6 Tips For When You Need To Know What Is The Best Sock Yarn

Think about it, you are about ready to start knitting, and then the thought comes up, what is the best sock yarn? Truly, this is a question that knitters have asked at some point or another. The truth is, a sock is not like other items you may knit, which is why the type of yarn you use can make it or break it.

First things first, what is sock yarn?

Before you decide on the best sock yarn, you will need to understand exactly what it is. For starters, sock yarn is used as a term to refer to the yarn weight, which the Craft Yarn Council often classifies as a super fine yarn. However, sock yarn is also used to refer to any yarn used to knit sock, whether it is bulky or fine.

Here are the 6 tips for when you need to know what is the best sock yarn:

Tip #1: Socks have to be somewhat stretchy

Unlike scarves or blankets, socks have to be able to stretch on your foot in such a way that it allows it to stay covered, but at the same time can let your foot breathe. You will need to go for yarn that is elastic but will not give out easily.

Tip #2:  Softness and elasticity may not always go together

While many people crave softness when it comes to socks, there are some downsides to choosing the softest fabric, as it may not be the best for socks. Softness often means that the yarn will not last as a sock and at the same time may be too tight for the elasticity that socks need.

Tip #3: Your socks need to be washed constantly

No one wants socks that aren’t washable, especially because they are going to be touching the ground often and will need to be washed every time they are used, or at least many times. If you rather save some energy and wash your socks in the machine, you will need to ensure that your yarn is called “superwash” or says “machine washable”.

As with many yarns, though, this one also has some downsides. For one, it tends to be unfriendly to the environment because of the chemicals in it. There are a few brands that are eco-friendly and can withstand a gentle cycle on the machine.

Your best bet may be to wash your knitted socks in a gentle, cold cycle, and then air-dry them. Still, even with this option, you will have to be careful with making sure your yarn won’t just fall apart.

Tip #4: Color matters

This point is purely personal, but the color of your yarn does affect the quality of the socks. In some cases, when you choose crazy loud colors, people will not want to wear your socks. In others, though, a dark color may make your sock seem too boring.

Tip #5: Consider the yarn weight

Many people think that the best sock yarn weight is fingering, as this is very comfortable, light, and can be molded to feet shape easily. When you need a more complicated design, lace and light fingering can work better.

When you try to go for stockinette stitch, a sport weight yarn may be the best choice. In this case, however, the sock will be heavier. For hiking, you need to find the heaviest yarn out there to protect your feet and allow for good support.

Tip #6: Check for fiber blends

Knitters often go with their preferred blend of fibers. For example, some think cotton is the softest and nicest sock yarn. Others prefer wool and how lasting and cushioning it can be. In some cases, mixed nylon or acrylic is easier to use.

Other fibers aren’t as elastic, so finding a blend can help solve the problem. Wool socks are common, and they are soft and durable, but they are not as stretchy. With a mix of nylon or cotton, your wool sock can become more elastic.

Keep in mind as well that some people are allergic to certain fibers, so you will have to avoid them. Acrylic allergies are not uncommon, and this fabric is common in various blends, so you should always double-check. Wool can also be a common allergen, but you can switch it out for cotton.

Finally, for some knitters, eco-friendly and sustainable fibers are better, so that means you will have to check labels and ingredients before you buy anything.

Ready to make some socks?

Now that you know what is the best sock yarn, why not start knitting some socks? Make great gifts with warm, cozy, durable, and fun socks. Consider these tips before you buy your next yarn, and that way, you will get the most out of your knitting project.

To get you started on your sock projects why not try these highly recommended sock yarns?

Sock Ease Yarn

Made from 75% nylon and 25% wool, this fingering-weight yarn will let you create amazing looking socks with ease. The yarn even has aloe vera to soften your delicate hands as you knit!

Get the yarn HERE=> Sock Ease Yarn

Muse Hand Painted Sock Yarn

A gorgeous hand-painted yarn artfully dyed by Japanese artisans, it contains 75% Superwash Merino Wool and 25% nylon. This fingering weight yarn is great for socks but can also be used for shawls or lightweight garments.

Get the yarn HERE=>Muse Hand Painted Sock Yarn

Felici Sock Yarn

An incredibly soft sock yarn made of 75% Superwash Merino wool and 25% nylon, this yarn will let you make super comfy yet very durable socks. Best of all, the finished item is machine washable.

Get the yarn HERE=> Felici Sock Yarn

Static 

Knit the most amazingly colorful socks with Static! Containing 75% Superwash Merino wool and 25% nylon, this fingering-weight yarn will let you whip up the softest and most beautiful socks ever! And they’re also machine washable, so you’ll be using them all the time!

Get the yarn HERE => Static

Stroll Hand-Painted

A fingering weight yarn that contains 75% fine Superwash Merino wool and 25% nylon, this super-soft yarn will let you make socks that are as fun to wear as they are to knit. 

Get the yarn HERE => Stroll Hand-Painted

Hawthorne Speckle Hand-Painted

A lovely hand-painted sock yarn, It is made of 80% fine Superwash Highland Wool and 20% nylon. This fingering weight yarn will let you make sturdy and amazing-looking socks to wear to work or play.

Get the yarn HERE => Hawthorne Speckle Hand-Painted

Now that you’ve learned how to pick the best yarns for making socks, why not check out this article about the  8 things to consider to get the best yarns for baby blankets?