Sock Fit Tips

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[@ginnerlucreates1884]

Love all your tips. I’ve been knitting socks for about 15 months and have found that I have a narrow heel, larger ankle area due to injuries many years ago, and quite large muscular calves. I’ve had to experiment to find the right fit & have found that if I want a longer leg sock, I knit the top half the leg with a 2.75mm (US2), the other half of the leg with a 2.5mm (US1.5), then go down to a 2.25mm (US1) for the heel, turn, foot & toe. Experimenting with number of stitches & sizes of needles is lots of fun, even when you have to frog & start again 😂

[@half-caffcrochet]

My tip is that it's typically better to have a pattern on your sock than just plain stockinette, especially if it's ribbing. I rib the entirety of my leg and the top of my foot on all my socks, and that coupled with negative ease makes them fit great and hug my foot without feeling tight or unforgiving like they're at their maximum stretch.

[@beatricehartman2413]

Agreed, even a simple pattern with just a little purling (like Hermione's or Vanilla Latte) seems to give the sock a more relaxed fit, and adds a lot of visual interest

[@MaleneMaare]

That's exactly how I make mine. When I see people knit stockinette, I always think: Oh, yes, that would be easier and faster, but it makes them more sacky and not to my taste. I always make them long - up to under the knee. I cast on maybe 64 st. and then decrease along a backcenter on the way down to 56 st. I will definitely try Stephens tomato-multicolored pattern, that looked really nice.

[@claudiag.3592]

Dear Stephen! Thank you so much for this video! I'm going through a very very sad time in my life right now and watching your video is a little ray of light in the dark! Always a pleasure to see and hear from you! Claudia

[@jacquelinesalem2776]

Yup, Circumference measurement. That must be why my socks always feel somewhat slouchy without actually slouching. Great tip!

[@toscatattertail9813]

I have been knitting socks for 3 years (began after developing a fiber sensitivity issues in my feet + A ankles and could not wear store bought socks) Over time i have found the best cuff for me is to start with needles 2 sizes larger than suggested, start at the cuff, Knit 10-15 rows, drop down to the next needle size and do 10-15 more rows and then drop to the suggested needle size and another set of 10-15 rows go on for the rest of the sock (Note: i am very short, very round and hate tight cuffs). If i am physically tense i will use a stretchy cast on to make sure the cuffs don't get too tight at the top. Currently i am working on the concept of a slouchy sock (small cuff) simply because i don't have the patience to do 4-6 " worth of cuff...lol.

[@StarfireReborn]

I Love Your Fluid Body Movement In Explaining The Sock Measurement Formula-esque Sizing Tips. 🥰

[@carlytasmith5754]

I keep notes on all my sock patterns since I like to knit my socks one at a time so both of my socks match🧶🧦

[@navahx9406]

I should definitely do that, I'm going to try to start

[@RomiW]

Important: measure your foot without sock!😉

[@whiskyyarn2234]

Omg such a big difference. Can’t believe I measured over a sock! Thanks for the reminder.

[@SandraKren]

I have knit socks for years but this video taught me a few new tricks, an old dog can learn new tricks. I love all your stuff, ps the twists and turns shawl was a challenge but worth it❤😂

[@denisewessman1079]

That’s the best advice ever. Negative ease is essential for the perfect sock. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@DrPheigth]

I'd love to see a video in which you lay out a sock, and then show various designs of heels, and discuss how to know when to start the heel ... say, heel flap, as opposed to GSR heel. So a person could take one of your designs for the leg (the pattern) and combine it with some other heel, and know when to start, or how to gauge it, whether cuff down or toe up. Does that makes sense?? (For newbie sock knitters, of course.)

[@izatricote]

I wish I had your advice on sizes before knitting my first pair of socks!

[@basketcase2384]

You always give the BEST tidbits of advice that really stick in my head 😊

[@maryarneson5815]

When knitting the ankle and cuff circumference you need to take your arch, or depth of heel, into consideration, You could end up with a beautiful knit sock that you cannot get past your heel.

[@kathrynbarry9416]

Lol the shawls of the feet ❤

[@tsoonklah]

For extra durability, especially for my son’s socks since he’s on his feet during his whole work day & loves walking, I make his with a bfl/nylon (80/20) or superfine alpaca/nylon (70/30) blend yarns, adding extra strength on the toes, soles & heels by knitting translucent nylon thread with the yarn. Or I’ll weave bamboo/cotton yarn in the purl bumps of the toes, soles & heels.

[@susanhopkins26]

I always wear out the ball of my foot and heel first on my left foot so I’m considering some form of reinforcement on the soles. Do you weave in the purl bumps for the entire sole of your son’s socks. I am thinking about a slip stitch pattern for the sole to see if that makes for a longer lasting sock. (I have been a sock knitter since 2000.)

[@rosangelaadoum1406]

@@susanhopkins26 I reinforce toes and heels adding mohair when I knit them. It works great

[@Frostedminifirecracker]

I’m so glad you covered negative ease. The beauty of knits is they are usually quite stretchy. The brilliance of the slip stitch patterns over stranded colorwork is that there is no sacrifice of that stretch

[@traceyriley1847]

SW - you are the best! Your videos just make me smile,

[@maryjacques7277]

I usually go down a needle size to help make a tighter fit, especially when size of sock is just listed as “child, women, or small, medium, large”.

[@marystotts1939]

I really like knitting toe-up socks.

[@carlytasmith5754]

I’m totally addicted to sock knitting and the beautiful sock yarns ❤

[@TheKirstebee]

So helpful and inspiring! Thanks Stephen!! Your socks are glorious! 💖💗💜

[@guineverecassidy4855]

I'm loving your year of socks. So much fun!

[@ArwynAvalon]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I've been knitting socks for years, but you had some very helpful tips that help in perfecting the fit. And Stitch, she's such a cutie!

[@RunWithHooksNYarn]

YOU ARE THE MOST AMAZING PERSON I'VE EVER SEEN. omg I absolutely fu*king love you.

[@margarethedges2786]

thank you so very much for this video Stephen. I am a toe up sock knitter and was wondering if you could do a video for us with the pattern. i started knitting socks at the age of 75 and I am hooked lol. Thank you so much again ...Margaret from Australia.

[@jeh915]

What a “Year of Socks!” I’m in!

[@pamelasertich9850]

What a great video! Thank you so much.

[@amydbwinters]

That shawl, though!! 😍

[@theunschooledgirl]

The shawl of the feet! 😂 I'm definitely a shawl gal but my mom ADORES handknitted socks (I've gotten her addicted and she wants to pick up knitting so she can make her own!) so I'm making all the socks in the Year of Socks E-Book for her. Started on the toe of the first in my pair of Cabled Trellis socks while I watched this! Thanks for all the great tips!

[@reikiriecreations]

when you measure your foot, measure the narrowest part of your foot and your instep. Some people have a high instep and do not come in a standard sock. Because of my disability, for example, I can't stretch my foot and I have what they call a double heel in medical terms. So I don't have an Achilles tendon like a normal foot and so I always have to adjust my socks to the foot. I always knit from board to toe because I make the adjustments in the leg part. Eg I cast on 64 stitches and knit a rib of 12/15 rows. Then I decrease to 60 stitches in the 1st needle of the leg piece. Then I knit until my leg length is 18 cm then I increase again to 64 stitches and I always do the shadow wrap turn heel, then I can get into the sock. After the heel I decrease again to 60 stitches and expand the sock and before the heel and toe I always count between 4.5cm and 5cm before I knit the foot. Coincidentally it turns out for my foot that my foot part is also 18cm after the heel before I start with the toe. So when I fold my socks my leg and foot part is the same length. It is also useful if you trace your foot on a piece of paper with a pencil, then you have your size in terms of length and the width you can double count and you immediately see where your widest parts are, which can then be adjusted more easily with increases and decreases. Just dare playing with your measurements, nothing is more annoying than knitting a standard sock that doesn't fit you and never wears it again. If your sock is almost ready and you are not sure if it fits make a fist and put your sock (foot part) around it then if the ends touch you have the right size for the foot that belongs to that fist (if you have e.g. knit socks for others you can measure their size by their fist.

[@StephenWest]

Thanks so much for sharing your tips. So helpful!

[@reikiriecreations]

@@StephenWest yw

[@satsumamoon]

You have some great socks there!

[@felicitycrowe6971]

Great video!

[@judylee3589]

You truly make me want to make shawls for my feet. I just might just have to jump in to your "How to Make Socks" Workshop! I LOVE your work.... all of it!

[@fredgorelick4023]

Good Folks, please know that you can effortlessly knit socks with two 24" circular needles. For some odd reason, many designers and teachers ignore this method. I've been using it for years and socks fly off the needleds with this method.

[@jandearlivinglife4433]

I totally agree with you.. I knit mine now with two needles and it’s my favourite method. I have tried all other way and I keep going back to the two needles .

[@DommieDarling1]

Two circs is my fave!

[@MarthaM4858]

My preference is 5 DPNs.

[@thechosenvoice3472]

Love your gestures lol you are so entertaining! So excited to join the kal and I ended up buying a ton of your sock patterns as well

[@karenhoney9850]

my granny socks are knit magic loop in variations of 3 by 2 rib patterns. For us negative ease is a no no and soft ribbing keeps the socks up without constricting bloodflow. Shorty socks are much easier to put on and gorgeous yarns warm the heart as well as feet. For extra padding on the sole just continue the heel flap k1 sl1 over the heel turn (it helps to place markers in the center heel during the turn and on each side of the heel stitches after rejoining)and down the foot, remembering there needs to be a knit row every other.

[@KimClinger]

Thanks Stephen! Love seeing a new video from you….

[@cindinasveschuk9682]

❤🧶🎉 Thank you!

[@juliedustin5829]

Sooooo have you ever worked with a high arch person? We are out there. I have figured out what works for me with trial and error but it might be wonderful with all the people you have following you to address this in sock making. Newbies are left trying and trying to find what will work for them. I try to help but you could teach so many more people.. thank you!

[@maryfrank2175]

YES! Esp if the foot is not only high arch, but wider and even longer than the standard patterns. It's really difficult for new knitters. I've only been knitting about 1 1/2 yrs, but had to make 6 socks to even get close!

[@Melissa_412]

Thank you Stephen for taking the time to make this wonderful video. You are fantastic!! I have been hesitant to make socks for some silly reason but you and your amazing patterns have inspired me to start a pair. ❤😊

[@theresasavaria6712]

Brillant suggestions. Thank you❤

[@hazeldonner1855]

I have the e book and knitting painting bricks at the moment. They are lovely ❤️

[@soizgwenenora]

Thanks, it's very useful! I'm knitting the cabled trellis socks, I like it!

[@mrsANGRYh]

I would love to have a coffee with Stephen West at a cafe in Amsterdam.. Alas, I'm at the bottom of the world in New Zealand.

[@bettifelton7435]

Thank you for these sock tips! They are very helpful. All your video tutorial are excellent and i just wanted to thank you again.

[@loveknitting100]

Great tips!! I am so excited you are a sock knitter now! Shawls and socks are my favorites ❤

[@TheRonchi]

Dustland are wonderful socks and they fit perfectly

[@mariapartington7910]

Ebook n yarn ready, but i'm Loving the Aurora Cabin Shawl WOW addicting.!!!

[@LindaSimpson]

Very useful. Just purchased the workshop and going to make a start on the twisted cable socks xxx

[@deekay1641]

Thank you for all the wonderful tips on sock fit, this is going to be great help to get rid of the sloppy sock look.

[@gaylaboelens3565]

I have already bought your ebook on socks and can't wait to get started. I am knitting them for me son! He loves crazy colorful socks!

[@katecostantino5753]

Looking forward to a year of socks with you!

[@katibere1966]

Love all your projects…great tips and tutorials! Thank you!

[@debbietodd8547]

WHERE were you before I became a very frustrated sock knitter? I've had so much trouble with fit because nobody and no patterns explain as well as you do. Also the yarn choice......100% merino with no nylon NOT a good sock yarn, stretches and drapes out almost double the size🥴 Never had the negative ease explained to me before either. I am ready to quit and lost half a night sleep last night in frustration but will try your tips and tricks before I do. I am not a new knitter but these have me stymied😳

[@janethagopian4085]

Great video. I wondered how and where to measure my foot! 😁

[@SioLazer]

Top tip is to choose a yarn with a bit of nylon in it. Lately I've done toe up but you're so right! If you do a cuff down then you don't have to swatch

[@phf3238]

I also knit two at a time on magic loop.

[@maryfrank2175]

Ditto! helps keep them the same without notes!

[@carlytasmith5754]

Sometimes I will try on my sock before I get to the toe to make sure it fits too❤

[@Ladeedi73]

Thank you!!

[@cherielough1057]

How about fit tips for toe up socks for another KZbin. I have trouble finding the best spot to start the heel. And I have high arches so often need to make adjustments to the heel pattern.

[@maryfrank2175]

Ditto!

[@phf3238]

I use a sock ruler.

[@christinasee5157]

Hello Stephen! I measured my foot and it came out to 8 inches. So that would mean make it 6.5 inches. I'm talking about the "SSAL 2024: Color Popportunity Socks" I hope to hear from you or someone on your team soon.Thanks!!

[@StephenWest]

Yes, 6.5 inches should work well, and then you can customize the length.

[@strikogromantik]

I would say my top 3 tips are: 1) knit with a gauge of 30-32 stitches on 10 cm (some sock yarn grow about 20% so you would want to take that into consideration if you don’t wash your swatches) 2) make sure to go for 10-20% negative ease on the finished, washed and blocked sock. 3) learn how to do at least 3 different heel-construction-types. The heel will determine if the sock will stay in place or not - so different people will need different heel constructions (Heel flap and gusset, short row heel and afterthoughheel are good populair hel-constructions and most people will comfterbly fit in one of those heel-constructions 😍🥰😘

[@Amethyst1919]

I don't wear socks... live in the Arizona desert and am very sensitive to heat... so all the socks I knit are "look at and give away"... lol

[@LaneganFan]

Hi Stephen, do you always knit cuff down socks? I prefer toe up & can usually convert patterns to suit that but wondering before I get the ebook if your patterns are toe up suitable? Thanx :)

[@marianneknapp4846]

Which is your pick for a lightweight ladies sock anklet? Thanks & Love Marianne 💕😊

[@LittlehomesteadintheValley]

Do you have any tips for heels to knit for those of us with high arches and and high insteps?

[@allinug44]

Love yr sweatshirt! Which pattern is it?

[@user-pw6dt1xs7v]

Man's leg is 13 inches foot circ is 10 1/2 inches and foot length is 11 inches. How many stitches do I need to cast on. and what needle size for fine yarn.

[@littleidiot153]

Hello my dear friend Stephen, did I missunderstand you? Maybe I have a language problem. I am German. I understood you wanted to release a Video about the Aurora Cabin Shawl 12.26.22 Geman: 26.12.22 You said in one of your Videos we will start 26.th December. I thought you would release a Video on that day for some of the hurdles... Did I get it wrong? YT is my only "social network" I am not on Facebook not on Twitter not on tictoc or anything else. Will you release a Video about the Aurora Cabin Shawl, or can I just give up waiting every day??? Lots of love my friend I still remember your hug. 💓

[@RhondaP1957]

Great video. Do you ever do toe up socks? I love these, especially 2 at a time, avoiding 1 sockitus.

[@StephenWest]

I'm happy you liked it! I haven't knit toe-up socks before but you never know what I will knit next.

[@andreamiller6200]

Around 1:56 when you say to measure around the center of your foot, do you include the ball of the foot so you get the widest part of your foot in that measurement?

[@strikogromantik]

When I Teach this subjekt I will ask for the circumference around the plantar arch and instep -(preferably measured standing ) this will not necessarily be the widest or largest circumstance though - so I would alway take more measurements (ankle and forefoot, too)

[@michelinel2000]

Thank you very much ! I will join this kal. Will it be one sock at a time or two on the same needle please ? Sorry if my english is not well written....

[@StephenWest]

I'm so glad you can join us! It will be knit one sock at a time.

[@valerijamezhybovska2836]

I hate to ask it, but I have to: my feet are swollen now in hot summer, and they a getting more or less swollen. How could I adjust my measurements? Thank you in advance!

[@megegert861]

I have bunions. Does this change any measurements?

[@suseschneeflocke6358]

Lieber Stephen, ich finde Deine Tücher so toll , leider kann ich kein Englisch. Wäre es nicht möglich Deine Anleitungen auch in deutscher Sprache zu verkaufen? Ich kann mir vorstellen das ganz viele Stricker in Deutschland sich freuen würden. Ganz Liebe Grüße ,Suse.

[@nottosureaboutthat3292]

What is that shawl at the back of sofa.

[@mkeller18]

Did you say your sock should be an inch or two smaller around than your foot?

[@nryane]

Yes.

[@kickflare]

Shame you don't talk about adjusting socks for high arches.

[@maryfrank2175]

Agreed! This subject is never discussed in DETAIL! I wish someone would help sock knitters by making a brief video or writing up something on it.

[@user-zz5vx6he4x]

안녕하세요 자막없네요 ㅜㅜ

[@frenchdiva76]

Is it possible to convince you to make a knee high patter… with ekstra calf room??😬

[@helenerioux3121]

Why don’t you make toe-up socks? Is there a special reason?

[@StephenWest]

I like beginning with the ribbing of the cuff as my preference, but would love to try toe up one day too!

[@helenerioux3121]

@@StephenWestI think the sock is easier to adjust with top down method. I’m experimenting the toe-up method and have some problems… too long, too short, too large 😕

[@TheMetatronGirl]

I vastly prefer toe-up for trying the sock on as you go. It’s so easy to knit a perfectly fit sock, and no grafting! I can never seem to get my Kitchener stitch as even as I’d like and spend an hour fussing with it. I’d rather spend 5 minutes doing Judy’s Magic Cast Ons and the other 55 minutes knitting the socks, themselves.

[@strikogromantik]

@@StephenWest I love that you do cuff-down and you do this consequently 😋🥰 to me “toe up” with no technical reason is a complete dealbreaker. I will ONLY cast on in the toe if eg a non-turntable lace-pattern requires it.

[@maryfrank2175]

@@helenerioux3121 Try them on as you knit! If you use circular needles, it's very easy to slip them on...and when the knitting reaches the front of ankle...it's time to begin the heel process. HTH

[@allinug44]

Sorry sweater 😊

[@wayne1950]

"Promo sm"

[@theneonknitter472]

When I cast on something stretchy I like to use the StevenBe Mama Christa’s Cast On kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH2lm35opLyAgas