New Methods for Crochet Socks

By Rohn Strong

If you love crocheting socks, you will love this book. Book includes 12 patterns all using Premier Yarns Deborah Norville Serenity Sock and Serenity Garden Sock yarns. Someone who has never crocheted socks before could pick up this book and easily be making socks the same day! A variety of techniques such as lace, colorwork, Tunisian and cables are used to present a collection of beautiful and functional designs. Instructions include tips for working socks with different stitch patterns, sizing the socks and getting the correct gauge. There are a variety of heel and toe patterns that can be used interchangeably. All patterns are sized and designed for women.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Annie's
• Release date: Aug 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781573678360

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Introduction

By Rohn Strong

I’ve been crocheting socks for years, and my motto has stayed the same no matter how much I’ve learned and developed: Crocheting socks is personal and you should take control of it. You should have a choice to make your socks just the way you want them for the right fit and feel.

Since my first crochet sock pattern, I have been invested in making sure sock crocheters have options, something that has been lacking for some time. No matter the pattern, you should have the skills to adjust and customize the socks to fit your feet and your personality.

In this collection of socks, I chose 12 patterns that represent a diversity of design: easy to experienced, self-striping to solid, cables to lace, toe-up and cuff-down. To accompany the patterns, I have also included instructions for working different toe and heel constructions for you to mix and match for a sock that truly fits you perfectly. There are tips and tricks along the way that make your sock crocheting experience a bit easier.

Getting Started

When you decide to crochet socks you need just a few tools. These tools are quite inexpensive.

1. Crochet Hook

A size F/5/3.75mm crochet hook is used for each pattern in this book. I was able to achieve a gauge of approximately 6 stitches per inch, which is perfect for socks. However, gauge is a crocheter-specific number, and you may need to go up or down a hook size or two in order to achieve the same gauge. My advice is to use the recommended hook and make adjustments as needed.

2. Split Ring Stitch Markers

Crochet stitch markers are often called split ring stitch markers. They are used to mark the beginning of rounds, the location of increases or decreases, and the right and/or wrong side of the work.

3. Yarn

Yarn is quite possibly the most important choice you’ll need to make while crocheting socks. Most of the socks in this book use Premier Yarns Deborah Norville Serenity Sock. It is a wonderful mix of bamboo, nylon and superwash merino that is inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors. The remaining socks are designed with Premier Yarns Deborah Norville Serenity Garden, a thicker sock yarn comprised of 100 percent micro acrylic (a soft non-animal yarn choice).

If choosing another yarn, try to aim for something with nylon or acrylic in it. These man-made fibers will give the sock the stretch it needs and can be machine-washed for ease.

Heels & Toes

This book covers a variety of heels and toes for you to use in customizing your socks. Those that are marked toe-up or cuff-down are done so that they can be interchanged easily.

Heels

For cuff-down socks, the following heels work well:

•Single Crochet Heel Flap—This heel flap is worked in all single crochet with a heel turn.

•Double/Single Crochet Heel Flap—This heel flap is comprised of alternating single and double crochet rows with a heel turn.

•Wedge Heel—This heel is worked as a short-row heel, but with an added wedge for improved fit.

For toe-up socks, try this heel:

•Short-Row Heel—This short-row wedge heel is comprised of two small sections of fabric worked over half the stitches.

These heels can be used with either cuff-down or toe-up socks:

•Afterthought Heel—This heel is worked exactly as the standard dual toe, with two decreases on opposite sides of toe.

•Afterthought Barn Heel—Modified from a popular sock knitting heel, this heel is worked similarly to a standard afterthought heel, except stitches are decreased on staggered rows.

Toes

When making cuff-down socks, use one of these toes:

•Star Toe—Four decreases are worked every row to create this toe.

•Round Toe—Six decreases are worked every other row for this toe.

For toe-up socks, this toe works well:

•Short-Row Toe—This toe is worked exactly as the Short-Row Heel.

The following toes work for either cuff-down or toe-up socks:

•Barn Toe—This toe is worked as for the Afterthought Barn Heel.

•Standard Dual—For this toe, increases or decreases are worked on alternate rows on both sides of foot.

•Wide Toe—Standard dual decreases are worked every row for this toe.

Basic Sock

Skill Level

Finished Sizes

Instructions given fit woman’s shoe size 6–7 (small); changes for