Sock Yarn Reviews

[xantha]

This thread will (hopefully) gather together a huge list of sock yarns, their fiber makeup, places to buy them, and reviews.

Everyone's input is welcome! Also, links to examples of socks made with particular yarns would be great as well.

I am going to add a similar page with this information to the Feet Need Socks CAL (http://www.fiberfetishist.com/fns) as well. Please feel free to add your input; we'd all love to hear it!

[xantha]

I guess I'll start!

Koigu [Painter's Palette] Premium Merino (http://www.koigu.com/news.htm)
(the KPPPM is the variegated; the KPM is solid)
available in 50g, 175yd hanks. Fingering weight.

Fiber Makeup: Handpainted 100% merino wool. It isn't superwash (as in treated by chemicals superwash) but the wool can be washed -- they treat it with something else that makes the fibers unfeltable and unshrinkable.

Color Selection: It's available in many, many colors. The variegated tends to put fantastically bright colors together that you might not ever think to put together. The solids are also very vibrant.

How It Works Up: It took me a bit of practice when I started using it. It is very soft and sometimes it is a bit splitty. I think I normally use a 3.25mm hook when making socks with it. It does not pool much, if at all. Good stitch definition.

Normally for crochet socks, it takes at least a hank per women's sized foot and you'll use it all. You're best off buying three hanks for a pair of socks or stitching with a contrast toe/heel -- once that colorway is gone, it's hard to get another!

How It Holds Up: It's 100% merino, so you may want to reinforce the toes and heels of your socks. I wash mine in the washer on cold and let them air dry. The color has not faded and they have not fulled.

An Example: Here's a sock (my first crochet sock, no less!) I made with color #400:

http://www.xantha.org/gallery/albums/crochet/DSC_0747.thumb.jpg
(http://www.xantha.org/gallery/crochet/DSC_0747)

Where to Buy: Most LYSes carry KPPPM, but it's limited by when their last shipment arrived. It can be months before a new shipment comes in.

Many online vendors carry it (I am only listing online vendors I have personally used; feel free to add others):

Kaliedoscope Yarns (http://www.kyarns.com) carries both KPPPM (http://www.kyarns.com/koigu-painters-palette-premium-merino-fingering-weight-yarn.html) and KPM (http://www.kyarns.com/koigu-solids-painters-palette-premium-merino-fingering-weight-sock-yarn.html).

Knit Happens (http://www.knithappens.net/) carries KPPPM (http://www.knithappens.net/shop/index.cfm?Product_ID=Koi1&page=details.cfm&cartaction=none&thisrow=1&action=list&criteria=3122&startrow=1&mystartrow=1&maxrows=20&cat=3&man=&stay=&afid=&searchcat_id=&itemprice=&searchfield=&searchman_id=&boolean=OR&var1=&var2=&var3=&return_product_id=&makeid=&modelid=&modelyear=).

Purl Soho (http://store.purlsoho.com/purl) carries KPPPM (http://store.purlsoho.com/purl/products/yarndetail/409) and KPM (http://store.purlsoho.com/purl/products/yarndetail/410).

Patternworks (http://www.patternworks.com/) carries both KPPPM (http://www.patternworks.com/PWShopping/partsvyarn.asp?action=lookup&partno=883&subject=U40.L29&catpos=11) and KPM (http://www.patternworks.com/PWShopping/partsvyarn.asp?action=lookup&partno=884&subject=U40.L29&catpos=11).

Please follow up with your own experiences and questions!

[noricum]

Wow... I didn't know Koigu could be machine washed! I thought the label said "hand wash"...? I'll have to check when I get home. Cold water only?

I've got a ton of reviews... I'll start them tonight when I get home. ;)

[princsstrish]

I've only used one type of sock yarn.

Bernat Sox

This pools up alot but it looks cool. I don't have much to compare it to. It worked up nice and fast and is machine washable. They have lots of colors.

sorry I don't have more info.

[xantha]

Wow... I didn't know Koigu could be machine washed! I thought the label said "hand wash"...? I'll have to check when I get home. Cold water only?

It does say hand wash, but people wash them in the washer all the time -- because they do the funky fiber processing, they react like superwash wool even though they're not!

[noricum]

Cool! That'll make washing them *sooooo* much easier! :)

[ahiscox]

I'll post another.

I use Trekking XXL, it's german so all it info on it is a little confusing, the company is Zitron. I'm not entirely sure that it is superwash although it does say that it is, then below it says 75% New Wool, 25 % Nylon. I wash it on cold, delicate cycle with woolite and air dry and so far it's been great. I'll post pics in the feet need socks CAL soon.

I love it, the colors are wonderful and it's really nice to work with. One ball is plenty for women's socks with some leftover, I have small feet and scrimped a pair of socks and a pair of fingerless gloves (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6364)out of one ball. it is 100g/459 yards. I made a single pair for my husbands average size man's foot with one ball and had nothing but a few yards to spare. I use a size e hook to do all my socks.

It's available on theknitter.com and other sites if you google trekking xxl you should find it no problem.

[Woven N Spun]

ok here goes...

Magic Stripes by Lion Brand 75% washable wool and 25% nylon.
photos of socks here;
http://www.wovenspun.com/blog/Dscn1248sm.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/wovenspun/projects/Dscn1114sm.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/wovenspun/Dscn1107sm.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/wovenspun/projects/Dscn1111.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/wovenspun/projects/Dscn1109.jpg
Review
Striping comes out fine. Find this yarn to be a little coarse on the hands and feet. One pair of socks out of one ball.

Dancing by Knitpicks 41% Cotton, 39% Wool, 13% Nylon, 7% Elastic
photo here
http://www.wovenspun.com/blog/Dscn1245sm.jpg
Review
Color spattered throughout. There is elastic in this so I would recommend either going up a needle or holding tension loosely. I crocheted the same sock about 3 or 4 times since I am a tight crocheter and the elastic was making my tension wonky. Very comfortable on the feet. One pair of ankle socks from one ball.

Sock Garden by Knitpicks. 100% merino wool (hand wash or cold washer only)
photo here
http://www.wovenspun.com/images/photos/Dscn1255sm.jpg
(ok so they are mittens and not socks...but those are coming)
Review
The color blocks were interesting and I would have liked to get them the same on both. As for feel...oh can we say like silk. So soft to work with while crocheting and so soft on the hands. I just know my feet will be happy.
One ball made one pair of mittens with about 1 1.2 yards left over. (whew)

Simple Stripes by Knitpicks 75% superwash wool 25% nylon
photos here
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/wovenspun/projects/Dscn1129sm.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/wovenspun/projects/Dscn1145sm.jpg
Review
Nice and soft. Wash and wear well. Easy to work with. One ball was more then enough for a pair of ankle socks.


Will post more as I try more.

[noricum]

I suppose it's about time I get off my butt and post a review! ;) (There'll be more coming... I'm just really lazy.)

Yarn: Silja Strømpegarn ( = Silja sock yarn)
80% superwash wool, 20% nylon
50 g = 150 m
Made in Norway, by (I think) ASA Gjestal Spinneri
(The only English on the label is "superwash")
I bought this yarn from theknitter.com

Picture of the socks here (http://noricum.blogspot.com/2005/07/sockapal2za.html).

I haven't washed or worn these socks (since they're for my sockapal2za sock pal), so I can't comment on that.

This sock yarn is on the thick side for sock yarn. I used charcoal, red, and tan yarn, and, as with some other brands, the darker colours seemed thicker than the thin colours. I used three balls for a short pair of socks, but had plenty of leftover. The yarn isn't super-soft (definitely not merino), but it's not really scratchy either. I'd rate it as medium softness. I used an E (3.5) hook as usual, and ended up with dense, thick socks. They'll fit in looser shoes, and will definitely keep your feet warm! ;)

[noricum]

While I'm on a roll, I'll post a second review.

I'm not sure what the yarn name is, but I'm guessing it's: Aktion! Super Sport Strumpf Collo
Made in Italy, by Peter Pan, Biella
75% superwash wool, 25% polyamid (= nylon)
100 g = 420 m
Josie brought me this yarn from Germany... I have no idea where to buy it.

A picture of my socks is here (http://noricum.blogspot.com/2005/07/falling-leaves-socks.html). I made short socks, and had tons leftover.

Hook/needle size called for is 2.5-3, but I used a size E (3.5) again. I found it worked easier with the E hook, and produced a nice, supple material. This yarn is in the thinner range of sock yarn.

Once again, I haven't worn or washed these yet.

Softness seems about average, or a bit on the scratchy side. I suspect it'll soften up after being washed, but that's just a guess. There's no actual stripes, but the "pooling" makes it appear that there is subtle stripes.

There's knit sock instructions on the inside of the ball band, but the instructions are in German.

[pfirsch]

I bought Aktion! Super Sport Strumpf Collo at Müller (http://www.mueller.de/sortiment/content_handarbeit.html). Imagine CVS without the pharmacy and that's Müller.

[jpr54_]

Sock Garden by Knitpicks. 100% merino wool (hand wash or cold washer only)
photo here
http://www.wovenspun.com/images/photos/Dscn1255sm.jpg
(ok so they are mittens and not socks...but those are coming)
Review
The color blocks were interesting and I would have liked to get them the same on both. As for feel...oh can we say like silk. So soft to work with while crocheting and so soft on the hands.

addition
i used pansy and pattern of clusters were evenly ditributed throughout sock-very colorful and bright

joanne

[ahiscox]

Here's another: I *stole* the original format because I thought it was a good way to do a review:
Opal (http://www.sockenwolle.de/index2-eng.html)available in 100g, 425m skeins. Fingering weight.

Fiber Makeup: 75% schurwolle superwash, 25% polyamid

Color Selection: It's available in many, many colors. I used a limited edition color called petticoat and the color is what I fell in love with in the store that drove me to buy it.

How It Works Up:
This is where I'm less excited about the yarn. It is very very splitty and hard to frog, even just a few stitches. I used a size D (3.25 mm) hook. so the stitches were pretty tight, but I found it much harder to work with than other sock yarns of similar fibers.
Also, I found two knots in my one skein, This is a pet peeve of mine, especially with more expensive yarns.

That said, the socks are very comfortable and holding their form quite well, so I guess it's a tradeoff.

1 ball is plenty for a women's size foot.

How It Holds Up: I'll update this after I wash them.

An Example: see this thread (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14204).


Well...i promised to update after washing and I forgot! So here it is, they are still wonderful, more comfy with time. I do them in the machine on the delicate cycle and hang to dry and they are holding up very well. I'd give this yarn an A- (the minus for those stupid knots)

[rabbittowear]

Informative posting. Thank you all for the review. Please excuse my ignorance, but what is pooling and superwash?

I am looking for sock yarn in 100% cotton. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.

Cynthia

[Dejhia]

This is a great thread. I like having one spot to go to for info. This is a lot of great info. It's nice to know I can wash Koigu. I got some as a gift, and I've been putting off using it since I didn't want to hand wash socks. I've only done two pairs of crocheted socks, but I've knitted a few pairs so I can talk about some other yarns evne if I can't say how they crochet up.

First off, I I have used the Lion Brand Magic Strips. I can find it in town at a Hancock Fabrics. My socks were knitted (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dejhia/104655564/). I barely had enough yarn to knit a pair for my feet (size 8.5) from one ball. So I was to crochet, I would suggest getting two balls.


I have crocheted a pair (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dejhia/102714384/)out of Patons Kroy Socks. The socks are 75% Wool, 25% Nylon. They are machine washable. I have not tried machine drying them, yet. I bought my yarn from Herrschners (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/www.herrschners.com). I was a little annoyed with Herrschners since the photo to show off the multi color was for a differnt multi-color blend than I got in the mail. I was expecting something totoally differnt. It took just under 3 balls to crochet a pair of socks.

As for the other pair of crochetd socks, I don't even remember which yarn I used so I guess I can't say much about that yarn.

I have knitted a pair (http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7700/2343/1600/HPIM0027.jpg) from Meilenweit Mutieffekt from Lana Grossa. It's a german brand. It's 80% new wool, 20% polyamid. The striping was the best I've had since I got several (knitted) rows per color stripe. I knitted a pair for DH and had some left over from one 100g ball. I've got mine at my LYS (http://www.yarnbarn-ks.com/home.asp).


I've done two pairs from cotton yarn. One was a plain color (http://dejhia.blogspot.com/2006/05/my-first-pair-of-cotton-socks-are-done.html)and the other was a multi-color (http://dejhia.blogspot.com/2006/05/socks-done.html). Both pairs were knitted for DH. The yarn is Meilenwei Cotton by Lana Grossa. It's 45% cotton, 42% wool, 13% polyamide. It's machine washable. DH loves them. After the first pair, he's been asking for noting but cotton socks this summer. Thankfully, I have about 5 balls of the plain color so I can keep bussy for a while. I found that one ball reall doen't even make one knitted pair for DH. So I would highly recomend getting 2 balls if you are knitting or crocheting the socks. My mom gave me the yarn so I am not sure where you can get it.

I have not, yet, used this yarn, but my mom bought me some Austermann Step yarn. It's got Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil in the yarn. It's supposed to work up really nice, and the Aloe and Jojoba are supposed to stay in for a few washings. I think I've seen it at patternworks (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/www.patternworks.com).

[MullersLaneFarm]

Does anyone know what the WPI (wraps per inch) for these yarns is? I'm a handspinner and I would like to spin my own sock yarn. Thanks so much!

[louiseasy]

I have allergies to wool, and so does a lot of my family members. I would love suggestions for sock yarn. I have used Cascade Fixation, but I sure would like more options. I like Fixation, and I tend to use a 100% cotton yarn for the body of the sock and toes and heels in fixation. Lion Brand Cotton Ease, and Patons Grace, I've used those, and they are great for the body, but I want a little give for toes and heels.:crocheting

[dragonjewell]

for those allergic to wool, I have just finished trying out the Maizey, and the bamboo cotton sock yarns from crystal palace.
They are fantastic. easy to work with and very comfortable to wear. I'll get some pictures up when I can

Leanne

[beckilynb]

I'm currently making my first sock with Jitterbug yarn from Colinette. 100 percent Merino wool, fingering weight yarn. On the expensive side, but NICE! Soft and warm with a nice stretch to it. One ball makes several pairs I think.

[maetta]

I'm curious to see if the wool alone will lose its stretch after washing. From what I've read, crocheted socks should have some nylon content for stretchiness and durability.

I'm currently making my first sock with Jitterbug yarn from Colinette. 100 percent Merino wool, fingering weight yarn. On the expensive side, but NICE! Soft and warm with a nice stretch to it. One ball makes several pairs I think.

[Debbi-a1]

I've only used one type of sock yarn.

Bernat Sox

This pools up alot but it looks cool. I don't have much to compare it to. It worked up nice and fast and is machine washable. They have lots of colors.

sorry I don't have more info.
I just did my first pair with this and thought it was good. Not sure what "pools up" means, but it seemed to work fine.

Fiber Makeup: 60% Acrylic, 40% Nylon ... Machine wash, dryable.

Color Selection: My local Joanns didn't have a lot. Just one section of bins. Maybe 6... it was 3.5 oz ball. I got Hot Tamale--it's just a bright color one for spring.

How It Works Up: Worked up nicely. I didn't have any problems.

How It Holds Up: So far soo good. I just made them so I'm not sure. I wore them under shoes to work (changed) then around the house in the evening on wood floors and carpets.

An Example:
My First Pair of Socks (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=97904) I posted it under accessories. Has photo and link to the pattern.
2nd Pair of Socks (http://debbia1.blogspot.com/2009/04/2nd-pair-of-socks.html) - direct link to my blog post to show the second pair I made with this yarn.
Since I was able to make 2 pairs, this was very economical. Probably because both where very open stitches. So about $3 for each pair!


(http://www.xantha.org/gallery/crochet/DSC_0747)Where to Buy: I got mine at Joanns.

Debbi

[Momcrochets]

I just did my first pair with this and thought it was good. Not sure what "pools up" means, but it seemed to work fine.

Fiber Makeup: 60% Acrylic, 40% Nylon ... Machine wash, dryable.

Color Selection: My local Joanns didn't have a lot. Just one section of bins. Maybe 6... it was 3.5 oz ball. I got Hot Tamale--it's just a bright color one for spring.


Debbi

I tried this yarn too. haven't worn them enough to say how it holds up, but one skein did make a pair. It's the only sock yarn I've tried. (I'd love to try Panda Bamboo, but at $7/skein, min 2 for a pair, it's out of reach right now) I keep checking Hobby Lobby (and JoAnns, where I found Bernat Sox), and Michaels...I can't wear wool.
The pooling (where the colors bunch up into puddles, Debbi) did show up...also did the lightning stuff--where it kinda stripes. nothing cool like diamonds, and not very "camo" esque either (I used the pink camo colorway)
I found it a bit scratchy for my taste (think RHSS) but not bad (I can wear them...they may soften after washing more)

[Sockmad]

So glad I can wear wool and cotton because I CAN'T wear the acrylic and nylon. Use your coupons ladies and it doesn't hurt AS much. :)