#Round loom knitting sock pattern upgrade#
#Round loom knitting sock pattern trial#

The KB sock loom uses the short row method to create both the heel and the toe. Just remember thicker yarn (in terms of gauge or ply) will create larger stitches and thinner yarn will create smaller stitches. I typically stick to Weights 1 and 2, but will go as high as 3. Yarn labeled as sock yarn will work 99% of time. For those who like a tighter cuff than average yarn can provide (no matter how stretchy the rib), this super thin elastic is knit right into the sock via the working yarn and blends in completely.

In the knitting aisle, look for a spool of elastic yarn thread.

#Round loom knitting sock pattern upgrade#

For anything thicker, upgrade to the KB Sock Loom 2 and revert to a k2,p2 rib.Īnother simple fix involves a trip to the craft store. That being said, for bulkier yarn (Weight 3), I’ve found a k3,p1 rib creates a nice, elastic rib. I rip it out every time and reknit with a k2,p2 pattern instead. I’ve tried on multiple occasions and I always end up with a wide-mouth cuff that never shrinks down with any sort of elasticity. In my humble opinion, the K1,P1 pattern that is often called for in knitting pattern does not work on the loom. The ideal cuff “tucks in” a bit, but don’t expect it to be tight without a little help from elastic! It works on multiple weights of yarn and compliments just about every pattern. In my experience, the K2,P2 rib pattern creates the best cuff in that it is simple and has fantastic elasticity. Despite all the variables, I have one simple answer to this question. The bottom line: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try a count that’s a little bigger or smaller than you calculated.Ĭuffs are tricky business on a sock loom! Everything from gauge, yarn, tension, and peg count can effect the overall size and elasticity of a cuff. Most socks will stretch enough to fit, so erring on the side of a bit too small is best. The trick is remembering it doesn’t have to be perfect. They fit snugly and I liked them, but I realized I wanted a little more ease, so for my next pair I added four pegs, to arrive at 52. My first pair of socks were knit on 48 pegs.

#Round loom knitting sock pattern trial#

Ultimately, it all comes down to trial and error. When knitting a rib pattern, there will be more elasticity, so subtracting a couple of pegs will create a more ideal fit. When using a plain flat stitch, there will be little or no elasticity, so that means a couple pegs more might come in handy. More elasticity means your socks will stretch more and therefore can accommodate various sizes. If I’m using a thinner yarn like Premier sock yarn, I know the stitches will be smaller, so I need to go up to 54 or 56 pegs.Īnother thing to keep in mind is elasticity. When I’m using thicker yarn like Paton’s Kroy, I know I’m going to get a bigger sock, so I can go down to 50 or 48 pegs. This isn’t an exact science! When it comes to socks you just have to get close enough. My ideal peg count is 52, but I’ve also realized different yarns and patterns call for different peg counts. Inside, there are fantastic visuals for casting on, and turning the heel, but what makes it golden is the fact that it has patterns for various sizes of socks that include specific peg counts.Īhhhh! How many pegs do I need? Don’t worry – it’s easy! When I bought my sock loom, I bought a pattern book that turned out to be my lifeline, Sock Loom Basics (Leisure Arts #5651). They will tell you how many pegs to use for various sizes. Then, I realized there was an easier way to “calculate” pegs: know your shoe size and check out sock loom patterns. For my first pair of socks, I bugged my husband and his calculator brain instead of doing it myself. The instructions that come with the KB Sock Loom are quite good, but they might scare those who are bit squeamish around math. Some of the common questions that have popped up on my post are listed below along with some tips and tricks. However, after working with my loom on more than 20 projects, I’ve figured out a few things that makes the process much easier. Loom knitting is very different from traditional needle knitting, so of course, it has its own set of issues. Over the last couple of months, the comments section has turned into a full-scale conversation forum about troubleshooting everything from wide cuffs to gauge issues. People from all over the world stopped by to leave comments about their projects, but also to ask questions. When I posted I Made Socks and You Can, Too! I had no idea it would garner so much attention.