Increasing Sock Sizes

[filly67]

Hi, I am new to your forum but have used this site and found it to be a huge help. I have only been knitting for about three months and have moved onto socks. I seem to have the hang of it but my question pertains to increasing the size that the pattern shows. I have tried making the US size 11 socks that my patterns have shown for my husband. They are the largest showing on the patterns that I have but are a bit to snug for him. I need to increase it at least by a size. Is there a formula that will assist me to let me know how many stitches I need to add to the pattern to increase the size?

I hope this question makes sense. Thanks in advance for your help.

[DorothyDot]

Yes, your question makes perfect sense. Here are a couple of thoughts:

First, my favorite sock pattern says simply to knit the foot section until you're 2 inches shy of the total length of the foot when the foot is being stood on. For example, if the foot is 11 inches long, you'd knit for 9 inches, then start decreasing for the toes.

Second, I'd stick with the pattern/same number of stitches - but go up to the next size larger sock needles. Say your pattern calls for size 2 needles - I'd go for size 3. This way, your foot part would be a tad wider, in addition to being the right length. This part seems to be optional, in my experience. But it's something that could well help. There really is quite a difference between a man's size 11 and a ladies' size 6 1/2.

Dot

[filly67]

Thanks Dot. I making indoor slouch type socks right now and I did increase the needle size from a 5 to a 6 but they really fit me (who is a size 7) better then the hubby. They just seem to tight around the calf and foot although I seem to have the length down. I just came across another pattern that has more ribbing to the sock so I will try that next. Do you think that going up to a 7 needle would help?

[Miley384]

Thanks Dot. I making indoor slouch type socks right now and I did increase the needle size from a 5 to a 6 but they really fit me (who is a size 7) better then the hubby. They just seem to tight around the calf and foot although I seem to have the length down. I just came across another pattern that has more ribbing to the sock so I will try that next. Do you think that going up to a 7 needle would help?

Yes! You could go up another size or two. If it fits snug, I woud go up two sizes in the needles. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[Jan in CA]

Personally I would NOT increase the needle size because a sock is more durable when knit tighter. It's also more comfortable knit tighter. A sock that is knit too loose makes it feel like you're walking on pebbles.

I haven't made a lot of socks yet, but I've learned a few things. If you are just making a basic sock increasing a few stitches should be fine.

If you are doing ribbing just make sure that you increase accordingly so the pattern remains the same (like add 4 stitches if you are doing 2x2 ribbing).

If the sock is tight across the instep you can make the heel flap longer and p/u more stitches. Then decrease down to your original number or you can leave more on the needles for a wider foot. On my last socks I made the flap longer and it made a huge difference for my high instep.

If you need a pattern this pattern gives instructions for casting on up to 80 stitches.
http://www.burninghand.org/sockpattern.html

And a good book for socks is Sensational Knitted Socks. It gives you lots of choices in size and gives help for adjusting for a perfect fit.

[sue in canada]

Check here for a customized sock pattern
http://sockyarn.co.uk/pattern_calculator.php

[filly67]

I just put a hold on More Sensational Socks through my library yesterday. I think I will add on Sensational Socks just for the heck of it. I just found a pattern in my pile for size 12 men's hiking sock that looks like what I need. It has a nice K2 P2 ribbing that I think will give me the exta stretch that I need. Thanks and please keep any and all suggestions coming.