Socknitters Forum

[kristi]

Hello everyone. I love using my dpn's for socks BUT I am much happier with the results when I use very small 0-0000 needles. MOST patterns call for sizes 1-4. Does anybody else have this same dilemma? I want to do "fancier" socks but I just do the basic sock using math and measurements. Is there an easy way to adjust the fancier patterns written for bigger needle sizes? Thanks and God bless. Kristi

[Pogo]

Your gauge and math is the only way I know!

My old (1950) sock book uses only size 1 (for men's dress nylon) and size 2 (for casual/sport socks for men, women, and kids).

Pogo

[otherwiseka]

Hi Kristi -

Good heavens - do anything you like with any fancy stitch that strikes you! I never use sock patterns at all.

Pick your stitch, knit up a swatch, then fit up the number of stitches you need to the circumferences of the recepient. A handy rule of thumb for the cast on is ankle circumference less one inch.

I get a slightly different gauge when knitting with stright pins than in the round, but I still swatch on back and forth straight pins with the idea that some things aren't worth worrying about and this is one of them.

Oh - but if you are not used to converting a lovely lace sock pattern that you like between knitting in the round and knitting back and forth, then you might want to swatch in the round, tiresomely time-soncuming as it may be.

-db