Ask the experts - knitting socks
Welcome to Ask the Experts, where you can learn how to do just about anything local people can demonstrate in a short film on lep.co.uk.
Our second 'expert', Dorret Conway, runs her own internet knitting school and business, www.knitknack.co.uk.
She believes knitting needs to shed its geeky image and is convinced there are many cool things you can make if you just learn the basics.
Socks are overdue for a fashion makeover. Bobby socks in the 1950's were the last time socks really had something to say. For me they are a lifestyle accessory. Hand knitted socks are strongly linked to culture and changing fashions – notably in medieval times when knitted garments became fashionable for the wealthy upper classes.
A thriving cottage industry developed and intricate techniques were perfected.
Hand knitted socks are something that many people today will remember their grand mother doing. Today there is a growing number of young women who are re-discovering the art.
Knitting is an ancient skill thought to have been invented by Arabian nomads following the rare find of sandal socks in Egypt.
If you can do basic stitches, ie knit and purl and follow a basic pattern, you will be able to knit socks. But it's 10 times easier with a quick demo so this video shows how to get started knitting a tube and then turn it into a sock.
Socks follow a standard design template comprising border, leg, heel, gusset and toe. The designer will have worked out all of the measurements so all you have to do is follow the pattern for each stage.
When you have worked through your first pair you will understand the basic construction and be able to progress on to more complex designs and surface patterns from the hundreds readily available - or why not be adventurous and design your own? A pair of hand made socks, beautifully wrapped, make a special and unique gift as individual as the wearer. Let's get knitting!
Watch Part Two of 'How to knit a sock'
Watch Part Three of 'How to knit a sock'
Watch Part Four of 'How to knit a sock'
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Email: josie.hill@lep.co.uk or Call 01772 838104
Or write to: Josie Hill, Lancashire Evening Post Ltd, Oliver's Place, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9ZA
Six easy steps to perfect hand knitted socks
Step 1. Learn basic knit stitch and purl stitch see www.knitknack.co.uk
Step 2. Learn how to read a basic knitting pattern see
www.knitknack.co.uk
Step 3. Learn how to get started using 4 needles. See video
Step 4. Learn how to create and turn the heel. See video
Step 5. Learn how to shape the gusset. See video
Step 6. Learn how to graft the toe. See Video
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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