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So I am trying to make a sock out of my handspun, which is thick and thin but about 14 wraps per inch. Am using size 3 needles....this is too big for my leg. Would size 2 needles help or should I consider it a Christmas stocking for the dogs? Really enjoying using the yarn and doing this pattern. .....
dapncat - if you don't want to be concerned with gauge and also with making a second matching sock of the same exact size, then considering your current project to be a Christmas stocking is a GREAT idea!
While there are many charts and blog posts discussing yarn weight, The Craft Yarn Council is considered the authority.
Your BEAUTIFUL handspun may be a bit thicker than typical sock yarn. Although some sock patterns are written for heavier yarn, even worsted weight (#4) yarn, most are for sock yarn (#1).
Does your pattern indicate what weight of yarn it is written for?
I frequently knit socks with dk weight yarn and I use a much smaller needle. You want a nice firm fabric for socks. I would recommend a sz. 1.5 or 2, depending on if you are a tight or loose knitter.
The best way to solve your sizing problem is to measure your foot and to calculate how many stitches per inch (spi) you are knitting. Then you multiply your foot measurement x your spi and then deduct 10% for negative ease. That tells you how many stitches to cast on.
qfknit
Funny thing--I found those resources too and used them to figure wpi/weight of my yarn. The pattern calls for sock yarn. LYS suggested using size 3 US needles.
lovestostitch I suppose I'm a tight to medium knitter--have loosened my grip over the years. If I figure out the number of stitches to cast on, then how do I figure the heel turn? (Sorry--as someone else here described themselves, I am a longterm lousy knitter) OR: do you have a pattern for DK weight socks you like?
Char It's not superwash! I could...carefully...shrink it...or have tiny felted Christmas stockings.. LOL🎄🎄
So my decisions....run to the LYS today at lunch to get size 2 needles? (a 45 minute drive ...I am in the middle of nowhere)
Carry on and live with my initial decision to wing it and come what may?
Start over and get a sock pattern for DK weight...preferably 2 at a time, so I don't have to do second sock!
OR: anyone have a favorite shawl pattern that's not too lace crazy? I've done some beginner lace stuff.
Again--thank you all! I am consistently finding these forums welcoming and kind!
Knowing that your ankle is smaller, I think ribbing is a safer bet.
I can't wait to see a picture of them on your feet! Do you know about the Sock KAL? We have a prize drawing every month. I'll post a link below since you can't post links in Comments.
Or, you could just consider what you did was a gauge swatch, and start over with same needles if you like the fabric you are getting with them, just cast on fewer stitches????
The best time to wear a striped sweater is all the time. -SpongeBob SquarePants
I'll just throw out here my favorite book for socks, Ann Budd's Get Started Knitting Socks. She gives formulas for 8 stitch per inch socks all the way down to 4 stitches per inch. I refer to this book even when doing other patterns if I need to adjust the stitch counts.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost.
The Old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost" JRR Tolkien
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Would size 2 needles help or should I consider it a Christmas stocking for the dogs? Really enjoying using the yarn and doing this pattern. ..... 
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