Socks on 3 dpns or 4 dpns?

[susanc]

Hi everyone:

I'm doing the "class sock" from Charlene Schurch's book Sensational Knitted Socks using the 4 dpn method. It's a little confusing when renumbering the needles. Is making socks on 3 dpns easier? This is the first sock I've knitted, so I'm a little lost at times. I'd love to get your opinions on this.

Thanks! Hope you're all having a great day!

[vaknitter]

I am far from a pro knitter, but when I do socks I divide my stitches btwn 3 needles and use the 4th to knit with. There is a website I found very helpful with the first pair I knit and have referred back to it a few times since then.. <http://www.royea.net/sockdemo1.html>

Best of Luck

[rebecca]

When I knit socks on dpns I always, always use 5 dpns. When you have the sock on the dpns you have less tension at the needle change if you have another dpn, lessening the chance of laddering. I've knit socks using 6 dpns because of this
Now...I'm a tried and true 2 circ socknitter.

[moon]

I use 3, never had ladder issues.

[misstialouise]

I prefer 4 + working needle. Keeps my head in a space where I can see what part of the sock I'm workin' on.. :D

Plus, I find the 4+1 easier to manipulate in my hands, more flexibility.

[susanc]

misstialouise:

That's why I like the 4 + working needle. I need to see the sock take shape. Maybe when I've been knitting socks a while, I can try another method. I've heard a lot about 2 circs, but that is WAY over my head and I don't even want to try and wrap my head around that right now! I do have an issue at times with laddering, so that's a concern as well!

Lucky you, moon ~ no ladders! How do you do it?

[dustinac]

I always use 4.. 3 to hold the sts and 1 to knit with... if I start using more dpns I find it more confusing...

[mrspotter-tru]

Is it possible to knit socks on one circular needle? Is the reason why because there are no circular needles out there small enough. The smallest is what, 12". Could you concievably make your own circ small enough to knit socks? I am just wondering. The less needles I have to knit with, the better. I am very new!

[Andrea]

mrspotter...you can use the Magic Loop method...you can check out Amy's video in the Advanced Technique tab on top (look for the small diameter knitting section). I also have a little book on Magic Loop that I picked up at my LYS.

Personally, I've just played around with it, haven't made any socks using Magic Loop. I've just completed some socks with 2 circ and I really liked it!!

[brownishcoat]

I knit pairs of socks at once on one long circular needle. It's called the Magic Loop technique.

Amy has a video here.

Here are pics of my socks in progress:









And all of the pics can be viewed here.