Sock of the Month Club: The Great Sock Encyclopedia

sock of the month Club: The Great Sock Encyclopedia

You’re probably wearing socks right now, but have you ever wondered about their history? Socks have been around since ancient Egyptian times, but today there are hundreds of different varieties to choose from. If you’ve found yourself wondering about all the different kinds of socks out there, take a look at our comprehensive guide on the sock-of-the-month club, or just find out more about socks in general with this great encyclopedia of socks. From yarn dyeing to foot anatomy and beyond, these 23 pages cover everything you need to know about socks of all types.

Chapter 1 - Understanding knitting terms

What is a blind warp? A blind warp is when you knit socks from the toe up and don't seam them together until you've made it to the top. This allows for a sock that will stretch with your foot as you wear it, because there are no seams at the ankles or toes.
What does yarn dyeing mean? Yarn dyeing is when a yarn's color is introduced during production.

Chapter 2 – Blind Warp vs. Double Yarn

Woven socks are created with a wide variety of techniques and materials, which is what makes them so unique. For instance, there is a world of difference between weaving with one yarn or two. Blind warps use only one yarn, while double-yarn weaves feature two or more yarns. This affects the durability and feel of the final product. Blind warp socks are thinner and more delicate due to their single yarn. They also make for a warmer sock, which can be good for summer but not so much in winter. Double-yarn weaves are thicker and usually less sensitive to wear than single-yarn socks because they're made from two or more strands twisted together as they're woven together into fabric.

Chapter 3 – Feel (hand)

When it comes to socks, there are a lot of choices. With so many different varieties, you can find the perfect sock to fit your needs. If you’re looking for something fun and comfortable, think about a pair of colourful ankle socks or funky dress socks in crazy colors. If you’re looking for some comfort and style, dress up your feet with some cool crew socks or pretty dress socks. And if you want something to remind you of home, try on some American flag socks!

Chapter 4 – Fibers Used in Knitting Socks

Fibers used in sock knitting will vary depending on whether you want a dress sock or an athletic sock. Dress socks are usually made from natural fibers like wool, silk, and cotton. Athletic socks are usually made from synthetic materials like nylon and spandex. Wool is a popular choice for dress socks because it's durable and absorbent, but these qualities make wool dress socks more expensive than other options. Silk is also a popular choice for dress socks because it's comfortable to wear but expensive as well. Cotton is another good option for dress socks because it's breathable and inexpensive, but cotton can lose its shape with frequent wear.

Chapter 5 – Washing Machine vs. Hand Washing

So, how do you wash your socks? This is an important question to answer because different washing methods will have a different impact on your socks. In the end, it's about what works for you. If you are someone who likes to take care of their hands then hand-washing is probably best for you. There are many benefits from this process and it can be cost effective as well!

Chapter 6 – Yarn Dyeing

In the past, most yarn was dyed using natural dyes such as lichen, logwood and indigo. Nowadays, synthetic dyes are more popular because they are cheaper and faster to produce. Natural dyes are still around but they can be hard to find. You'll also find that many smaller companies only use natural dye because it gives their products a unique look that customers appreciate.

Chapter 7 – Cone vs. Skein

A skein is a long loop of yarn that has been wound off into a bundle. This is typically done when working with yarns that are not solid colors, or when you want to create an effect where the color changes gradually. A cone, on the other hand, is made up of individual strands that have been twisted together to make one continuous strand. This type of construction is generally used for solids and produces a more uniform fabric than skeins.

Chapter 8 – Weights and Measures

There are two main types of socks: dress socks and ankle socks. Dress socks are meant to be worn with dress slacks, loafers, or shoes, whereas ankle socks can be worn with any type of shoe. A sock's length is an indicator as to its purpose; ankle socks should not be over three inches from your heel when standing, whereas knee-high socks should be at least four inches above your knee. One way to measure a sock's circumference is to lay it on a flat surface and hold one end in each hand. Stretch it out until it feels tight and measure the circumference by wrapping a tape measure around it.