Sock Knitting for Beginners - 5 Tips for Perfect, Top-Down Vanilla Socks

Taking stock of my knitting projects this year, it appears that I have been knitting rather a lot of socks over the past 11 months - 5 pairs in total so far, to be precise. Following my very first sock knitting project back in 2015, I turned my attention to other types of knitting projects and focussed mainly on lace knitting, but this year I fancied a change and focussing on sock knitting and sock knitting techniques felt just right. 

Finished Socks on DIY Sock Blockers

Based on my recent excursion into the world of sock knitting, what follows are a few recommendations for novice sock knitters, including five tips to achieve perfectly fitting, vanilla top-down socks. 

The Weekly Swatch: Loop Mesh Lace Knit Stitch

This week, I have prepared the Loop Mesh Lace Knit Stitch. Another no purl lace knit stitch to add to the collection.

The stitch motif is created over 3 rows on a multiple of 5 plus 3 stitches and creates an openwork lace mesh without any requirement for purling stitches. 

More no purling lace knit stitches are available here.

The Weekly Swatch: Sheaf Knit Stitch

 

As I said, I am catching up with the weekly swatches today and now it's time for the second swatch post of the day. 

Next up is a stitch, I have really enjoyed preparing, the Sheaf Knit Stitch. 

K2 / P2 ribbing forms the foundation of this stitch motif; and the texture is achieved by wrapping the working yarn around two stitches on every fourth row. 

Sheaf Knit Stitch

The Weekly Swatch: Double Basket Weave Knit Stitch

I am catching up with the weekly swatches yet again and for this week I have prepared the Double Basket Weave Knit Stitch. 

This stitch is a variation of the Simple Basket Weave Knit Stitch and slightly more involved. 

The stitch motif is knitted on a multiple of 18 plus 3 stitches over 18 rows and creates a gorgeous, chunky texture. 

Double Basket Weave Knit Stitch