Toe Up Socks

When knitting toe-up socks, use the socks themselves to hold the yarn ball. You can also knit both socks at the same time using the magic loop method. Magic loop is a way to knit in-the-round using a very long circular needle making a large loop with the cord that hangs outside your knitting so you can continue to knit in the round.

Matching Self Striping Yarn

To help match the pattern, when making socks with self striping yarn, leave a 1-2 yard tail at the beginning so you can match the repeat exactly. If you are making two socks from the same ball of yarn you may have to pull a bit before you get a match for the start of the second sock.

Yarn That Tends To Bias Or Twist

Chenille yarn tends to bias – slant or twist your work because of the way that it’s made. One way to overcome this is to knit a strand of sewing thread or another very thin, well spun yarn along with the chenille. If it is in a matching color, it won't show at all. If it contrasts, think of it as a design element. This also helps prevent another frequent problem with chenille--worming (when loose loops of yarn pull out of the fabric and twist back on themselves, making little tails).

You can use this same technique for reinforcing 100% wool sock yarn. Choose a good strong nylon thread in a complimentary or matching color and include it with your yarn in the wear areas of your sock. Even if the yarn wears through, the nylon thread will maintain the structure for a possible overstitch repair.

Saving Your Socks Heels and Toes

Use a strand of silk sewing thread with your sock yarn when knitting socks to help keep heels and toes from wearing out. You could also use wooly nylon thread.