Giveaway + Socks Any Way You Like Them!

Socks are a great summer project because they are small and portable, and they can be simple or complex depending on the type of sock project you use. However you like to make socks, we have the right tools for you - below are some tips, techniques and tools to help you explore new ways of sock-making this summer!

Toe-up
Getting started is often the trickiest part to making toe-up socks, but once you master the technique, there's no end to the creative socks you can make! Many knitters prefer this method because they can just keep knitting until they run out of yarn. If you are having trouble getting started, click here to view a video tutorial demonstrating Judy's Magic Cast-On from the talented designer Cat Bordhi's YouTube Channel.

Top Down
A stretchy cast-on is necessary to start your top-down socks off right. There are many, many types of cast-ons that would work well, so you'll want to experiment to find which one works best for your style of knitting. Click here to see a video demonstration of the Channel Island Cast-On from Sockupied on the Knitting Daily blog if you need help getting started!

Cubics Double-Pointed Needles

Socks on DPNs
Many knitters prefer to knit in the round with DPNs; we have several needle styles to suit every DPN enthusiast! For the serious sock knitter, we recommend our Nova Sock Set (for those who prefer metal needles) or our color-coded Dreamz Sock Set (for those who prefer wooden needles). You'll also want to keep your stitches on the needles with our handy DPN tubes, which are especially great for on-the-go sock knitters!

Karbonz Fixed Circular Needles 

Magic Loop Socks

If you've ever been knitting while you're out an about and dropped one of your DPNs, only to have it roll away and never be found again, you may want to give magic loop knitting a try! You'll need a circular needle with a nice, long cord (80cm or 100cm is ideal); Stitch Diva Studios has a great tutorial video here on their website to get you started!

Two-at-a-Time Socks
Once you master the Magic Loop technique, you can use it to knit both pair of socks at the same time! It's a little tricky to get started, but here is an excellent tutorial with step-by-step instructions over on the Knit and Tonic blog.

Crochet

Two-At-A-Time Socks

Socks aren't just for knitters - there are plenty of great crochet patterns out there, too! Our steel crochet hooks come in smaller sizes which are just right for fingering-weight sock yarns. If you're new to crocheting socks, here are eight expert tips from the editor of Crochet Me to make your feet happy!

Steel Crochet Hook With Soft Feel Handle

This Month's Giveaway

How do YOU like to make socks? This month, one lucky blog reader will get choose their prize from one of four needle options:

• Symfonie Fixed Circular
• Symfonie DPN 
• Cubics Fixed Circular
• Cubics DPN

To be eligible, simply leave a comment on this blog post telling us your favourite way to make socks and which of the four prizes listed above you'd like to win. You'll also want to give us your email address or Ravelry ID so that we can contact you if you win! 

We'll randomly select our winner to announce on our next blog post later this month! 

Portable Projects: Socks

Thuja by Bobby Ziegler

We hear that socks are the perfect project for knitting on the go. They are small and portable, and if you're knitting simple socks you don't have to carry any charts.There are lots of great sock patterns online, as well as some great books all about socks.

Knitting socks does require slightly different tools and accessories, and there are many techniques for knitting socks! You can knit socks from the cuff to the toe, or from the toe to the cuff. You can knit socks on double points or on circulars. You can also knit both socks at once on double points or circular needles.


If you like knitting socks on double points try out the new KnitPro Karbonz. These new-age needles are made from high-tech carbon fiber with tips in nickel plated brass. The shiny, smooth brass tips comes in perfect points to make knitting with fine sock yarn easier. KnitPro Karbonz are available from 1.5mm to 3.5mm.

If you prefer knitting socks on circulars, you're in luck - KnitPro Karbonz are also available as circular needles! KnitPro Karbonz Circulars come in  40, 60, 80, and 100 cm lengths, so whether you like to knit them using the magic loop method or with two circulars, you'll be able to try out these amazing new needles. KnitPro Karbonz Circulars are available from 2mm to 3.5mm. 

KnitPro also has double pointed sets specifically for socks and other small accessories.
If you prefer wood needles with color and flair a set of KnitPro Dreamz are perfect. They are available in 15 and 20 cm lengths and come in the most popular sizes 2-4mm, great for any type of sock or small accessory. The KnitPro Dreamz double pointed needle set comes in a beautiful fabric pouch so you can enjoy the beauty of these needles even when they are not in use.

If metal double points are your preferred tool for knitting socks give KnitPro Nova needles a try! KnitPro Novas are 15 cm long a set includes sizes 2-4mm.  Made from lightweight metal KnitPro Nova needles are strong, lightweight and durable. The smooth surface of the KnitPro Nova needles ensures that stitches move smoothly off the needle to make knitting quicker. 

If you're working socks on double points you'll want to make sure and use KnitPro DPN Tubes to keep all of your stitches on the needle, and if you're using circular needles, you can use KnitPro Point Protectors. Nothing is worse than taking your project out of the bag and realizing that your stitches have fallen off the needles! 

Once you've finished your socks, don't forget to use KnitPro Socks Blockers to block them into sock perfection!