Monica Knits

Weave Yarn EndThe final steps to sock construction are illustrated: weaving in yarn ends, adding elastic to the cuffs (optional) and blocking, followed by a discussion on creating different designs from the basic pattern.

This article is one segment of the "Basic Sock" series. The demonstration sock, a woman's medium size, is based on 64 leg sts. To link to other articles in this series, either: a) click on the index hyperlink in the masthead, then socks and select the desired article or, b) click on the Basic Socks link at the bottom of this article, then click on the desired topic.

Basic Sock - Finishing
I would suggest that it is a good idea to document your project; take a photograph and write a few notes for your benefit as well as reference material when knitting gifts. Just having the lace pattern swatch isn't enough for a non-knitter to be able to picture the garment. For example, I wanted to knit my father some socks, in the same pattern as those his mother had made over the years. When I showed him some photographs and reference sock books, he selected this Basic Sock pattern, knitted with Knit Picks' Essential yarn in dusk (a dark blue) color.

I've always made notes, because I tend to modify patterns and notes make it much more efficient to re-use the pattern. For example, I've lost track of how many times this basic sock pattern has been used. I wished I'ld taken more photographs, particularly of the projects that became gifts.

SOCK FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS
Using a darning needle, pull the toe yarn tail through to the sock interior. Turn the sock inside out and weave in the yarn, following the garter stitch (technically reverse stockinette stitch) pattern across for 1 to 2 inches. I weave the yarn on the bottom side of the sock interior, since it doesn't hurt to have reinforcement in this high wear area. I find it much easier and tidier to trace a purl stitch (sock interior) than a knit stitch (sock exterior) pattern.

Yarn End 2Yarn End 3With the sock still inside-out, weave in the cast-on yarn tail. The photos show the yarn being woven down a single rib for approximately 1", and then woven back up the other side of the rib for increased retention.

Elastic Thread
Sew ElasticWhen knitting socks or leg warmers with wool or superwash wool, elastic thread is not required. However when using synthetic or plant based yarns, elastic is recommended to compensate for stretch during use or during the life of the sock. The sample sock in the Basic Sock series is constructed of superwash wool, however I have sewn white elastic thread to the cuff interior to demonstrate the technique. This elastic can be purchased in several colors.

Elasticized CuffFor the 3 rows spaced about 1/4" apart, 75" of elastic thread was used. A long tail on the elastic thread is required because the fabric coating tends to unravel and the elastic thread is cumbersome to anchor. For the 2x2 ribbing, the elastic was sewn in the first loop of the rib and the last loop of the rib. This method of anchoring the elastic makes it invisible on the exterior of the sock.

Quality Control Tips

1. Use a darning needle (blunt nosed) to avoid fraying the yarn.
2. When weaving in the yarn end, maintain a loose tension, so that the sock elasticity is not compromised.
3. When weaving the cuff yarn end, I follow down a single rib, threading it along the knit stitch. This prevents compromising the circumferential stretch of the cuff.

NEXT STEP - Create
You can create many different looks with the basic sock pattern by varying the length of the sock and by using various self-striping yarns. Or, you can vary the stitch patterns, or work in multiple colors. For example, the cable ankle sock is an ankle length, basic sock with an 8 stitch cable pattern, replacing the stockinette stitch. There is no leg section, the cuff is shorter and the 64 stockinette stitches have been replaced with 8 repeats of the cable pattern.

You can vary the cuff, toe and heels and even the knitting direction; leg down, or toe up. Socks can be designed to match another garment or vice versa. In this case, these green Basic Socks were knitted with yarn left-over from knitting a sweater. Since socks knit up quickly, compared to sweaters and other garments, they are a good place to test patterns. After having knitted the lily-of-the-valley socks, I plan to knit a shawl in the same pattern; an example of the socks inspiring a garment.

There are several good sock books and sock patterns available to spark your creativity. I tend to use this Basic Sock pattern, which is well-tested and works for me, but modify it with my own ideas or ideas I get from books and commercial patterns. The lily-of-the-valley socks used a commercial pattern, but I followed my own tension and sock length preferences and heel and toe construction techniques.

Click here to transfer to the Basic Socks article.