In the May issue of our newsletter, we debated the merits of knitting socks toe-up vs. cuff down. Now we’re going to discuss the methods of knitting socks: on double-pointed needles (DPNs), two circular needles, or one long needle for Magic Loop.

Anna: I do Magic Loop for two reasons. First, when I used DPNs, even when I used five needles, I was plagued with ladders in my circular knitting. Second, I had a very bad tendency to lose DPNs, and with the one needle method of Magic Loop, there’s nothing to lose (except for, of course, the project itself).

Annette: When I knit socks, I much prefer DPNs.  I like having the multiple needles and feel more in control of my knitting. Also, with the DPNs I don’t have cables everywhere that annoy me. (also, I hate to admit it, I think it looks kinda bad-ass to have so many pointy needles going at once). The only time I’ll not use DPNs is if the pattern makes it toodifficult (like when I was making my Entrelac Socks–the entrelac pattern made it way too easy for the stitches to slide off the needles) so then I’ll use Magic Loop. I did the 2 circs method once just to try it and just didn’t like it.  DPNs are the way for me!

David: I am partial to two circular needles – only because I first learned to knit socks that way.  I haven’t knit socks in over a year now and would like to make at least one pair before the close of 2010.  In keeping with this year’s knit outside your comfort zone theme, I would like to tackle sock making using DPN’s (using the new Kollage square needles?).

Monica: Magic Loop, hands down. I love that you only ever have to deal with the 2 needles tips. My second choice (ironically) would be DPNs, that’s how I first learned and it’s a comfortable knitting style for me… go figure.

Nora: Although I do not knit socks…I once knit a pair of toes for a pair of knee socks on one long circular needles using magic loop and one man’s sock using DPN.  I like both DPNs and magic loop depending on the knitting situation! The toes—still on the needles—were a Turkish cast-on and are perfect.  The yarn would make a great shawl but I cannot bear to frog them.  Someday I might change my mind and finish the socksJ.

Yvonne: I use all three methods.  I love magic loop.  I enjoy working with DPNs because I feel a “connection” to all of the knitters who have gone before me, knitting their socks on DPNs (also, I’m very partial to those new square Kollage DPNs we carry, so that’s just a bonus!). I also like to do two circulars, but of the three methods discussed, I would say it is probably my least favorite.

Want to learn more about the different methods of making socks? Check out Carla’s Power Knitting Socks Class. Her description:

Been knitting one sock at a time and battling “Second Sock Syndrome”? Then this class is for you. You will learn to make 2 socks at one time on either 2 circular needles or with the Magic Loop method. We will also work them top down and toe up. This way when you are finished, you are finished with the pair and don’t have to start all over again to make the other sock. Bye, bye Second Sock Syndrome! We will also discuss alternate heel and toe methods. Please note: This is not a ‘Learn to Knit Socks’ class. It is for those who have knit at least 2 pairs of socks by any method already and want to move on to knitting socks 2 at one time.

Carla’s class is scheduled for July 12 OR August 10. In just two hours, your mind will be blown with all the methods you will learn.  Call the shop at 412-441-4410 to register!