Sock knitting is one of my favorite portable projects—perfect for on-the-go, passenger princess car riding or a quiet evening on the couch. Over the few years since I have discovered the wonders of sock knitting, I’ve experimented with all kinds of gadgets, and these are the tools I find that I reach for the most.
1. High-Quality Circular Needles
I’m a big fan of Chiagoo brand needles for all of my projects. They are lightweight, smooth, and great quality. The red cord does not crimp and the connection to the metal tips is flawless. For socks, I use 9-inch circulars (affiliate) to make knitting the cuff, leg, and foot mindless. While it does take a minute for my fingers and hands to get used to the smaller circumference, I find the momentary discomfort worth it.
For the heels and toes, I switch to a 32-inch circular needle (affiliate). It is a bit clunky to have the long cord while working the heel flap, but it means I don’t have to carry yet another needle. I then use this same needle to seamlessly switch to the magic loop technique for the toes. My go-to size is US 1 (2.25 mm) and have found that this is perfect for most of the sock yarns that I use.
2. Smooth, Springy Sock Yarn
Speaking of yarn, a tightly spun merino-nylon blend gives me durable socks that hold up to daily wear. Look for a 75/25 or 80/20 wool/nylon mix and a twist that feels bouncy but not squeaky. The nylon will provide a bit more durability since I basically live in my hand knit socks from November to March. I love to grab a skein of sock yarn from any Local Yarn Shop (LYS) I am visiting. Bonus points if it is from a local dyer! I know that I will always have a sock project on the needles, so this is a guaranteed use.
3. Lightbulb Stitch Markers
Anytime I buy a new shirt from a local boutique, I get excited for the free stitch marker that they provide with purchase! Oh wait, that’s just to keep the tag on the shirt? Who knew?!
As I mentioned in my last post, the pattern and designer that inspired my sock knitting was Crazy Sock Lady. Her vanilla sock pattern with the video tutorial is *chef’s kiss*. She is a genius too, suggesting that you mark every 10 rows to just about guarantee you knit the same size sock twice! For that reason alone, I now own a small army of lightbulb stitch markers in various colors. Bright colors help me find them if they drop in the couch cushions but also just make me happy.
Another way to keep me happy is to have a fun progress keeper (affiliate) to mark the beginning of the heel flap. I always try to make sure there is a fun keeper to mark my next step. It’s the simple things, right?
4. Sock Ruler
I recently stumbled across Twice Sheared Sheep’s sock ruler at a LYS (shout out Stitch Witch!). There are many more like this idea, but this one also provides nostalgia as a slap bracelet. The curling of the ruler also allows it to fit in my smaller project bag. It provides children sizes, too!
To use it, just insert the end where the arrow is pointing into the heel (or toe) of the sock and measure where your last row lands. If it meets the size shoe of the recipient, then you are ready to start your toe decreases (or heel)! I love math, but this takes the thought and guesswork out of the process. And for a tired mom, that’s a win.
5. Small bag or tin for supplies
I typically find I need stitch markers, small scissors, and a darning needle. To keep all of those items safe and easily accessible, I usually keep a small tin in each of my bags. I love these scissors (affiliate) that fold and cut through yarn like butter. You also can’t beat a metal darning needle. It makes grafting the toes with Kitchener stitch and weaving in the ends fast and easy.
6. Small Project Bag
And to keep it all together, I love my Japanese knot style project bag. It is the perfect size for a pair of socks and fits into my everyday bag for grab-and-go ease. Now, my mom did make me this one, but you can find plenty of them on Etsy.
Final Thoughts
Great tools don’t have to be fancy or expensive—they just need to work well and fit your knitting style. Whether you’re a brand-new sock knitter or on your hundredth pair, having the right supplies can turn your knitting time into a little daily dose of happy.
What are your favorite sock-knitting tools? Share your must-haves in the comments—I’m always looking for something new to try!
Until next time, I hope you can find a reason to knit!
One Comment
Brianna
I love the bag that keeps everything together. I’m terrible at keeping projects organized.