Answers to Knitting Test 2

1. 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?

c. It is the only fiber other than silk that can be spun into a thin enough yarn for socks.

Wool is often used in commercially produced hiking socks because it's so good at keeping feet warm and dry, even in wet conditions. The wool fibers "wick" moisture away from the surface, and can help your feet stay dry even if you step in puddles.

2. 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?

c. snake heel

If you take a close look at store-bought socks, you'll see that the heel is usually created using a short row method. The things you notice when you start knitting!

3. It's generally a good idea to knit a sock with "negative ease". What is negative ease, and why is it important?

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.

If the sock is exactly the same circumference (or larger) as your leg or foot, it will sag. It will also shift around in your shoe and wear out faster. Generally, you'll want a sock that has 10% - 20% negative ease. For example, if your foot is 10" in circumference, you'll want a sock that measures only 8" - 9" in circumference.

4. Which of the following is a popular brand of sock yarn?

b. Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock

Lorna's Laces is lovely, lovely stuff. It's popular among knitters who like striped socks, although it also comes in solid colors.

5. What is the name of the technique used to close the toe in many sock patterns?

c. kitchener stitch

Kitchener stitch is used to graft the toe stitches together to make a seamless join. If done correctly, you can't even tell it's there! It takes some concentration to get the hang of it, but is definitely worth the effort. No toe seam! Another advantage of hand-knit socks.

6. This pattern combines columns of knit and purl stitches to create a simple but very stretchy sock.

c. ribbing

Using a ribbed pattern on your sock will make the fit a lot more flexible. Ribbing expands a lot, but will also hug the foot. The same ribbed sock will comfortably fit a variety of feet and leg sizes.

7. 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

A figure 8 cast on is when you wind the yarn around 2 needles in a figure 8 pattern before you begin knitting. Another popular way to cast on for toe-up socks is to use a provisional cast-on to begin a short row toe.

8. There are several ways to actually knit tubes for socks. Which of the following is NOT a common method/tool for knitting socks.

d. icord tube

While you could theoretically make a huge tube out of icord, it's not the most efficient method, and I've never heard of anybody making socks that way. Plus, imagine trying to turn the heel on an icord tube. What a headache!

Doublepointed needles are probably the most common method. Magic loop uses one long circular needle, with the excess cord pulled out between stitches of the sock. The 2 circular method uses 2 circular needles at once, one to knit each side of the sock.

9. 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?

d. 400

That's 4 football fields! I enjoy knitting socks while watching football. As a spectator sport, it was really made for knitters. They count things in yards, and there's the whole "foot" connection for those of us who enjoy knitting socks. Plus, they always have instant replays of the interesting stuff, in case you miss something while tending to the needles. A perfect match.

10. What is the best way to make sure your hand knit socks stand the test of time?

a. all of these choices

I've found that even if you abuse your hand knit socks a bit, they'll still last a lot longer than store bought socks.