Let’s talk about knitting socks. 

Sharing your socks, techniques and yarn are all very helpful. Your socks are beautiful. I am an English thrower, I was taught by my grandmother, who was also an English thrower, It is normal for me, not interested in changing. Thank you for podcasting ❤❤

The yellow is so bright & cheery! Thanks for sharing. 😊

Ruth, you are so lovely. I so appreciate your passion for knitting. You make my day when I see a new video. Here in the USA we don’t have many shops left in my area which is sad. Keep up the podcasts as they are better than therapy. What a pleasure seeing your projects.

I first knitted socks on dpns. I got sick of them sticking my wrists and I would quit. I then went to 2 40cm needles but didn't like the flopping needles from being too long. I then found Addi crasy trio shorts. Because of the bend in the middle it made them flexible enough to adjust as I work along. I wanted to try the 9 in but couldn't find anything my stiff fingers could hold on to. I ordered the 9 inch mindfulness by knit pro and am excited to try. If they aren't it I will get the wooden symphony needles. You answered alot of my frustration questions and gave me answers I have looked for endlessly. You are as always a gem. I would love to have tea with you. Blessings.

Thank you for an informative podcast , never tried 9” circulars but am going to give them a go, love the tutti fruitti colorway.

Hooray for socks! I knit socks with all the techniques, just whatever suits my fancy at the time.

Hi Ruth, school is out up here. I spent time with my grandson this morning but it's so miserable, so am going to hibernate with my knitting. My church has put out an appeal for knitted poppies so that's this afternoon job after I locate my red dk.

Hooray! Ruth's back!! ❤️

Ruth, thank you for showing us your techniques - very helpful. your socks are just so beautiful!! I think the striped sock could go in the box.

Good morning Ruth, starting off with your pod is perfect 😊

Ruth, you are such a joy to watch and listen to. Thank you for showing us how you knit. I’ve also knit many many socks but mostly toe up because I either make them too short or too long when I knit cuff down. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong! Any tips? I miss out on a lot of great patterns because of it. So great to see your smiling face 🥰 Suzette

Thanks so much for this. It was nice 'knitting' with you. And, I've been so curious how people make those tiny needles work for them -- thanks for showing how you hold yours. I think that I'm going to give them a go myself. (I use the two circular needle method, and I can see that the tiny needles are much, much faster, more knit-rhythm-y.) Pretty socks, too, those bright stripeys. Thanks very much. 🙂

Ooooooohhh your sweater is gorgeous! Well done!😊...I missed you but glad you took care of yourself...I have never made socks but I will watch this video with great excitement😂

Ruth, please don’t apologize. I enjoyed seeing your needles, your methods for heels and toes, your yarn choices, and watching you knit! Thank you for sharing and take care.

You were cracking me up! You remind me of one of my real life knitting friends. That whole business of casting on 4 socks is just like her. And me, too. That Yarnsmiths yarn is so beautiful!! Your daughter will love them. And yes, the clowning around socks should be fine. After all, some daffodils have some pretty pinks and peaches in their center. I use all the methods for knitting yarn, depending on how I feel like at the time. I've got 4 different pair with 4 different methods. I'm making DK socks for my grands with the magic heel which is just ribbing down the back from the cuff to where you want to stop. I'm thinking they will fit the grands a lot longer. I love your box of socks. That's what drew me to your video. It really inspires me to make more socks. I love making them and they are a mathematics dream magic.

This was super Ruth. The yellow stripe socks have plenty of yellow and will be ideal for anyone. Well done for all your knitting and this “ what you do” sock info. A great help for me and I am sure a lot of other knitters.❤

I ordered the needles you use for socks and love them! Thanks for the heads up about them. Hope your foot is better ❤

I knit exactly the way you do. 😃 Watching your podcast as I test knit the "Ruthie" shawl!

Always a joy! Your yellow sock bring me joy. ❤

thanks for showing your sock knitting methods. I am a thrower and sticking to it for now. I started knitting socks with magic loop from the crazy sock lady tutorial. After watching you, I now want to try 9 inch. ❤

Loved this podcast. I have knit many things but have never knit socks...I tried once and really didn't enjoy it...I found it clever that you use a dpn as a flat needle. I usually do magic loop but I might give that dpn a try...thanks for sharing and it's nice to see you back😂

Ruth I feel like you’re a kindred spirit- we both love Jesus and everything you said about socks I totally agree with! Such a helpful video

I too love to knit socks. 9 in circular only but I’m a Chiagoo gal all the way. I’m going to try your toe idea. Thanks so much for blessing my day ❤

Once again, a lovely episode. I like the new camera position, and now that I’ve seen you knit with the 9 inch needles I’ll give them a shot.

Hello Ruth. It’s good to see you back. I haven’t knitted socks in a while. All of yours are beautiful. I missed not having the devotional. See you next time.

Hi Ruth, lovely to see someone else who uses 9 inch circular needles for the socks. I love the Knit Pro Symfonie needles too. I will only make socks with heal flap and gusset as I can get the perfect fit, no tension square for me either. Thanks for sharing Yarn Smith yarn I have purchased quite a few skeins ❤❤❤

Fab podcast! So informative! I have recently found a love for sock knitting since moving to 9” circulars instead of magic loop which I didn’t enjoy as much. Thanks for the tip about the toes and using dpns! 🥰🧶

What a lovely enthusiastic attitude you have. I need to check out the shadow wrap heel from Earth Tone girl,I’ve just started using 9 inch circular to knit a pair of socks.

Sock info was great! I am a magic looper myself but I think with the right 9 in circulars I would like that as well

This was so good Ruth, I tried 9 inch but found them difficult, I use magic loop and it works beautifully for me, after watching you I might try them again. I think those socks with the stripes will be fine, there’s a good amount of yellow. All your socks are gorgeous, the simply beautiful socks are beautiful, I’m doing the simply beautiful cowl at the moment and loving the pattern. Thankyou for sharing, loved it 🥰

I Knit socks the same as you,9 inch all the way to the toe. Then I do magic loop instead. I use Chiagoo but would like to try the lykke 9 inch someday. So many pretty socks! Have a great week😊

Hello! Just found your podcast and love it. My mama is Amish. My dad was born in Scotland… Needless to say not in the community, but I grew up learning all a wonderful handcrafts. Definitely a thrower, but I did not know that until I saw your podcast. Your socks are beautiful and I can’t wait to see what else I can find to watch. Enjoyed this so much.

Thanks for the podcast. I tried magic loop and double pointed for sock knitting and enjoy them then I discovered 9inch circular and love them, i just wish I had smaller I am UK size 10 and need 72 stitches to fit around my foot.

Ruth, I am so glad you did this video. It’s funny that you did this video because I was just thinking about writing to you and asking you to show us how you knit. I know that you said that you Knit quickly and I was curious to what that looked like so thank you very much. I do not enjoy knitting socks yet. I try and try, but I just can’t get the groove. I always go back to my shawls. I think I just need to try a plain vanilla sock instead of all the fancy ones and maybe more practice will make me more comfortable with it. I do use a 9 inch Addy that one needle is longer than the other. I really like those. I am going to buy the needles though and see if I like both. I had never heard of the yarn that you use for the socks, so I’m definitely going to give that a try. Thank you again. I’m glad to hear Hannah‘s coming back. I’ll be watching for her video. Let her know she is missed. Lykke pronounced like eee. Chia goo pronounced pronounced.chow goo

Loved this podcast. Thank you very inspirational going to try some of your methods

Have a wonderful summer Ruth, hope you have lots of time for fun knits 😊

Love your explanation about your socks. I use all different needles for knitting socks including 9" circular. I am also a thrower, and only use both hands to do colour work.

Great review. Thanks

That was great Ruth! I love knitting socks... currently a fan of using 2 circulars. I have been hesitant to try 9" circulars cuz I have large hands but I think those KnitPros might work well for me. Greetings from Wisconsin!

Hi Ruth , you always have a very interesting podcast. I’m a mostly sock knitter. I just enjoy that most. My favourite way is DPNs and continental. I hear so much about knitting with other needles, so I’m trying , magic loop, two 24” circulars and 9” circulars. Your so fast with the 9” and I heard from other people how fast they are. So I thought I would try them , just a little at a time, so my hands don’t get so sore. If I don’t make it time , I’ll just stick to my DPNs. So nice to see you again. ❤️🧶

I knit my socks in exactly the same way as you, I even use the same KnitPro needles most of the time. I don’t mind the Addi ones but definitely prefer the KnitPro. 😊

Great video Ruth, really enjoyed it, pleased I am using the same length circ as you, often wondered if I could go smaller ? But will stick with 25mm. My vote would be too much colour for the yellow sock collection on the stripe socks xx thanks again xx

Thank you for this lovely episode Ruth! Excellent information - I actually had no idea that all 9 inch circulars were not created equal! I have quite a collection of them but switched to knitting magic loop as my hands were starting to cramp as I have gotten older. I think your Knitpro ones with the slightly longer tip would probably work for me! Please know that your joyful delivery of no matter what topic is always a breath of fresh air. Once the video was over I realized that I had sat there smiling the entire time while knitting along and watching. Your annual box of charity socks is AWESOME! 💛 Blessings

Hi Ruth, please don’t apologise. I found your sock podcast very useful and interesting. I think there’s enough yellow in those sock to go to Marie Curie.Looking forward to your next podcast 😊

Love your jumper, I think the multi stripes are good for people who don't like too much yellow but there's enough to add to the box. I use 9" circular needles chargoo as I watched The crazy sock lady tutorial and the thought of DPN's makes me shudder😆. Loved this podcast.

Ruth those socks have plenty of yellow in them and I am sure the recipient will be delighted to receive them and to wear them. Like you I love knitting socks on a 9inch circular although my needle of choice is chiagoo. I have tried many different heels and now go back to Nancy Wheelers version in her Let’s Stay Home pattern with any other pattern. Toes are usually grafted with Kitchener or laterly I have tried Finchley and if short of yarn Russian graft. My cast on of choice is the Alternating Cable cast on which gives good stretch to the cuff down.which like you is my preferred way to knit socks. I am fascinated to know how you use a pillow as I have not heard of that. I am thinking of you as I am excitedly looking forward to a trip from NZ to Northern Island in September. Keep up the great charity knitting. God bless you.

Wonderful talk about socks and what works for you. I appreciate your show and tell on needles and techniques. I too like knitting my socks cuff down. I started with DPNs but now use a Chaigoo Twist circular needle, which is an interchangeable needle. It would be better to describe it as a 10 inch needle rather than 9 but hey. I prefer a solid circular for projects but when I tried the solid circular Chaigoo for socks I did not like it at all. The cord is stiffer and the tips and length of the needles not the same. I have come to prefer my wooden circulars for most knitting projects, except for socks as the solid circulars I've tried so far have not been preferable. This has left me using the Chaigoo Twists as my preferred sock needles but they are not cheap. They can be bought in a set of sizes in a red pouch but I'm less likely to use all the sizes. As much as sets are nice, I'm not inclined to buy sets when I want another needle of a particular size. I don't want to end up with piles of needles in sizes I won't require. The only other option is to buy a twin set, 2 pairs with a couple of different length cords. I don't know why the cords do not come in pairs or have options for a pair the same length as this means a cord in the length preferred has to be purchased separately to go with the other needle while leaving the undesired cord not useful. It's still a bit of a fiddle. While having these means I can knit a pair with a sock on each needle, I'm always up for trying a new needle and hoping to find an equally enjoyable one that is available separately and an affordable option. I'm going to explore the internet, which is becoming a fiddle in itself these days to search beyond the big names that push themselves to the fore without any true relevance to your search, to find a place that I can access and acquire the Symphony needle from to give it a go.

Hi from Australia Ruth 👋 I really enjoyed the discussion about the socks today. I use exactly the same circular as you do, but I can use dpns too ! Magic Loop ? Nope, not for me either, I've tried many times, and I too, get annoyed with having to stop and start, whilst wrangling with yarn and splitting stitches and sliding cords 🤪 but I must try a shadow wrap heel ! ❤

Good morning from Canada. Pleasant surprise to see your podcast pop up this morning. I didn't start knitting socks until I discovered that they made 9 inch circulars. Now making tons for family and friends. I love my ChiaoGoos and Hiya Hiya Sharps in either 2.0mm for hand dyed yarns or 2.25mm for the more thicker commercial sock yarn that my sons love. I do both, toe up, with a Fleegle heel and cuff down mostly with the heel flap and gusset. Thank you for sharing how you make socks. Love all the yellow socks and I'm sure someone would enjoy having those bright striped ones. Have a good summer.

Thanks for sharing your sock knitting experience. I love knitting socks. I use 10 inch circulars . I knit continental style because I was a long time crocheter before I learned to knit and continental came naturally to me. My heels are a mock short row and I like that best because you don't need to pay attention and keep track of where you are. Most of my sock pairs don't match. Socks and eyebrows are sisters not twins!

I knit my socks just like you do. I made my first pair many, many years ago. Lovely thick socks for my Dad who was a builder so wore them in his work boots. In those days there was only double points so I'm sure they were full of ladders. I didn't make any more for years until I discovered small circulars.

Thank you for showing how you do your heels on 9”. Gave me the courage to try it! Discovered that I have to knit English on 9” and they are now my go to sock knitting needles. Otherwise I knit continental.

Ruth, this is my first time watching your podcast. You’re a delight and I’ve subscribed so I won’t miss your next one. Like you, I love to knit socks. Thanks for the encouragement in using 9”. I had to take a two-day break after knitting a pair of socks in two days because my wrists hurt. It was torture not to be able to knit and I didn’t know what to do with myself. I’ll rewatch your segment on holding them and try again. I love not having the ladders that I had using DPs. Until next time, all the best from the midcoast of Maine.

I love seeing all your beautiful yellow socks 💛 I usually use small double pointed needles but want to try short circulars. I use 2.5mm like you 😊 most others I see use 2.25mm x

Brilliant Ruth.. really enjoyed this and great information about all the needles. I got some yarnsmiths and it's gorgeous yarn. No summer here in N.Ireland either. Blowing a gale and waterproof coats on.😂 hopefully some sunshine soon. Will just enjoy the sunshine in your socks. 😊🌞

I knitted a couple of pairs of socks on dpns and hated making them. I’ve just purchased some 9inch knitpro cables and ironically found your chat about them. I’m hoping that. I can master this method, otherwise I won’t be knitting socks in future. So, fingers crossed I manage a pair as I love hand knitted socks. Am checking out your back videos now that I’ve found you. Tfs

Thanks so much Ruth. I've an obsession for sock knitting too. I enjoyed seeing how you knit on 9 inch needles. I'll give it a go. Must get some Knit Pro needles. Many thanks. I bought some of the Yarnssmiths sock yarn on your recommendation too. ❤❤

I think there is enough yellow in your striped socks and even the ones for your daughter. You are very generous and talented.

Love knitting socks only been knitting them for 12 months, was always scared of them. Been knitting for 50 years, love the yarn smart sock yarn.

Thank you for showing your sock knitting ❤ I love knitting socks and my fave needles are Addi crazy trio as I don’t get any gaps on the sides with them. Haven’t decided on a fave heel yet. I like doing the shadow short row but it leaves holes which I don’t like

You are such a delight and I thank you for being so encouraging. I started knitting socks with DPNs, couldn't get the hang of it. Moved to magic loop, that's my go to. But I did go back to DPNs so it varies now. I've tried different heels, my go to is heel, flap and gusset, and my toe is now the umbrella toe. It's all in my brain, it never varies. Most of my socks are vanilla or cable, lace socks let in air when it's cold😊 Beautifully done video, stay safe, stay well. Loves to you all❤❤

I’m so glad I also knit the same,and I use 9”circulars for socks.❤

Oh what a treat to see how you knit your socks!! I've really struggled to do it. I'm off to buy the Knit pro 9" circulars. Bless you for sharing your experience with us.

I really enjoyed your podcast. Thanks for taking the time to share with us. Yes, I think they’re yellow enough.

As an avid sock knitter myself I really enjoyed this video! I am a dpn girl, through and through! They just work for me! I also love doing the Kitchener toe and a couple of people in my knit group save the toes for me to finish for them as they hate doing them! I absolutely hate magic loop for socks and I have done the leg and foot on 9 inch circs but change back to dpn for the shaping! Like everything else it’s doing what works for you and makes you happy! I knit a box of charity socks every Christmas for the homeless which gives me joy.

Hi Ruth, loving the sock vid. I am watching in the hope of inspiration as I have to buy my own birthday presents and that was last Monday the 24th.

I really enjoyed this sock episode, thank you 😊. I knit my socks using devil sticks 😅....but as a young woman (40yrs ago) I would ask my mom to knit my socks...I may have had trouble maneuvering DPNs because the 4 fingers on my left hand are only an inch long. I finally did master DPNs, and was the hockey mom who was always knitting socks at the arena. Nowadays, I do try 9" circs, but never try the heel using them...but I'll give it a try on my current pair. I did pause the video to order a different brand to try....on sale!...but i can't seem to find your favourites here in Canada. My go-to now...short row heel, umbrella toe, Finchley Graft. When I was a young woman, I worked in an office, and we all knit on our lunch hour. Ine day, an English co-worker burst out that she could'nt watch me anymore knitting the way that I knit at the time. She taught me a different way....and just this last year I heard of something called Irish Cottage Knitting or Lever Knitting...I think that seems to be my method ❤

Thank you Ruth for this informative podcast. I’m an English thrower too, tried continental and persevering with colour work! I’m 66 and have knitted on and off since I was a child. I want to knit socks and have made one pair and half way through a second, using magic loop but find them a struggle!! I’m going to try the 9 ins and see if it makes it any easier lol 😂 Thank you once again ❤

Brilliant podcast Ruth. Thanks for taking the time. Those socks are definitely well enough yellow to go in the box xx

I think there is plenty of yellow in the striped socks and they will brighten someone's day 💛 It's nice to see what you like to use and have tried. You have a very relaxed hand position~I hope to do the same some day. Congrats to your daughter on her job and hanging in there! Too many people quit and walk away. You've taught her well 😘

Love knitting socks. Cuff down, heel flap and gusset, umbrella toe using Flexi Flips.

I actually like the camera lower! love your sweater, I must see if i can get those needles in Canada

I also love the 9” circulars and I knit the same way you do with them. The thing I do differently is keep an extra 9” in my knitting bag and use the extra one for the heel and when I get down to the toe.

Good Morning Ruth from Adelaide Australia!! I just love our knitting sessions, you would love my current knit (Penny by Tincan Knits in wattle yellow). I learnt to knit socks about 7 years ago and I went through a similar process as you with needle choice, I like ChiaoGoo 9 inch shorties and I also use Knitpro Symphony. I use a 2.25mm tip. I tried magic loop but my tension is super tight and all that cable in my sock bag stressed me out. I also do my heels the using the shortie or I do a preplanned afterthought heel. I learnt to knit socks with Winwick Mum's tutorials 🧡

Ruth, I love our podcasts, your personality just brightens my day every time I watch! Much love from Florida! I knit continental, I tried learning throwing when I first started but I just couldn't get the hang of it, I learned how to crochet first when I was younger, so holding the yarn in the right hand felt so foreign. I was ecstatic when I found there was another way to knit. I'm still working on my perfect sock technique, I've knit 14 pairs so far, I learned how to knit in January 2023. I've tried magic loop, 2 circulars, and 9 inch circulars. I think I've settled in to 9 inch circulars, shadow wrap heel with a mini gusset, rounded toe on magic loop. Now I'm just figuring out what's my perfect stitch count for 2.0mm and 2.25mm needles. Sock knitting brings me much happiness and is my first love in knitting.

Hi Ruth from a sock knitter across the pond! wonderful socks you've knitted and I would send all of them.

❤❤I never try the 9 circular needle but I would like to try!😊 BEAUTIFUL socks!

Another great episode, thank you Ruth. Your socks have inspired me to get some on my needles. My husband loves knitted socks. I think there is enough yellow in the stripey pair. Take care 😊🇨🇦

So lovely to see you today 😊 I always use 9 inch circular needles as well but I use the chiaogoo. It’s always interesting to see how other people knit. Thanks for another great video 💜

If anybody is going to make me knit socks it is you they are so perfect and beautiful .what a talent and gift you have , you are giving me motivation to make socks that’s for sure 🌻

Thank you Ruth. This was extremely helpful.

Enjoyable, entertaining podcast Ruth - as always. It was so much fun knitting with you. We admired all your beautiful knits, now we know how you knit them. I am an English thrower, but I hold the right needle like a pencil, whereas you hold yours like a knife. I tension around my little finger. Just the way I was taught.

Loving your yellow socks. Lots of yellow in both your daughter’s socks and the lovely striped ones. Somebody will for sure LOVE them! Love your podcast with all the colours. Thanks for doing it.

Beautiful yellow socks Ruth, and yes I think there is enough yellow in your 2 pair of stripe socks. Now, I want to knit a pair of yellow socks for myself!

Ruth thank you so much for a very interesting podcast loved it but then I love every one of your podcasts,very informative for me , you opened my eyes with your sock knitting in still on the double pointed but going to try the one you use , keep up all your brilliant podcasts you keep me going xxx

Love knitting socks. Cuff down, heel flap and gusset, umbrella toe using Flexi Flips. There is enough yellow in the stripped socks.

That was so interesting, thank you. I'm an enthusiastic sock knitter for about the last 9 years. First on dpn's, then magic loop. I tried 9" but didnt like them but i can understand the concept. I have about 125 pairs now and need to donate some 😀. I did send some to Marie Curie hospice last year. Take care. 🇨🇦❤️. Gail

Thank you for a really enjoyable podcast. I haven't knitted many socks but I'm definitely team dpn's and a 'thrower".

We are sister sock knitters!! I knit mine the same way. Love knitting socks. Such great gifts too

Good morning Ruth, I really enjoyed your socks podcast. I do my socks the same way as you, kitchener stitch and all . Always a great pleasure spending time with you . Ty

Halo Ruth, thanx for a lovely podcast. I am new to knitting, and started with sock tube from crazy sock lady, now on my 5th pair. Enjoying the process❤

I am not a sock knitter but I am so glad you are back. I just love spending time with you. Your energy is contagious. 🥰

Very interesting I’ve tried lots of different ways of knitting socks too for me I can only use the addi crazy 3 needles they were the game changer for me. Love all your yellow socks for Marie currie I think the striped ones are enough yellow xx

Hi Ruth! Love your jumper, its stunning! I knit socks by doing the rib, heels and toes in magic loop, and then I use a hiyahiya 9inch circular for the leg and the foot. I found the knitpro ones to be too long for me, I got a bit tangled up! I'm happy with toe up or top down, both work for me. Lovely to see you again, I've been winding 10g minis whilst catching up with you today xxx

Hi Ruth, thx for explaining a bit. Also it's lykke loo-kah just hygge is hoo- gah. The y is "oo" with double letters pronounced hard and the the e is "ah". Since it Isn't phonetically pronunciation like English follows their language phonetics. Happy 4th voting day for you. Take care🤗

I’ll have to look into the umbrella toe, never heard of it. I usually do wedge toe but I’m not crazy about it. Fun episode!

Oh my goodness! I’ve found someone who is as passionate as I am about sock knitting. Not that I’ve made many, but I NEEEEED to make them. That’s all I want to knit. I pretty much learned to knit so I could knit socks. I love your podcast. Hope you don’t go through a sock-knitting slump for a while. I agree about the 9” circulars, and thank you for your demo of using them to do the heel. I may continue to switch to dpns to do the heel and toe, but we shall see. At least I have an idea how to do it your way. I know nothing about the charity you’re donating to, but I would say there’s plenty of yellow in those stripey socks. I love ALL the socks you showed today. Thank you so much for all the info and the very contagious enthusiasm.

I just love your podcast! Your socks are lovely! I knit my socks (my favorite thing to knit) exactly the way you do. I adore my 9" circs. I use Chiagoo. Thanks so much for what you do!❤

Thank you so much Ruth. Really useful podcast. I currently knit with the devil's sticks and am happy with those but they aren't great for taking out of the house. I've bought some 9inch needles but not tried them yet. Lots of people seem to struggle with them so your tips on how to hold them have reassured me. Just need to finish my current WIPs then I'll try them. Thanks again Nickyx

Thank you for another fun podcast! I have knit over 300 pairs of socks and still cannot find a way to use a 9" circular. I have tried two times within the past few years. But, after watching this, I will try again. I wonder if it is because I am a Continental knitter and do not wrap the yarn, but rather tension the yarn next to the left needle when I pick. The 9" needles are too short to hold the tension. Here's hoping for success this time!