Monday Mailbag
Jeanie writes:
Hi there! I'm new to your blog. I've never thought of using Microspun for socks... Do they breathe well? What pattern do you recommend? I'm looking for something to make some socks for DH and Microspun might be an option...
Hi back at you, Jeanie! You ask some very good questions. I wish I had an equal level of good answers.
I am a relatively new sock knitter. I've only completed 2 pairs, and the Micro-Spun socks will be my third. My first two pairs were knit with Sockotta yarn.
I do own a pair of Micro-Spun socks that my mother knit for me. They are great. I can tromp around all day in them in my walking shoes and my feet don't come out at the end of the day feeling all soggy. So yes, I'd have to say they do breath well. And for comfort, they're right up there with good walking socks.
The only pattern I've used before this pair of socks was Lucy Neatby's Simply Splendid Socks from her wonderful book, Cool Socks, Warm Feet. This pair of Micro-Spun socks are also my first experiment in knitting a toe-up sock, and so far I'm loving it. I'm doing primarily a stockinette stitch sock, with short-row toe and heel, and I'll be doing a long cuff in ribbing.
So long as it will let you make adjustments based on your actual stitch gauge, however, I suspect you can use almost any pattern you like. I'd avoid lacy patterns, but if they're for your husband I doubt that's an issue. A simple ribbing would work quite well, though.
The pair my mother knit, she says she used size 8 needles, and they're done in a 2x2 ribbing throughout the leg and foot. The fabric is comfortable and the socks are holding up well, but the knit could be tighter. For my pair, I'm using size 2 needles. The fabric is dense, but still form-fitting and elastic.
Jeanie, I hope that helps. Thanks so much for writing!
Hi there! I'm new to your blog. I've never thought of using Microspun for socks... Do they breathe well? What pattern do you recommend? I'm looking for something to make some socks for DH and Microspun might be an option...
Hi back at you, Jeanie! You ask some very good questions. I wish I had an equal level of good answers.
I am a relatively new sock knitter. I've only completed 2 pairs, and the Micro-Spun socks will be my third. My first two pairs were knit with Sockotta yarn.
I do own a pair of Micro-Spun socks that my mother knit for me. They are great. I can tromp around all day in them in my walking shoes and my feet don't come out at the end of the day feeling all soggy. So yes, I'd have to say they do breath well. And for comfort, they're right up there with good walking socks.
The only pattern I've used before this pair of socks was Lucy Neatby's Simply Splendid Socks from her wonderful book, Cool Socks, Warm Feet. This pair of Micro-Spun socks are also my first experiment in knitting a toe-up sock, and so far I'm loving it. I'm doing primarily a stockinette stitch sock, with short-row toe and heel, and I'll be doing a long cuff in ribbing.
So long as it will let you make adjustments based on your actual stitch gauge, however, I suspect you can use almost any pattern you like. I'd avoid lacy patterns, but if they're for your husband I doubt that's an issue. A simple ribbing would work quite well, though.
The pair my mother knit, she says she used size 8 needles, and they're done in a 2x2 ribbing throughout the leg and foot. The fabric is comfortable and the socks are holding up well, but the knit could be tighter. For my pair, I'm using size 2 needles. The fabric is dense, but still form-fitting and elastic.
Jeanie, I hope that helps. Thanks so much for writing!
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