwing on top of a dress to get more use out of them when it’s cooler, or wearing under a warmer sweater when it finally gets cold.

The Sunset Sweatshirt pattern from Jessie Maed Designs is an oversized, boxy, cropped pullover with slightly dropped shoulders for a cozy fit that’s almost like your favorite sweatshirt. Worked in worsted weight yarn, it will keep you warm through several seasons, and is a great one to throw in your bag to slip on when it’s cool for part of the day.

The pattern comes in nine sizes, to fit a chest from 28 to 60 inches, or 71 to 152.5 cm. It’s designed to have 9 to 12 inches, or 23 to 30.5 cm, of positive ease, so the fit is quite relaxed. There are optional bust darts if you want to add a bit of shaping. The pattern recommends knitting a smaller size and adding darts if you have a full bust in relation to your upper chest. Jessie Maed is known for their size inclusive patterns so I’m sure it’s well explained in the pattern how to do this should you want to.

The design is worked from the top down in one piece with short row shaping for the shoulders and slightly tapered sleeves. To make this one you should be comfortable with working in the round, increasing, decreasing and working German short rows.

You can find the pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Jessie Maed Designs]

Knit a Cozy Vest for Fall

A Beyond-Basic Vest to Knit for Fall or Spring

Fun Hats to Knit for Fall

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