What size of needle is best for socks?

Knitting needle sizes: 1-3

The sock sneaks up on all us knitters at some point. Most socks are knit using a size 1 or 2 needle, but you can also find sock patterns that are designed for heavier non-sock yarns. In addition to socks, you can knit up beautiful shawls using sock-weight yarn and these small needles.

What needles do I need to knit socks?

There are three main different types of knitting needles you can use to knit socks; a set of double pointed needles, a long circular needle with an 80cm cable, or a small circular needle with a 25cm cable.

Can I knit socks with size 3 needles?

Needles. Once you've picked out your yarn, it's time to select your needles. Look at your yarn's label to see which size needles are suggested. Most sock patterns using fingering weight yarns call for between a US 2 (2.75mm) and US 3 (3.25mm).

What is a sock needle?

These are straight needles with dual points, so a top on each end. They're by far the most common if you're just starting as a sock knitter and popular in simple or beginner sock patterns. Some sock knitters find doing the heels, heel turn and side, and decreases are easier on double points.

How do you know what size needles to use?

A simple guideline: Add the measurements (in millimeters) of the suggested needle size for each yarn and then use the needle that is closest in size to that number. For example, for a swatch of two strands of Wool-Ease Chunky, we added 6.5 mm plus 6.5 mm to get 13 mm. The closest needle size is 12 mm, which is a US 17.

How to choose your yarn and needle size for Sock-Making

What is a 90 14 needle used for?

90/14 – suitable for medium weight fabrics, e.g. slightly heavier weight cotton, polyester, linen, lightweight upholstery fabric. Lighter weight fabrics such as silk (chiffon, organza, crepe-de-chine) will require a smaller sized needle. The lighter the fabric the smaller the needle required.

What size needles for 4ply socks?

The standard gauge for 4ply yarn is 30 sts per 4 inch (10cm) on whatever needles gives you that gauge – for most people, that is 2.5mm needles but it's always worth checking just in case you knit tighter or looser than that.

Can I use circular needles to knit socks?

Have you tried knitting socks on two circular needles? Yes, it's possible! And it may be easier for you if you have trouble working with double-pointed needles (dpns). It's also an excellent skill to have in your back pocket when you really want to make that sock pattern, but the dpns are busy with another project.

Can you knit socks on 80cm circular needles?

I use an 80cm circular needle and this makes manageable loops on either side of the knitting. (For those who want to make two-at-a-time socks, you'll need a bigger cable, say 100cm, but I'm not going talk about those during this sockalong.)

What size yarn is used for socks?

If you want to wear your sock in shoes pick fingering weight yarn (also known as sock weight yarn or 4ply yarn) or if your shoes are loose fitting you can pick a little bit thicker sport weight yarn. For boot socks select DK or worsted weight yarn. For home socks you can use also chunky yarn such as the Novita Isoveli.

How long should circular needles be for socks?

22 or 30cm (8½ or 12in) are best for small tubes such as socks, mittens or cuffs. It is worth considering however, that very short circular needles will also have shorter than usual needle points which you may not find comfortable to knit with depending on the size of your hands.

Does needle size matter knitting?

Why Does Size Matter? The size of the needle affects the length of the stitches and thus your finished product. The concept of gauge, or how many stitches fit into 1 inch of knitting, relies heavily on the size of the needles.

What size knitting needles should I get?

Medium sizes are generally the best for beginners. This means you should look for a width size of six (4mm), seven (4.5mm), or eight (5mm). For length, a 10-inch needle is usually a good starter size because they'll be small enough to handle easily.

Can you knit socks without double pointed needles?

Newer knitters sometimes find circular knitting intimidating, but even some of the most advanced knitters do not like knitting with double pointed needles. You don't have to learn how to manage double pointed needles to make a lovely pair of socks. Use regular straight needles to make a pair of socks instead.

Can I knit socks with 2 needles?

Easy Socks on 2 Needles

These easy to knit socks are knitted flat on two needles. Seam with a contrasting yarn for a bit of added fun or matching yarn to hide the seam.

What size is 4mm?

4mm = 5/32 inch (= a bit over 1/8 inch) 5mm = just over 3/16 inch. 6mm = almost 1/4 inch. 7mm = almost 9/32 inch (= a bit over 1/4 inch)