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.

Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns!

I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.

If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil.

Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn.

If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.

There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point.

If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up.

Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.

Have you read?