Posted on 11-10-2021 by Janita van Rijnsbergen
As soon as the leaves start falling from the trees, we get that itch again. The sock-knitting itch! Sure, you can knit socks all year round, but there’s something special about this season, as the summer sun gives way to breezier days. It just gets you in the mood to cast on a pair of wooly socks. At Yarnplaza, you’ll find a wide range of sock yarns to satisfy your knitting urges. But what is sock yarn and what different types are there? Read all about it in this blog post.
What is sock yarn?
The best yarn for knitting or crocheting socks is sock yarn! The difference between ‘normal’ yarn and sock yarn is that the latter has a percentage of polyamide (also known as nylon) added to the wool. Most sock yarns are made from a classic blend of 75-80% wool and 20-25% nylon. The addition of this synthetic fiber ensures that your socks are more wear-resistant, so you can enjoy wearing your knitted socks for many years. Especially after all the love and effort you put into them! The polyamide not only strengthens the yarn, but it also helps your socks keep their shape after washing. Most sock wool is superwash treated. This means that you can wash your sock yarn creations without worrying about them shrinking or felting.
In addition to sock yarn with the traditional fiber composition, there are more and more sock yarns available made from unique and innovative materials, such as soy fiber, nettle, and bamboo. And don’t forget balls with a high percentage of cotton so you can show off your handmade socks even in the summer.
Shop your sock yarn at Yarnplaza
In our online webshop and Inspiration Center, you can find no fewer than 35 different types of sock yarn. We have highlighted a few of our favorite sock yarns in different categories for you below. Or browse our complete range of sock yarns for yourself.
Warm winter socks
For pairs of identical socks
Socks with trendy stripes and/or dots
Solid colors for plain or colorwork socks
Sock yarn with color transitions
Needles & accessories for knitting socks
You can knit socks on double-pointed needles (DPNs, sometimes referred to as sock needles), or on a circular knitting needle. Our favorites are the mini KnitPro Zing 25 cm circular knitting needles and the KnitPro Zing 20 cm double-pointed needles. Plus, you can buy all sorts of useful accessories to help you knit and block your socks. Our handy Sock Knitting Accessories Kit comes with all you need in one set. Of course, all the accessories are also available separately.
Learn how to knit socks for free with our Sock KAL
Need a refresher or have you never knitted socks before? Then learn to knit the perfect pair of socks with our free online sock knitting course.
Time to cast on!
Now that you’ve brushed up on how to knit socks and bought your sock yarn, it’s time to get started! Let one of the patterns below inspire you to make something spectacular. Enjoy!
