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What are the Different Types of Sock Yarn?

By Sheri Cyprus
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 16,805
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Sock yarn is knitting yarn used to knit socks. Sock yarns are available in different types and thicknesses. The thicker the yarn used, the thicker the finished knitted socks will be. Some knitters look for discount yarn to use for knitting socks.

Since a pair of socks is a fairly small thing to knit, different colors and types of discount yarn could be used rather than a specific sock yarn. However, it's important to use yarn of the same weight or thickness to complete the pair of socks. Otherwise, a bumpy texture may be created and this may affect the comfort level when the socks are worn inside shoes. Variegated or multicolor yarns can create the look of texture in knitted socks while giving a smooth finish.

Yarns labeled specifically as sock yarn are often of fingering weight. Fingering weight yarns are lightweight and are similar to the baby weight yarn type. Fingering weight sock yarns tend to show intricate stitching so the patterns of knitted socks can be quite intricate. Knitted socks made from baby or fingering weight wool sock yarn are popularly made in infant as well as adult sizes. Wool socks help keep feet warm even if they get wet, and many wool sock yarns available today are machine washable.

Cotton and bamboo sock yarns are said to be cooling on the skin and they are popular for knitting lightweight socks for warm weather. Tweed sock yarns are made from fingering wool and are textured to be suitable for cooler weather. The color is two-toned and the texture is roughly spun, yet consistently even like that of tweed coats. Tweed sock yarn is the traditional type used for knitting men's dress socks.

Hand-dyed sock yarn is vivid and colorful. Hand-dyed sock yarns are often found in pattern kits and a sock kit may contain hand-dyed yarn for knitting thin, lacy socks or for heavy, wool socks. The streaks of colors created when hand-dying yarn is unique and there are no dye lots. A dye lot refers to balls of yarn that were all dyed in the same batch to create color consistency. The whole concept of knitting socks with hand-dyed yarns is to form a one-of-a-kind, colorful sock.

Leftover, partial balls of sock yarn may be used alternately to knit socks with a striped pattern. While socks knitted with natural yarns such as cotton, bamboo or wool are usually the most desirable for comfort and feel, sock yarns that contain some acrylic fibers often add a little stretchiness to the socks which some people like. Hand-knit socks tend to make wonderful and much appreciated gifts no matter which type of sock yarn is used.

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Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Jan 16, 2015

@burcinc-- I think that has to do with the materials used to make the yarn. My sock yarn is made of 75% wool and 25% nylon. Shrinkage is minimum to none with this type of yarn. There might be a very small amount of shrinkage but it's minimal and returns to its regular size after wearing for a few minutes.

Nylon won't shrink at all, but I don't recommend using yarn made of 100% synthetic materials because it's not health. Synthetic yarns cause sweating and do not absorb moisture. So they can even promote foot infections like athlete's foot. Stick with yarn that's mostly natural wool.

By burcinc — On Jan 16, 2015

What is the best type of sock yarn to prevent shrinkage after washing and drying? I knitted socks for my grandson and my daughter told me that they've shrunk so much after washing that he can't wear them anymore!

By ysmina — On Jan 15, 2015

I've taken an interest in knitting and I've knitted several pairs of socks with different yarn. I'm not an expert but in my experience, the yarn should neither be too thick or too thin. If it's too thin, it requires much more effort and time to finish. And if it's too thick, the sock turns out quite rigid and not as soft. So it's best to choose a yarn somewhere in between.

I'm sure that the finished product also has to do with knitting style. It's important to knit at the same pace and tightness. Otherwise, the results can be uneven and not smooth.

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