Sock Fiber

[Tammy]

Lynn, I thought perhaps it would be good to start a new thread talking about fibers for socks. (For those wondering our sock conversation started here in post 13.)

I recall reading that you can use elastic thread along with cotton to help it have some recovery from the stretching out of the cotton.

If hand made acrylic socks wear out fast perhaps it would be better to go with store bought socks. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you wanted to knit him yummy cardigans or vest etc instead.

[Lynn]

Thanks, Tammy. The reason I make his socks is because store bought ones tend to strangle his legs. He's a life time jogger, so his calves are rather over developed. Plus, he has varicose veins. I got the bright idea a few years that if I made socks to fit, he would be more comfortable.

I don't think the cotton will have much of a problem with stretching out of shape. It's acrylic that tends to loose it's integrity. I've read of using some sort of fuzzy thread that serger sewing machines use, but I haven't found any here. I thought it was for wool, to help reinforce and make the sock last longer. My wool socks have never gone out of shape. The cuffs are usually 2x2 rib that gives a nice stretchy fit, and always keep their shape. I use the smallest needles I can for them: 1.25, 1.5. 1.75, and 2.00 mm. The smaller the needles, the better I like the sock fabric.

[Tammy]

Perfect reason for making him socks!!!

If I come across what I read about cotton loosing its shape and not being able to 'bounce back' I'll share it. I thought cotton would be wonderful for baby items but was told no do to stretching out. I wish I remembered where I read it!

[Lynn]

Even if the cotton does stretch a bit, I think it will be okay. The yarn I found works up great on size 2.00 mm needles. Funny, I can work the same size yarn in wool on my 1.25 needles, whereas the cotton tends to become too stiff and rough knit at that gauge. But I'm only making one pair of cotton socks for the time being, to see how they work out. When we are back in the States, we'll get him some of those soft socks for diabetics. They are stretchy enough for him. Unfortunately, they also wear out very fast.

[Sherongb]

I have made dishcloths and had them stretch, especially when wet. And cotton does not bounce back as wool does. That's from personal experience. But I know a yarn shop owner who says socks can be made of anything and does make cotton socks.

I think what you are talking about working with yarn for reinforcement is wooly nylon, sold on cones with sewing supplies. If I remember correctly it's basic use is for with sergers but not sure about that.

Getting some of that thin round elastic that comes on a spool and running some of it around the cuff of the sock would help to pull it in when worn. You can even sew it in afterwards but it's easier to work it in as you go. Just remember to go around the cuff not up and down.

[Tammy]

Sheron I am so glad you remembered the name 'wooly nylon'!!! I have been trying to remember the name of that stuff since Lynn mentioned it. I haven't used my serger in ages but if I remember correctly it was used to make a nicely filled in edge when serging and also for its stretch ability on seems for stretch items. I think it would be a great add in for socks.

[carolivy]

I had a lacey sweater that my grandmother made with a fine cotton yarn. The thing just kept growing and growing and becoming lacier and lacier until I could not wear it without a camisol underneat! The only part that didn't stretch was the cast off of the bottom cuff...lol

[Sherongb]

When knit at a firm gauge cotton does not stretch as much. A lacy item will, because it's knit at a looser gauge, stretch. Wool can be blocked and will hold it's shape with wearing.

With tatting we work the cotton at a firm gauge (as well as giving it a framework over which it is worked - core thread) so it won't stretch as much. Blocking of the tatting works with the shape of the rings and chains natural curves as well as the length of the core thread, knitting doesn't give the work that 'natural' shaping and blocking doesn't have the foundation to form on/rest on/whatever you want to call it.

So working cotton at a firmer gauge will give it less room to stretch than working at a looser gauge.

About the socks: many knitters find that working at a firmer gauge don't require reinforcement so they don't use the wooly nylon with the yarn (adding that extra strand also changes the gauge of the area where it is used). I don't think it actually contains wool, it's just a tad fuzzy so they called it wooly, or maybe that's just in my head. Since it does stretch a little it might be good used with the cotton for the cuffs/legs of the cotton socks, to assist with the stretching and getting back into shape. Not having made cotton socks I am guessing here.