Scrappy socks chat...

 

Hello, loves!

 

 

How have you been? Did you have a good week? Thank you for all the well wishes on my move. While moving is not my favorite, there is so many new things to look forward to so it is exciting.

Since I have been packing and cleaning, there has been little time for knitting. The only project I have been working on in the very late evening hours is a sample knit cardigan that I need to have finished very soon. A comment from Michael on my last post gave me an idea for today's post. Michael asked:

 

i love the look and idea of making scrappy socks
but i'm wondering how you manage all the ends that need weaving in
i know well how to weave for regular knits, but with socks being pulled on and off and stretched so much i worry they will come apart over time
what's your secret?

 

 

The fun thing about Michael asking about how I weave in my ends is that with both pairs of my recent scrappy socks, I tried different joining techniques as a sort of trail and error. Now, my most recent pair is not completed so I can't speak on the wear and effectiveness of the two techniques I used.

 

 

This pair has a different technique with each sock. These socks have been have been hand washed twice and worn about 4 times.

The first sock I used a double knot or magic knot using this tutorial from Jane Richmond:

 

 

Notes: These socks have not come undone. I really like this technique for joining yarns, but I don't think I will be using it for sock yarn again. The reason is those tiny knots show in your sock. While the sock is scrappy, I would just rather prefer a smoother finish.

The second sock I waited to weave in the ends at the end.

 

 

On my newest pair, I figured I would try two new techniques because why not? Scrappy socks in themselves are an experiment, so why not do a bit of trail and error to find out a new go-to method.

The first sock I used this technique from Dye Another Day:

 

 

Notes on this technique~ I feel very confident in my ends staying put. The technique is not quick by any means. Video tutorial explained in great detail and very clear. 

I am currently working on my second sock and trying this technique on weaving in ends as you go from Very Pink Knits:

 

 Notes~ This process is simple and clear. My fingers are crossed that the ends will not come undone, as there is a bit of uncertainty, yet it is much like weaving in at the end of your project. One thing I am noticing it that the stitches where I wove in sort of look like I did a slip1 knit1 stitch. Maybe that will sort itself out once it is soaked and block, but it doesn't really bother me.

So have any of you knit scrappy socks? If so what tried and true techniques did you use to manage your joins/ends?

Thank you, Michael for your question!

I hope you all have the best day today!

xo,

andi

 

Comments

[Doortje]

When using a next colour, I knit the first 4 stitches together with the previous colour and the new colour. Then I weave the previous thread a few stitches while knitting. Or use the floats knit system as in colour work knitting. Or just weave then when finished knitting the sock.

[Dee]

Good luck with your move. Where are you going?

[Kay]

I love the Russian Join whenever I need to join new yarn.

[Cortney B]

Oh, I just love those scrappy socks! I knit a pair for my son (who has since outgrown them and I have reclaimed them) last year. I wound up using the Back Join method, outlined really nicely on the techknitter blog: http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2007/07/back-to-back-join.html

I really like this method for socks because it makes it pretty easy to start your new color excatly where you want it in the round. Happy Sunday!

[kathy b]

I am a snobby purist. I like my socks to be one continuous strand of yarn. because I fear the weave ins. It is great that you challenged yourself . Im challenging myself with after thought heels on the current pair. Just changing it up a bit

[Lisa]

Hope your move went well! Love the look of your scrappy socks they are so fun and colorful. Hope your cardigan is coming along nicely. Have a great week!

[Tien]

Love how your scrappy socks are knitting up! On my last pair, I used the same technique that Susan B. Anderson does: tie a half-hitch knot for extra security and then weave in a bit of the tail. My socks have lasted through multiple wearings and washing and you can’t feel the knots at all. For this year’s scrappy socks, I am just knitting a few stitches of the old & new yarns together then weaving in the tails.

[Caffeine Girl]

I love your scrappy socks, but have had the same thoughts as Michael. Given all the time that goes into socks, I'd probably go the old-fashioned but reliable way of weaving in ends.

Thanks for the videos. When I'm not so tired, I want to watch them. Maybe there is a better way!

[Lynn]

Hi Andi

I have never tried scrappy socks but i may have to.

Happy belated birthday. i just actually went and read thru a couple of months of posts. i got behind. lol

I hope you have an awesome day!

[Juliann]

Great links. I have a small stash of fingering and I keep thinking it would be fun to do a multi-color shawl but the ends are a conundrum

[Diane]

I have tried several methods and have found I do not like the Russian join results or the knots. But recently I tried the weaving-in-ends-as-you-go method like Dye another Day shows -- I really like the results of that method even if it is a bit slow. I do mine for 9-10 stitches. It may be slow but if you figure how much time is spent threading a needle then weaving in ends on each and every loose yarn end afterwards, it's much quicker than that. I really enjoyed this post -- thank you!

[Judy]

Personally, I don't mind weaving ends that much. When I weave, I use Swedish weaving. However. There is a pattern called Walking Stripes by Kristin Briney that has a technique to minimize the ends. It's meant for fingerless mitts but I don't see why it can't be used for socks.

[Stefanie]

I have tried the Dye Another Day but didn't feel confident enough that the ends would stay secure. I wouldn't mind trying it again. As for Very Pink, she has great tutorials and I think I came across this video once while being on Youtube. I wouldn't mind trying this one. I've saved your post to hopefully remind me about these techniques. I've done the double knot method for other projects. It's okay.

[Black Gloves]

I am amazed of your talent in knitting these beautiful socks. Always follow these kind of blogs. Hope to see more of your blogs.