Sock Subscription of the Month: The Great Sock Encyclopedia
sock subscription of the Month: The Great Sock Encyclopedia
What do you think about when you hear the word sock? If you’re like most people, you probably picture the simple white socks that your mother made you wear in elementary school, or maybe some socks with toes that are too big and never seem to stay up (even if they are clearly the correct size). While these socks may be perfectly functional, they aren’t very interesting, and they certainly don’t make any fashion statements. However, there’s now a new way to get high-quality socks delivered right to your doorstep every month.
Blind Warp - When you do not twist your yarn before weaving.
The Blind Warp is a type of weaving that does not twist your yarn before weaving. You can create a sense of direction by using different colors.
Blind Warps are also called Undyed Warps or Woven Yarns. This technique is often used when you don't want to dye your yarn before hand or if you're just experimenting with colors and textures. Some people will also use this technique to create a directional pattern in the fabric.
Yarn Dyeing - Dying with chemicals vs dying with heat
Yarn dyeing with chemical dyes is a bit more complicated than dying with heat. You should also know that it's difficult to achieve an even color, and that your yarn will not be as soft. This is because all chemical dyes must first be combined with a mordant before the fabric can be dyed. A mordant is a substance which helps stabilize the dye on the fabric, or in this case, on your yarn. There are two types of mordants - acid and basic (alkaline). Acid mordants work best for animal fibers such as wool or silk while basic ones work best for plant-based fibers such as cotton or linen.
Choosing Yarn
The first step in sock knitting is choosing your yarn. When choosing yarn, you need to think about what kind of socks you want to make, how long they will be, and how thick or thin your yarn should be. If you want to make colorful striped socks with a thick woolen-spun yarn, it will take a lot more wool than if you want to knit a heel and toe with a fine nylon blend. To figure out what kind of fiber you need for your project we recommend using this chart from Craft Yarn Council to find the weight/type of yarn that is right for you.
Tools you need to make socks
The tools needed to make socks vary depending on what you plan to do with them. If you just want to knit a pair for yourself, a set of needles and some yarn is enough. If you plan on making more than one sock at a time, it's worth investing in a couple of extra pairs of needles. For those who have never knit before, we recommend starting with basic socks that have an easy pattern. Once you're comfortable with knitting in general, try something more complicated like colorwork or cables.
What makes a good sock?
Good socks are colourful, cozy, durable, and well-made. They're also affordable so you can have a drawer full of different kinds!
Are there techniques unique to hand-made socks?
All socks are not created equal! Over the course of this blog post, we'll explore a few unique techniques that are specific to hand-made socks and help you understand how they're made.
1. Blind Warps
2. Yarn Dyeing
3. Linen Cutters
Cuff styles
1) Cuffed Socks - These are just like regular socks, with an extra fold at the cuff for some added flair. It's up to you how long you want that fold to be; make it as short or as long as you want! 2) Cable Cuffs - If your sock design includes cables, like this one from Knitting in Color, then these cable cuffs are perfect for your project. They're also super easy!
Alternative materials for your knitting needles
Knitting needles are not just limited to wood or metal. There are also many materials that can be used, including bamboo, plastic and more. For example, if you're looking for a light-weight option that will provide speedier knitting than metal needles, then you may want to try out some plastic needles. Plastic needles are lightweight, come in various colors and they have a smooth surface so they won't snag your yarn.
Washing machine vs hand wash
Many people are curious about how to wash their socks, and many people wonder whether it is better to wash their socks in a washing machine or by hand. Depending on your preference, one may be more convenient than the other. If you are looking for an easy way to clean your socks, you could use a washing machine. However, if you enjoy hand-washing your clothes for various reasons such as time or money, then it may be best to wash them by hand.
When it comes down to it, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes down to which method is better; they each have their own pros and cons. It's all up to personal preference!