I showed off our hand knitted Christmas stockings in a post last year about Christmas decorating with kids, but I love them so much, I thought they deserved their very own post!
They look very complicated, but I knit these stockings when I was a relative knitting newbie, so they really aren’t that difficult! I love things like that that look hard, but really aren’t!
I didn’t put names on the stockings, but I took everyone to the craft store and let them pick their own yarn color, so they know exactly which one is theirs!
The pattern I followed was a free knitting pattern that I found online (I love free stuff!) I really love how they turned the heel of the stocking in this one too! I’m generally afraid of heels in socks (I have only knit tube socks to date!) but this was pretty easy!
The knitted Christmas stockings did require a little light blocking when I finished knitting them (basically, just dampen them, stretch gently to shape, and lay them flat to dry.) Also, you could really use any yarn, but if you are wondering, I used one called Full O’ Sheep
If you don’t knit already, or you need help with certain stitches, I highly recommend the free videos on Knitting Help, which is where I learned to knit! Youtube has some great ones too!
Will you leave me a comment and let me know if you have ever knit stockings or socks? I’m trying to get the courage to attempt socks that are more complicated than tubes this winter! Is it hard? Any advice?
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Hmm, I think I have knit socks long time ago. Now that my mom and mother in low are older they love to knot socks for us. Your stockings look great!
I have never knit socks. My grandmother taught me how to knit a few years ago. I’d love to take it back up again.
About the only things I have even knitted are scarves, hand-warmers and “boggins” (toques). I can only loom knit… lol Those stockings look great though!
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I was very intimidated by socks but I found a website http://verypink.com/2011/01/13/video-lesson-learn-to-knit-socks/ where she has videos that explain very well what to do. I managed a sock just by watching them but you could buy the pattern also. I just make sure to watch a couple of times before I try and it worked out well. It makes a slipper like sock but it helped me not to be afraid of making a real one! Hope this helps. I love looking at your animal pictures by the way and your funny stories are great to read, keep it up!
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I would try a simple pattern like http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/knitting/amazing_feets.php. If that link doesn’t work for you – try Googling “beginner sock pattern”. I like the looks of this pattern for beginners because it uses a thicker yarn and bigger needles than many sock patterns. I love to knit socks, but have been working for more than a month on a pair – using size 0 needles. I can’t wait to finish them so I can caste on a pair using bigger needles! The bigger needles/thicker yarn means that these socks probably won’t fit in the shoes you currently wear, but may be just the thing to wear in your rubber boots or around the house as a slipper sock. Google all along the way and watch You Tube videos (especially for turning the heel and the Kitchner stitch for closing up the toes). Enjoy it. It takes a long time to make a pair of socks. And the worst thing that can happen is that you have to unravel your yarn and start again. Good luck Cheers! Evelyn
Thanks for the great hints! I always need thick socks for inside boots, so maybe a bigger one would be the way to go. And of course, you make a good point. One thing I love about knitting over sewing is the fact that if the project doesn’t work, I haven’t ruined a bunch of yarn. Besides unraveling is fun! 🙂
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