Hello!
Today is our seventh day of the Beginner Sock Knitting Class for Cuff-Down Socks!
Every day for the next week I'll be sharing a tutorial filled with the how's and why's of constructing a sock from the cuff through the toes. At the end of this week-long class I'll provide you with the Basic Cuff-Down Sock pattern (with heel flap) that I've used when filming the lessons so that you can cast-on a set for yourself or a loved one.
If you were hoping to learn how to knit socks from the toes-up, I've got you covered. I'll be running another free sock class starting January 20th for my Basic Toe-Up Socks (with a short-row heel). Again, that class will walk through the construction and will be followed up with the release of the free pattern on January 27th, 2021.
Today we'll be learning:
I've posted the video below along with a few notes and all the links you might need. If you have any questions, you can always email me directly: shaina@yumiyarns.com
Have fun & happy knitting!
Shaina ^_^
PS: The yarn featured in this tutorial is from from Suburban Stitcher in the Clean Slate colorway. Suburban Stitcher is the featured indie dyer in January for the 2021 Indie Sock-a-Long, she generously provided yarn support for the January Socks and all of the Beginner Sock Knitting Classes being offered on YumiYarns.com in the month of January. You can find all of her beautiful colorways and bases on her site: SuburbanStitcher.com
Other Lessons in this Series:
Notes and Resources:
You can join the 2021 Indie Sock-a-Long for just $2 through the end of January, 2021!
Remember to sign-up for my newsletter to have the free Cuff-Down Sock pattern (in 12 sizes) delivered to your inbox as soon as it's released on January 13, 2021.
Arranging Your Stitches
When you're working the foot, it is important to keep track of which stitches will be on the top of your foot and which stitches will be on the bottom of your foot.
In general, the stitches along the bottom of your foot will be worked in stockinette so that the sock is smooth and comfortable to walk on. The stitches along the top of your foot can have all sorts of patterning going on so arranging your stitches so that all instep stitches are on 1 or 2 needles and/or adding markers to show the difference between the top and bottom can be very useful.
Note: If you prefer to have your markers on the needle and not attached to your fabric, you can use the marker on your needle and put a couple of stitches on either side to keep it from sliding off. Just remember that the markers are what you're working to, not the openings of the needles.
What Does "Vanilla" Mean?
"Vanilla" when used to describe socks/knitting/etc. just means that the pattern is plain and simple without anything extra. Usually this means a simple sock pattern done in stockinette (like we're making) or possibly a simple ribbing pattern. A vanilla pattern won't have an unusual construction and is generally the simplest form of a pattern so it's easy to memorize after you've made a few.
How to Measure the Sock Foot
When measuring your foot length, lay the sock out flat on a table & measure from the back of the heel to where your needles currently are in the project. Don't lay the sock on a squishy surface like you leg or the couch cushion because this can distort the fabric and give you an incorrect measurement.
How to Measure Your Foot
You may need a friend to help you get your measurement.
Step 1: Stand barefoot on a smooth floor (not plush carpet).
Step 2: Measure from the back-most part of your heel that's touching the floor to the front-most point of your longest toe. This is your Foot Length.
Step 3: While still standing, slide your measuring tape under the widest part of your foot (usually just behind your toes).
Step 4: Wrapping the measuring tape across the top of your foot while still standing on it, measure all the way around your foot. This if your Foot Circumference.
Making Gift Socks
Gifting hand-knit socks can be a lot of fun but it can be difficult to get measurements from others, especially if they don't live nearby. Here's a link to a handy chart for picking a sock circumference and length of foot to knit based on shoe size from the Craft Yarn Council:
When to Stop Knitting the Foot
The foot of your sock is done when it is equal to your Foot Length minus your Toe Length. Most sock patterns will tell you how long to knit your foot so just follow the pattern.
You can also just slip the socks onto your foot to measure, just be careful not to drop any stitches off the needles as you put them on. Once the fabric is long enough that the live stitches (and needles) sit right at where your toes begin, your sock's foot is long enough and you can start your toes!
That's it!
Next up, we'll work on the Toe! I'll cover that in more detail in tomorrow's lesson. See you then!
More Sock Patterns:
$5.99 USD
(Linked to the YumiYarns shop)
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(Linked to Ravelry)
$2.00 USD
(Linked to Ravelry)
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