Sock Supplies
If you would like to get a jump on sock supplies here is what you'll need . . .
Yarn
You will need 100 GRAMS (approx 400 yards) OF FINGERING YARN.
THERE ARE FOUR THINGS TO CHECK ON YOUR YARN:
1. THE SIZE. Make sure it is FINGERING sock yarn.
Fingering yarn will be approx 400 yds for 100 grams and will recommend 1-3 needles. Be aware that sock yarn can be different weights ie. sport, DK, Fingering. Make sure you get the fingering. It will be approx 400 yards for 100g (or 200 yards for 50g) and will recommend a needle from 1-3.
2. THE AMOUNT. You'll need 100 grams (approx 400 yards). Some sock yarn comes in 100 gram hanks/skeins and some comes in 50 gram ones. You'll need one 100g or two 50g.
3. THE CONTENT. Make sure whatever yarn you get either has some nylon or some bamboo in it for stretch. (ie 70% wool 30% nylon, or 40% wool, 35% alpaca, 24% nylon). Also, wool is stretcher and easier to work with than cotton.
4. WASHING INSTRUCTIONS. Check out the washing instructions on the yarn. Some can be washed in the washer, some must be handwashed. Get whichever you prefer, but be sure you are willing to wash it the way it recommends.
A NOTE ABOUT COLOR: SOLID, DARK colors will be hard to learn with because it is difficult to find wraps, etc. on them. Light colors, bright colors, variegated, or striped colors will make learning much easier. We will be making a basic sock. Unless you are an experienced sock maker and want to try a pattern, you might want to try a self-striping yarn.
For samples of sock yarn see:
Knitpicks or Plymouth Yarn Happy Feet
Any of the local yarn stores will have appropriate sock yarn. The big chain stores all have it too.
Needles:
So many needles :-)
SIZE:
For your needle size, we recommend a US1-US2 (2.25mm-3mm). Note that some needles come in two sizes of 1 and of 2: metric needles have more sizes than US sizes. Either will work - just be sure both your needles are the same metric size.
If you have experience knitting socks, get whatever size you are comfortable using (if you are used to US0 or some other size get that).
For less experienced knitters a larger needle will make everything a little easier and faster- go for the US2 - but also make sure you get thicker yarn (closer to 400 yards or less - the less yardage for 100g the thicker the yarn).
LENGTH:
Two-circulars: 2 needles of different lengths anywhere from 16-32". (I use a 24" and a 16").
NOTE: If you get the Chaio Goo needles go with a 24" and 32" - the 16" are a little tight because the needles are longer and cables shorter than other brands.
If you know how to do magic loop and are planning on using it for your socks, you will only need a single, flexible 40" or 47" needle.
CABLE:
A flexible cable will make any of your socks better but is more important for magic loop than 2 circulars. All of the following have flexible cables and are great needles.
Knitpicks ($5.50-7.50) has the most flexible cables on their needles, smooth joins and sharp needles. These were my favorite. They have both wood and metal. Metal is faster but you are more likely to have your stitches fall off. Wood grips the stitches a little but if you are tough on needles they can break.
Knitter's Price ($6.50-$7.50) are very similar to knitpicks needles. They are my new favorite and you can get them locally at stores like Fabric Place Basement in Natick.
Addi ($13-16) makes wood, regular metal, and lace metal needles. I would recommend the lace over the regular as they are sharper and will make doing toes and heels much easier. These are wonderful but pricey. You can get them online or at various local yarn stores - Black Sheep in Needham has an extensive collection.
Chaio Goo needles are nice - sharp needles with smooth joins, but if you go with these, don't get a 16". The needles are longer (thus cables shorter) and the 16" feels a little tight. I'd also recommend getting the lace ones which have a straight needle and are easier to work your socks on. Iron Horse in Natick sells these for around $9.
This is not an exhaustive list: To test cable flexibility yourself, pinch the cable into about a finger-size loop. Notice how close you can get the cable and how much resistance you feel against your fingers. The resistance is almost more important than how little a loop you get because that's what will be pulling against your knitting.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YARN, NEEDLES, OR ANYTHING ELSE, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME. If you don't hear back from me in a couple days, please try again. Email isn't perfect, and I will return any emails I receive.