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Techniques & Tips

Knit Both Socks at the Same Time

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Knitting the first sock is fun… Knitting the second can be less so…

Watching the pattern unfold while knitting the first sock is fascinating. However, knitting the second sock can seem to take longer than knitting the first sock and feel like more of a chore.

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Hence ‘onesockitis’ or ‘second sock syndrome’ can strike even the keenest sock knitter, mainly because you can’t wait to see how the next sock pattern will look.  The answer is to Knit Both Socks at the Same Time.

If this is your first pair of socks or if you intend to try a new stitch pattern, heel or toe technique you will find this a particularly useful way of knitting a pair of socks, although, you’ll need two sets of double-pointed needles.[Read More]

Sock Blockers

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What are sock blockers and how useful are they?

Sock blockers are great for shaping a pair of socks that you have knit as a gift for someone. Or if you need your newly finished socks well shaped for photographing. But I honestly can’t say that I block the socks I wear and wash on a daily basis.

These sock blockers made by Whorl Drop Spindle are an excellent choice.[Read More]

How to Wet Block a Lace Cowl

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Why Wet Block a Lace Cowl?

Wet blocking, although time-consuming, is essential for some lace knit projects as it is the best way of bringing out the beauty of the lace knit patterns. Alternatively, some people like to steam block a lace scarf.

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The elegant “Robyn” cowl is designed by Anniken Allis and was published in Lets Knit Magazine.

I knit the cowl as a birthday present for mum.  I used Zenith, one of the lovely hand-dyed sock yarns made by Flamboyance Yarns, that I had in my stash.  The colours are subtle and I loved how they drifted into each other.

The cowl has a pretty shaped edging which needs to be wet-blocked to create the sharp points.

[Read More]

Why Sock Yarn is Worthwhile Using

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If you are going to spend hours of your precious time knitting a pair of socks you will want to choose a soft but durable yarn to knit them. Helping you to have a finished pair of hand-knit socks that are comfortable, easy to wash, and will give you years of wear. Read on to find out why sock yarn is worthwhile using.

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Sock yarns are wonderfully versatile and can be used for knitting many other types of projects. They are the perfect choice for knitting shawls, scarves, cowls, mittens, gloves and hats as well as socks.[Read More]

Yarn Weight Comparison Chart

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Choosing the right yarn and substituting yarns for use in patterns can be confusing for all of us, particularly when substituting the US and European yarns as they all use different names on the yarn labels.  This Yarn Weight Chart compares global, number system, UK and US yarn weight categories to aid in choosing substitute yarn for your knitting project.

Tension is measured as the number of stitches and rows per 10cm/4inches.

Yarn plies are confusing as they can be quite different.  Soft and fluffy or very tightly wound.

Please note that the chart is a guide, there are times when you will find a yarn that breaks the guidelines.  For example, some sock yarns are closer to fingering weight than 4-ply.

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