Sock yarn 🧦 How to choose the best yarn to knit socks with?

Knitting socks is probably the height of the craft for many knitters. Undoubtedly, that indescribable feeling of slipping your feet into a handknit pair of socks makes them one of the most addictive projects. There are more and more Sock Lovers joining the Katia Community every day, and we hope to be many more! So, this post, about how to choose the best sock yarns, is the first in a series of articles dedicated to the art of sock knitting.

Sock yarns

Let’s start this guide to learn how to knit socks (we tell you more about it at the end of this post) paying particular attention to the main features of sock yarns. If you’re asking yourself how to choose the perfect yarn for knitting socks, here are 3 keys to choosing the right materials.

1 | Composition: Fiber and durability

When it comes to knitting socks, durability is key. Choose yarns that combine natural fibers with synthetic fibers to achieve the best of both worlds. This is why almost all Katia sock yarns combine the warmth and softness of merino wool or alpaca with the resistance of polyamide or nylon. The right combination, usually 75%-25% respectively, guarantees that your handknit socks will be comfortable and resistant to wear, perfect for daily use!

 

📌 Why choose Superwash Merino Wool?

Mainly, because this chemical treatment allows you to machine wash your socks. But also, because, thanks to Superwash, the yarn dye will remain in perfect shape for many years to come. It also adds softness to the fiber, ideal for sensitive skin.

2 | Gauge or weight: Not too thin and not too thick!

The yarn weight is crucial when knitting socks for everyday wear. A yarn that is too thick can make the socks uncomfortable and tight, while a yarn that is too thin can result in fragile socks. Choose a medium weight yarn that will provide the right gauge and a long-lasting structure. At Katia, you’ll find a wide range of yarns to use with 2, 2.5 and 3-mm knitting needles.

📌 Which needles should you use to knit socks (seamlessly) in the round?

If you want to knit socks two-at-a-time using the magic loop method, we recommend:

• • • • 5-mm fixed circular knitting needles with an 80-cm cable. Since these needles are too thin to fit interchangeable screws, these needles are fixed to the cable.
      • Depending on the pattern, design and/or gauge, you can use 3-mm interchangeable circular needles (and above) and 80 or 100-cm cords to work magic loop comfortably.

If you prefer to knit your socks one by one, you can use circular knitting needles (with an 80-cm cord to work magic loop) or double-pointed needles. At katia.com, you can find sets of 5 wooden and metal double-pointed needles. Explore, practice, and find your favorite knitting needles to work with!

3 | Color and print: Explore your creativity!

Socks are a great way to play with colors and prints. At Katia, we have a wide variety of vibrant solid colors and fun multicolor effects so that you can customize your socks. Let your creativity run wild! Dare to combine colors and prints, together or separately, to knit socks that reflect your personality.

Comparison chart: sock yarns

In short, choosing the perfect sock yarn is a combination of fiber, gauge, and colorway. At Katia, you’ll find a wide range of high-quality yarns like Premium Socks & More by Concept by Katia. So, check out this sock yarn comparison chart! Choose your favorite colors and start your next sock project with confidence and style.

Sock yarns	Composition	Needle size	Nº of colors	Colorway
AAMU SOCKS	55% Superwash Merino 25% Polyamide 20% Silk	3-4 mm FINE 2	6	Delavé effect print on a 6-ply base
ALPAQUINA	75% Superfine Alpaca 25% Polyamide	2-2.5 mm SUPERFINE 1	13	Solid colors
KAISLA SOCKS	65% Superwash Merino 25% Polyamide 10% Alpaca	2.5-3 mm SUPERFINE 1	6	Print with muted sections in contrast color on a beige-toned mélange base
ONNI SOCKS		2.5-3 mm SUPERFINE 1	6	Striped print with light brushstrokes of color on a subtle gradient effect
ILTA SOCKS	75% Superwash Merino 25% Polyamide	2.5-3 mm SUPERFINE 1	6	Colorwork effect print on a 4-ply base
KALEVI SOCKS		2.5-3 mm SUPERFINE 1	6	Colorwork effect print and stripes
KANERVA SOCKS		3-4 mm FINE 2	6	Multicolor neon striped print
LUMI SOCKS		2.5-3 mm SUPERFINE 1	6	Subtle and harmonious print
MISKA SOCKS		3-4 mm FINE 2	6	Multicolor spray effect print on 6-ply yarn
TAIKA SOCKS		3-4 mm FINE 2	6	Muted toned print with spray effect
UNITED SOCKS	75% Superwash wool 25% Polyamide	2.5-3 mm SUPERFINE 1	31	Solid colors

We hope these tips will help you choose the perfect yarn to knit socks with.

 

Guide to learn how to knit toe-up socks

If you’re dreaming of knitting your own socks, keep an eye out for the following installments of this sock knitting guide. Take note of our upcoming posts:

• Sock yarns 🧦 How to choose the best yarn to knit socks with? 
• How to measure your foot to knit tailor-made socks 
• Gauge swatch in the round ➕ Steek technique 🧦 
• Calculations to knit socks ➗ 🧦 Step-by-step formula 
• How to cast on socks two-at-a-time 🧦 Seamless toe methods 
• How to knit a sock heel 🧦 Videos with step-by-step instructions 
• Sock project sheet 🧦 Free PDF 

We encourage you to share any questions, suggestions, and experiences with our sock yarns in the comments.

Happy knitting, Katia Lovers!