Knit Socks - Betsy Lee Mccarthy [20]
CLOSING THE TOE AND FINISHING THE SOCK
Round 18: K2tog to end of round. You now have 2 stitches on each needle, and a total of 8 stitches.
Break off yarn, leaving a 6” (15cm) tail. Pull tail through remaining stitches with a yarn needle. Cinch stitches up firmly to close toe. Take yarn through to wrong side and weave in end. Weave in any other loose ends.
Lightly block with spray mist or steam to smooth out color pattern work and the rest of the sock. Pat gently into shape.
No More “Ladders”
When knitting in the round, strive for an even-textured fabric. Try to avoid making a “ladder” — that line of loose stitches that makes the place where you changed from one needle to the next apparent, rather than invisible, as it should be. Here are some tips that may help:
• Knit the first few stitches on each new needle tighter than usual and give each of those stitches a little tug before moving on to the next one.
• Knit with five, rather than four, if using double-point needles.
• Lay the needle tip forming the new stitch up against the last stitch and knit it with adequate tension to prevent any slack.
Alphabet Chart
Chart A
Chart B
Sizing the Sock for Good Fit
Three dimensions need to be considered in deciding what size to make your socks:
1. Width of foot or leg (relates to size shown in patterns)
2. Length of foot
3. Length of heel flap
Using the chart below, sock length can be estimated from the wearer's shoe size. To calculate stitches for a specific foot width, multiply gauge (the number of stitches per inch) by the number of inches needed to go around the widest part of the foot. Reduce those stitches by 10–15 percent for “stretch” and round up or down to the nearest number divisible by 4 or your pattern multiple.
To determine heel flap length, measure from ankle bone to foot sole. Making the flap too long produces a baggy foot; making it too short makes the instep and foot feel too tight. The length of the average heel flap for a woman is 2½” (6.4cm) and 2¾” (7cm) for the average man.
Socks stretch, enabling a sock to fit different foot sizes quite comfortably. Ribbed socks have more stretch and are a good choice to make for people not available to be measured. To gauge sock fit, insert your hand (or very carefully your foot) into the sock after working several inches. The way your hand fits into the sock is usually a good indicator of how it will fit on you or someone else with your foot width.
Adult Sock Length Guidelines
Best Foot Forward
These classic unisex socks highlight the beauty of both luxury and traditional yarns. The flattering lines of vertical rib ensure a snug fit, for socks that feel as good as they look. You can knit them in fingering- or worsted-weight yarns. Either version will let you put your best foot forward!
Cable Twist Rib Pattern Stitch (multiple of 7)
Round 1: *K1, P2, TW, P2; repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 2–4: *K1, P2, K2, P2; repeat from * to end of round.
Be Your Own Designer
Here's one way to proceed in personalizing or modifying a pattern after getting comfortable with sock knitting:
• Select a pattern that appeals to you. See Barbara G. Walker's four-volume, Treasury of Knitting Patterns and other stitch dictionaries, as well as patterns in magazines, books, and catalogs. Open yourself to possibilities!
• Make a gauge swatch (in the round) with yarn you like and think might work.
• Check the fabric density of your swatch, changing needle size until you get the right “feel.”
• Measure gauge and calculate stitches required to produce the desired sock size. Note that slip stitch, cable, and twisted stitch patterns pull in, making it necessary to add more stitches than for stockinette stitch. Lace patterns, in contrast, tend to be more open and to stretch out more than stockinette stitch, resulting in a need for fewer stitches. Yarn overs produce more stretch or “give,” an important consideration when planning lace. It is a good idea to block your swatch using any new stitch to see what it will