Essential Questions and Answers for Hand Knit Socks
1. Wool Characteristics
Wool is the most common fiber used in hand knit socks. It's so popular because of several properties that make it ideal for this purpose. Which of the following is NOT a reason for wool's popularity among sock knitters?a. It is a breathable fiber, trapping heat while allowing air to circulate.
b. It is naturally elastic.
c. It is the only fiber other than silk that can be spun into a thin enough yarn for socks.
d. It pulls moisture away from feet.
2. Sock Heel Construction
If you examine a sock (go ahead - you know you want to!), you'll notice that it's basically a tube with a bend in it. There are several ways to create that bend for your heel. Which of the following is NOT a common name for a type of sock heel construction?a. Peasant heel
b. Dutch heel
c. Snake heel
d. Short row heel
3. Understanding Negative Ease
It's generally a good idea to knit a sock with "negative ease". What is negative ease, and why is it important?a. Negative ease means knitting the sock in the most difficult (least "easy") way possible. This is important because it builds character.
b. Negative ease means a really loosely knit fabric. It's important because it will be softer than a dense fabric.
c. Negative ease means the circumference of the sock is smaller than the circumference of your leg and foot. It's important because it will help keep the sock from slouching and shifting.
d. Negative ease is a method of knitting a sock starting with the toe. It's important because if you knit the toe last instead of first, you'll be left with a big hole.
4. Popular Sock Yarn Brands
Which of the following is a popular brand of sock yarn?a. Fannie's Fibers Flock a-Foot
b. Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock
c. Wanda's Wools Twinkle Toes
d. Acrylic Annie's Sir Sweats-a-Lot Socks
5. Closing the Sock Toe
What is the name of the technique used to close the toe in many sock patterns?a. Knicker stitch
b. Ketchup stitch
c. Kitchener stitch
d. Knipper stitch
6. Sock Stitch Patterns
This pattern combines columns of knit and purl stitches to create a simple but very stretchy sock.a. Garter
b. Frogging
c. Ribbing
d. Intarsia
7. Casting On Methods
I prefer to knit my socks starting with the leg and ending with the toe. Some people prefer to knit toe-up socks. There are a few popular methods of casting on for such socks. True or False: One of the methods is called the "figure 8 cast on."a. True
b. False
8. Knitting Tools and Methods
There are several ways to actually knit tubes for socks. Which of the following is NOT a common method/tool for knitting socks?a. Knitting in the round using double-pointed needles
b. The 2-circular method
c. Magic loop
d. Icord tube
9. Yarn Yardage for Socks
While it certainly varies from sock to sock, about how many yards of yarn do you think there are in a pair of adult-sized socks knit from fingering weight (sock weight) yarn?a. 40
b. 40,000
c. 4,000
d. 400
10. Maintaining Hand Knit Socks
What is the best way to make sure your hand knit socks stand the test of time?a. All of these choices
b. Air dry your socks, instead of throwing them in the dryer.
c. Use a yarn with nylon content, or reinforce the sock toes and heels with nylon thread.
d. Knit your socks at a relatively tight gauge.