i'm knitting a pair of socks, but it appears that after i put them on....?

Question

there is more space than what i would like. this pattern that i have followed is for an average woman's foot. there is no guage for this pattern. do socks tend to shrink after you wash them? i am using a wool/lycra blend for yarn. it seems as tho other socks i have knitted tend to b on the large size I am using size us 2 needles on sock yarn. any suggestions?

Answer 1

There are two different solutions to your problem.

1. Measure the socks you're making for gauge and use the results to alter the pattern so that your next pair is closer to your foot size. Take into account width of heel, size of ankle, length of foot and width of toe area to make your socks truly custom.

2. Decrease the needle size, the yarn size, or both. If the proportions are good but the sock turns out to be too loose, you can use US 1.5, 1.0 or even 0 needles to decrease the size of the sock. You can knit part of the sock on a smaller needle, too. As for yarn, you can use thinner weights of yarn than traditional sock yarn, but your options decrease dramatically on patterns and colors.Test the sock yarns by wrapping the yarn around a ruler to determine the number of wraps per inch (wpi). Even among sock yarns, some will give more wpi than others. Using those thinner yarns with smaller needles will give you a dramatic difference in sock size without altering the pattern at all.

Answer 2

Both of my grandmothers were talented in different ways. Mum's mum was good at crochet work, table mats, chair back covers etc. and she taught me a few basic stitches. I cannot do what she did though. My dad's mum was an absolutely fabulous embroiderer. It was so neat that either side could be used as the right side. She taught me how to do that and I can almost do it as neatly as she did but my poor eyesight now prevents me doing it. Knitting socks and repairing them very neatly was another of her skills. She taught me to darn also (but I've never like knitting) and my darning wasn't bad at all but I would not wish to do it now. Grandad and Dad has home made socks from her and appreciated them. We, the grandkids, received scarves, gloves and the boys received balaclava helmets also. Most people of that generation had skills which resulted in someone receiving something to wear made by them. Not having a T.V. leaves more time to use these skills. Everyone spends too much time either watching T.V. or using the internet to revive these old skills. Sad really.

Answer 3

Because you are using a wool yarn, if you wash them in the washing machine they will probably felt. Because it's a blend it's hard to tell how much. Make sure you follow washing instructions on the yarn label. They will probably shrink up a little bit when you wash them according to label instructions. Maybe you could do a test swatch to see what the shrinkage will be.

Answer 4

Generally if there is an artificial fiber (like lycra) in the mix, there won't be much shrinkage (or felting). You might try using smaller needles. I usually use US 0 for socks. Good luck!

Answer 5

measure how much too big they are and take that measurement in stitches off the sock pattern. Whether you want to pull out & start again or just start a new pair, finish the ones you are on and give to someone with thick ankles!!