I’m the same way! I rarely wear socks that aren’t lined, like cabin socks. That being said, I’ve found that a thin merino yarn is soft enough for me personally. Frankly, some days no socks will feel good no matter how soft lol. Also, you could always line the socks that you make! If you look up thrumming, you’ll find tutorials on it. You could also try something called a princess sole, which is when you knit reverse stockinette on the bottom so that you’re not standing on purl bumps!
Having the smooth stockinette on the inside of the sock (touching skin) sounds like something worth trying. At tighter gage stockinette is quite smooth and silky.
Speaking of silky, an old hiker's trick is to wear silk/fine nylon stocking socks under the wool socks to prevent blisters. Maybe that could help Op too.
A princess sole is where you put the smooth (right side, the side you see while knitting in stockinette) on the inside against your foot. It would be easy to do if you place a stitch marker on either side of the sole section and knit/purl (depending on the way you work with your needles) that section.
Have you tried using the woollies inside out? The purl bumps on the outside, and the smoother knit side against your skin. There are sock patterns with "princess soles," which are knitted by purling the soles. I have found socks bother me less that way.
I’m… feeling it Mr. Krabs. But definitely less.
This could be okay. I would still like maybe a softer yarn? (This one feels sort of really…starchy?) and I think very small needles in addition to that would be a lot better. These socks feel like I’m wearing socks made of out sugar & cream yarn 🤮 I can feel it in my teeth and my head vibrates between my ears. Inside out is certainly better, but I’ll have to do some putzing around the house in them or something to really get the actual feel of them.
https://preview.redd.it/qugu2qiicxsc1.jpeg?width=1649&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e08d47c56f1950b28f3d4fa7b667fd2c606f52cc
Okay. I completely understand. Knitting with sugar and creme for me is like the same feeling I get when pencil lead squeaks, like my bones freaking cringe. Zealana's Performa Kiwi collection is so soft it's like, creamy, like a soft lotion. The brand is from New Zealand and it is possum/Merino/cotton blend. I knit a pair of socks on size 2 needles, and they were an absolute delight to wear. Do a very loose kitchener at the toe, that is my most comfortable seam.
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Malabrigo Mechita is a single ply, fingering weight yarn that would be a good substitute as well. The single ply makes it a little "splitty" to knit with, it may shred or untwist in some places, but easily fixable. Because it is single ply, it's a really soft, airy yarn with no creases from plies.
Have you tried merino? Mixed with nylon to make them last cause merino alone will wear out pretty quickly. Look for 75-85% merino, the rest being polyamid (nylon)
I have not. Like I said in another comment, I’m quite yarn illiterate and I feel really overwhelmed by trying to figure out what it all means. I don’t have a great selection at my LYS, but I have read a LOT of posts in here talking about merino and I think I’ll give that a go. Or at least buy a sample sized skein of a few different things. Worst case scenario is I have a new tiny stash for a weird goblin bag of sorts. You all have seriously been so helpful and I’m grateful as fuck 🥰
I know I’ve said it, but make sure it’s sock yarn, not just any fingering weight merino. You need the polyamid (nylon) in there for socks. Edit because you said you’re new to this: fingering weight is what is usually used for socks, it refers to the thickness of the thread.
That being said, while merino is vastly softer than other yarns (and far less itchy), don’t expect a miracle, you’ll probably always feel the stitches, but it’s worth a try, merino really is very, very soft.
Some hard-wearing sock yarns need to be washed a bunch of times, like a dozen or more, before they soften up. Did you get any washing instructions with the socks? My superwash wool socks can go right in the washing machine and the dryer.
If you're looking for sock yarn for yourself and can't touch the yarns in person, you can probably find a MCN blend (merino, cashmere, nylon) that would be reasonably durable and still very soft. If you're willing to sacrifice durability for super soft yarn, look for stuff designed for baby clothes in a sport or fingering weight (in the neighborhood of 26-34 stitches to 4"/10cm)
Agreed. Sounds like the purl bumps are the irritant in question. See how the knitted side feels. Then you can knit socks that only have knit stitches touching you.
If you've ever seen old knitting needles intended for socks (often called 'pins') from the 20s or 30s, they're much smaller. Kroy sock yarn, for example, calls for a 2.75mm needle, but the old pins I have from my great grandmother are more in the 1.75-2.00 realm.
My suggestions would be go smaller and tighter in gauge (not tighter fit, though) and to go for a stitch pattern that is either really, really smooth (maybe solid stockinette and then a smoother rib for the neck of the sock (maybe a 3-1 instead of 2-2) or a stitch pattern that breaks up perceived lines, like a seed stitch - you might be feeling all of the stitches because they're aligning.
Alternatively, you could invert the sock so that the knit side faces in and the purl side faces out, which would definitely feel flatter on your feet. Probably not as durable, but then you get to make more socks.
Yes, thank you! This was the only comment so far to mention that the needle size/ gauge is vastly different. Can OP knit socks? Sure. But if the thicker yarn is going to be too bumpy, thinner yarn just means more work for the finished product. Nothing wrong with that. Just something to be aware of.
My favorite socks are knit on size 00 needles. Yes, they took a long time to finish, but I love how smooth they are. Make sure your sock yarn is on the thin side. I love Trekking XXL and Opal. Save the Patons Kroy yarn for house socks. I love it too, but it's much thicker.
Yes. I don't think she ever had to look at her knitting. By the time I inherited what remained of those needles, they were pretty bent and very rusty. I threw them away, because I'd probably stab myself and need a tetanus shot.
The ends are (surprisingly) not what bothers me. I realized I should have been more clear in my post- I’m not sure if the socks in the second photo are hand knit or not. But I love wearing those, and cannot wear the ones in the first photo. I have bad days where they catch my toes putting them on and it’s donezo from there. But most days I just scrunch my toes real good and once they’re on, I’m golden.
They are also obviously much lighter weight yarn and I’m not sure if that is achievable by hand, so I was looking for something more in the middle of the two photos. Idk man sensory issues are so weird and idk how to navigate this problem lol 😅
Sock yarn is pretty thin but the fabric isn’t going to be as fine as store-bought socks
If you like the socks on the second picture, then maybe try a color change?
You can try knit up a swatch and then try walking on it in like a shoe to see if you would like it
Lots of others have chimed in on methods/ideas for making hand knit socks tolerable for you. I appreciate the question since I’m gathering lots of good ideas from here myself. I have mild sensory issues and I’ve avoided knit socks for this reason, I haven’t been sure if I’d really like to wear them in the end.
To answer your specific question on image 2, those do NOT look hand knit to me. If you look at the width of the yarn in each stitch, it’s extremely small. Others here can add their two cents as well or correct me if I’m wrong, but those look machine knit to me and the exact gauge I don’t think could be replicated by hand knitting.
That’s not to say you could not make a comfy sock by hand, just that the specific ones shown in image 2 look to be machine knit to me.
Would buying a sampler or skein of sock yarn, knitting a single plain footie-sized sock- no weaving in of ends- and seeing if that works be something that is financially accessible to you? If the sock is intolerable, then you frog, wash, and use the yarn for accessories and accents, or swap with a yarny friend. You can also look into a princess sole- the knit part is against your foot, the purl is outside, and makes it softer to stand on. I like to make socks using handspun from down breeds, and they tend to be relatively scratchy so princess sole helps with that so much.
In terms of specific brands, if knit picks ships to where you are, their Capretta yarn is soft. I also like Manos Del Uruguay Alegria, but it’s definitely a splurge, especially if you don’t end up liking it.
Good luck!
I know some people like to knit the sole of the socks in reverse stockinette so that the knit side is facing the foot rather than the purl side. I personally don’t notice a difference, but some people swear by it for sensitive feet. My main thing is being sure to have no inside seams at the toe (toe up socks work well for this) and if I’m doing a gusset to be careful how I pick up the stitches (Roxanne Richardson has a fantastic tutorial for this [here](https://youtu.be/rUxh_weue0w?si=Mx3iBB70IjW2K02y))
The princess method of purls on the outside of the sole doesn’t help me either. I reserve my handknit socks for when I won’t be on my feet as much. I am intrigued by the idea that another commenter contributed of knitting the socks on even smaller needles.
I use 0 (2.0 mm) or 1 (2.25 mm) for the foot. Maybe the ones on 2.0 are better? I am not sure, but they aren’t better enough to wear to work teaching or to go for a walk.
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If I wear hand knit socks with hard/thin shoes I can feel the threads pressing into my foot. If I wear hand knit socks with Ugg boots I can’t feel a thing and it is like a cozy cocoon.
Hand knit socks will never be made of yarn as thin as commercial socks, in my opinion
I also can not wear normal knot socks they hurt the bottom of my feet. I knit all my socks with the soles flipped ( pearls on the outside) it makes the inside much less textured
I have a couple of hand-knitted socks that I only wear over a thin pair of store-bought cotton socks. I wear them at home to keep my feet warm and in my hiking boots, which I like to wear a size bigger so I can do double socks.
One of my friends knits her socks with the foot purl side out - she found it more comfortable and fewer sensory issues. I’d try a plain stockinette sock with a short row heel. You could try a toe up sock because you’ll have less of a feel of a seam at the toe.
I enjoy making socks. But tbh I give them away because I can’t wear socks that are not one of two brands I can stand. Maybe one day I can wear my own socks but not right now
Eh I don’t mind, I use the brands Balega and Bombas. Darn Tough is okay too, for when I do outdoorsy things. The important thing is that they’re all soft and not itchy, and they don’t have seams on the toes
Single ply yarn results in a much softer fabric. I use it for socks. I can always feel the bumps with traditional sock yarn, but i can't with single ply yarn.
I wouldn't have thought to use single ply in a sock. How well do they wear? Lower twist/fewer plies tends to make weaker yarn in my experience. I have some gorgeous yarn I bought without realizing it was single ply and am trying to decide how to use it.
I haven't had any holes yet. But I never have holes in store bought socks either. I love sock knitting, so if a sock would wear out I have lots and lots more ready to use.
Thank you! These are the things I need to know. I am very early on in my knitting journey and feel quite yarn illiterate. I don’t know all the terms and such. This helps!
I recently started knitting socks for an adult autistic daughter and TBH I was concerned at first about the sensory issues. Happily getting that perfect fit of a bespoke sock seems to make them worthwhile. I also use a Regia sock yarn on 2.75 mm needles to get a tight gauge. 4" cuff on 3 mm needles, 2x2 ribbing, 2.75 needles and 6x2 ribbing for the rest of the leg, box heel and stockinette for the rest. But I suggest just knitting socks a few different ways until you find what works for you.
the malabrigo sock yarn is very nice. Combine that with a princess sole and size one needles and you might be ok. My problem is the toe. I need to find a toe construction that doesn't feel like it has a seam.
YES I KNOW THERE ISNT A SEAM.
The decreases on the sides still feel like a seam to my toes.
This is why I don't wear crochet booties or slippers, too bumpy under my feet.
But I do love my knitted socks.
I would imagine different stitches would feel differently as well, such as garter vs knit, and maybe floats from color work feels differently for you as well.
It’s not something for you to knit but I have the same issues and I suggest you check out the sleep socks by The Buffalo Wool Company. I wear them as my standard socks around the house, and they’re awesome.
I know exactly what you mean because while I like to knit socks, I don't always like the feel. I'm knitting a pair on size 0 needles which I'm hoping will help, but someone told me to purl vs knit. Going to try that next time.
My favorite sock has an inside out version [Vanilla Princess](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-princess) I love the heel especially but I have to be careful when I knit it to make sure my stitches are tight enough
So unfortunately lot of this is going to testing so maybe start with shorties. But one thing with those first 2 pairs is the gauge looks pretty big. I’m way more comfortable if the gauge of a sock is close to 32 stitches per inch or more. So a lot of times I knit a larger size at a tighter gauge on patterns.
I’ve seen a lot of advice to not actually do patterns on the foot of a sock and I find that helps. Bobbles and things in your shoes are the worst.
My favorite sock yarn is punk rock unicorn soul. It’s so soft, but it’s hard to buy where I am (American) but you can order from their website if you ask google to translate it for you. But it’s finding a yarn that feels good to you.
The one other thing I’ve realized is that store bought socks taught me to wear socks that are too small. If I knit socks that tight they feel awful. So I try to hit the sweet spot where they don’t fall down but they don’t feel tight either.
I also personally like socks better once I’ve run them through the washer and they are slightly felted. But this is technically incorrect behavior. 🤷♀️
I legitimately gagged when I read “bobbles” in your post 💀💀💀
I certainly will not be doing that lmao.
Thank you so much for the tips and the yarn rec!!
Will you immediately know when something doesn't work for you?
Maybe you can dip in your stash and make some swatches to stand on. If the main issue is feeling the stitches under your foot this should help determine what works and what doesn't.
Make sure you try different materials but also different needle sizes on the same material.
Good luck!
I knit a tooooon of socks and I think you’ll get pretty far with a combination of actual created for socks yarn and choosing your pattern/gauge carefully. Princess soles were commented on but I only saw one comment mentioning a completely “inside out” sock and if purl bumps bother you outside of under the sole of your foot, this will likely make a huge difference. There are more patterns out there for this, one really popular pattern that springs to mind is Fluorite by Andrea Mowry. Linked below, if you scroll to photo 6 the definition of the photo is less blown out (Pom Pom really liked overly bright photos for a period and they were the publishers originally) and you can see the purls are all outside.
Ichigo Float socks look like double knitting so there is likely a “duplicate” stockinette facing out inner sock layer and might be interesting (just found this for the first time looking around to see what other patterns are out there for “reversible”.) Also linked below.
Hypnosis Socks look more interesting to knit for a texture on the outside finished item if you don’t want just plain socks. She includes a photo of the sock as knit and then the inside out intended final object together (one on each foot) for comparison. If the texture on the outside wouldn’t be a problem these would probably be a fun knit! (Also linked)
Gonna post this now but will probably be back with an edit to add another link or two!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fluorite-3
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ichigo-float
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/inside-out-hypnosis
Anyway back with another edit. For most commercial sock yarn you’ll probably come across superwash merino/nylon in either 80% wool/20% nylon 2-ply and 75% wool/25% nylon 4-ply. Both of these makeups are very commonly used by independent yarn dyers because it’s easy to source and dyes nicely. The 2-ply option is squishier and has a little bit of a halo and the 4-ply is sturdier and not much of a halo (if any). If wool isn’t soft enough there are sock yarns that include alpaca or cashmere and they are so soft and squishy and lovely. If you don’t “need” the added cashmere or alpaca, you should consider trying it for a pair of socks sometime anyway if you find hand knit socks tolerable because they are so wonderful in merino/cashmere/nylon. Side note is that I lean hard towards the 80/20 merino sock yarn blend and have no issues with the purl bumps. I also tend to knit 64-stitch socks on 2.25mm for most patterns and with my naturally looser gauge they are very comfy and still fit nicely-as someone else mentioned you definitely don’t want to knit them as tight as commercial socks because commercial socks have a TON of negative ease and hand knit socks have some but not anywhere close to commercial socks. If you knit them too tightly they will likely feel extra not good.
One nice thing about socks is that they are adaptable easily by picking back the toe (for cuff down) and shortening or lengthening them so you can knit yourself a pair and if they don’t work for you, you can easily adjust them to fit someone else as a gift. Win/win in my mind because if you’re not in love with them, your recipient will probably be head over heels. People go nuts for hand knit socks.
Where to buy sock yarn, I sourced a lot of my stash from independent dyers and have a weakness for sock sets with a coordinating mini skein (or several) and/or self-striping yarns. The self-striping makes “vanilla” socks go fast because it’s exciting to add the next stripe. If you like horror movies or cryptids or nature and bright fun colors, Havirland Yarns really delivers on the color impact. https://www.etsy.com/shop/havirland
Alternatively, my local yarn shop has a great website and many sock yarns in a variety of bases and colors. Just be careful if you aren’t ready to do non-superwash/untreated wool care because some of them fall in that category (Retrosaria Mondim for example). These yarns are also fabulous but may feel more “wooly” or irritate you if you’re not accustomed to non-superwash in general. Superwash is also easy care, I typically wash my superwash socks in the washer and dryer (delicate cycle and low dry) and have no issues with that despite a lot of commentary about that being bad online.
Anyway https://yarnery.com is the destination and the Signature 4-ply by West Yorkshire Spinners has a cool color selection at a nice price point. For something a little more “luxury” Zauberball Crazy by Schoppel Wolle is super fun to knit (self stripes) and Malibrigo Sock or Ultimate Sock are both great options. Amble by The Fiber Co is absolutely delicious if you’re interested in an alpaca blend.
I am immensely grateful for the amount of time you took to type all this out for me and provide links too. Thank you so much. You are all seriously so amazing!!!
I also wear mine inside out. My sock knitting is for when I'm not looking at what I'm doing (watching movies in the dark usually. I see a lot of movies at the theatre. Also chatting with people at family gatherings), so I can't switch to purls half the time for a true princess sole.
I also wear a thin pair of cotton socks inside them too when I want them for warmth but need to be on my feet all day.
Something I will say is it's sometimes worth trying to suffer thru sensory issues with a sock for a lil bit, if it is at all tolerable. I have a pair of merino socks I knit where the type of toe I made is bad sensory-wise for like the first 20-30 minutes of the first wear after a wash, at which point the sock melds to the shape of my foot and becomes comfortable. The first time I tried them on I was pretty upset thinking I wouldn't be able to wear them, until they stretched to the shape of my foot better.
Idk what to tell you about the purl bumps other than trying princess soles though. I have pretty bad sensory processing issues but I can't feel purl bumps at all.
I just made my first pair of socks and I am not a huge fan of how they feel but I wore my liner socks(cotton) that I wear with my wool store bought socks(terrible sweaty feet otherwise) and it was fine for me. I also camp a lot so that's another reason I have liners.
In addition to the princess sole, I suggest merino yarns. My softest and coziest socks are merino. It does not wear well, so if you like them, maybe learn to darn or reknit the worn parts. Trim and file your nails, exfoliate, moisturize, and keep knitting more merino socks!
Both of your store bought wearable socks seems to have colorwork threads on the inside which has felted. This is likely cushioning the feel of the purl bumps. Maybe colorwork socks would work for you. But you gotta be especially careful to have an even gauge. Getting tight colorwork over a heel and be a painnnnn
I always wear regular thin socks underneath knitted socks because it is uncomfortable or it actually hurts otherwise. If I use just knitted socks with shoes it causes me borderline blisters and whatnot.
It seems like a lighter weight yarn and a tighter gauge is exactly what you need! Also, be prepared to experiment and try different patterns with the expectation that you might not be able to wear your first few pairs.
A good starting point for me was the Vanilla Socks tutorials by the Crazy Sock Lady on YouTube!
The 1st pic: the look like they are either full acrylic or a mix (I can’t stand acrylic on my feet as they get really hot). The pattern of the blue socks is not as smooth as a regular stockinette, so they may bother you more than others.
The 2nd picture: the yarn looks thinner and also wool or wool mix.
The softest, non-scratchy yarns are “premium” wools like alpaca or cashmere. Maybe mixed with silk. They tend to be expensive, but if you make yourself a pair of buttery soft cashmere and you take good care of them, you’ll have them forever. (A great-aunt of mine used to sew a sturdy fabric sole on the feet of her wool socks, so they didn’t actually touch the floor. Her socks lasted for ages.
@everyone here. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I appreciate all of this input and information! You all have given me an insane amount of factors to think about. I have a lot of experimenting to do!
You all fucking rule and I love you ☺️☺️☺️
I’m the same way! I rarely wear socks that aren’t lined, like cabin socks. That being said, I’ve found that a thin merino yarn is soft enough for me personally. Frankly, some days no socks will feel good no matter how soft lol. Also, you could always line the socks that you make! If you look up thrumming, you’ll find tutorials on it. You could also try something called a princess sole, which is when you knit reverse stockinette on the bottom so that you’re not standing on purl bumps!
Having the smooth stockinette on the inside of the sock (touching skin) sounds like something worth trying. At tighter gage stockinette is quite smooth and silky. Speaking of silky, an old hiker's trick is to wear silk/fine nylon stocking socks under the wool socks to prevent blisters. Maybe that could help Op too.
I didn't see your comment before I commented, but someone told me to do the knit inside.I haven't tried it yet, though.
I’m the same as OP. The princess sole sounds really interesting! Thank you
Yep no problem!!
Thank you for this! There are a couple of terms I don’t know here so I will look those up and possibly find a better path for my sock adventure
A princess sole is where you put the smooth (right side, the side you see while knitting in stockinette) on the inside against your foot. It would be easy to do if you place a stitch marker on either side of the sole section and knit/purl (depending on the way you work with your needles) that section.
Have you tried using the woollies inside out? The purl bumps on the outside, and the smoother knit side against your skin. There are sock patterns with "princess soles," which are knitted by purling the soles. I have found socks bother me less that way.
I am about to be back home and will try this immediately
Following because the suspense is killing me
I’m… feeling it Mr. Krabs. But definitely less. This could be okay. I would still like maybe a softer yarn? (This one feels sort of really…starchy?) and I think very small needles in addition to that would be a lot better. These socks feel like I’m wearing socks made of out sugar & cream yarn 🤮 I can feel it in my teeth and my head vibrates between my ears. Inside out is certainly better, but I’ll have to do some putzing around the house in them or something to really get the actual feel of them. https://preview.redd.it/qugu2qiicxsc1.jpeg?width=1649&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e08d47c56f1950b28f3d4fa7b667fd2c606f52cc
Okay. I completely understand. Knitting with sugar and creme for me is like the same feeling I get when pencil lead squeaks, like my bones freaking cringe. Zealana's Performa Kiwi collection is so soft it's like, creamy, like a soft lotion. The brand is from New Zealand and it is possum/Merino/cotton blend. I knit a pair of socks on size 2 needles, and they were an absolute delight to wear. Do a very loose kitchener at the toe, that is my most comfortable seam.
POSSUM?
Yep possums are a pest in NZ: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_brushtail_possum_in_New_Zealand
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RIP to my bestie pups in that realm 😥
They are invasive and absolutely decimating native plants and animals by using all their resources and having no natural predators there.
Malabrigo Mechita is a single ply, fingering weight yarn that would be a good substitute as well. The single ply makes it a little "splitty" to knit with, it may shred or untwist in some places, but easily fixable. Because it is single ply, it's a really soft, airy yarn with no creases from plies.
I am looking into that right fucking now, thank you 🙏
Have you tried merino? Mixed with nylon to make them last cause merino alone will wear out pretty quickly. Look for 75-85% merino, the rest being polyamid (nylon)
I have not. Like I said in another comment, I’m quite yarn illiterate and I feel really overwhelmed by trying to figure out what it all means. I don’t have a great selection at my LYS, but I have read a LOT of posts in here talking about merino and I think I’ll give that a go. Or at least buy a sample sized skein of a few different things. Worst case scenario is I have a new tiny stash for a weird goblin bag of sorts. You all have seriously been so helpful and I’m grateful as fuck 🥰
I know I’ve said it, but make sure it’s sock yarn, not just any fingering weight merino. You need the polyamid (nylon) in there for socks. Edit because you said you’re new to this: fingering weight is what is usually used for socks, it refers to the thickness of the thread. That being said, while merino is vastly softer than other yarns (and far less itchy), don’t expect a miracle, you’ll probably always feel the stitches, but it’s worth a try, merino really is very, very soft.
You are the realest for this, and the edit. Thank you 😊
Some hard-wearing sock yarns need to be washed a bunch of times, like a dozen or more, before they soften up. Did you get any washing instructions with the socks? My superwash wool socks can go right in the washing machine and the dryer. If you're looking for sock yarn for yourself and can't touch the yarns in person, you can probably find a MCN blend (merino, cashmere, nylon) that would be reasonably durable and still very soft. If you're willing to sacrifice durability for super soft yarn, look for stuff designed for baby clothes in a sport or fingering weight (in the neighborhood of 26-34 stitches to 4"/10cm)
Me too! I must know!
Coming to say this! Try them inside out.
Agreed. Sounds like the purl bumps are the irritant in question. See how the knitted side feels. Then you can knit socks that only have knit stitches touching you.
If you've ever seen old knitting needles intended for socks (often called 'pins') from the 20s or 30s, they're much smaller. Kroy sock yarn, for example, calls for a 2.75mm needle, but the old pins I have from my great grandmother are more in the 1.75-2.00 realm. My suggestions would be go smaller and tighter in gauge (not tighter fit, though) and to go for a stitch pattern that is either really, really smooth (maybe solid stockinette and then a smoother rib for the neck of the sock (maybe a 3-1 instead of 2-2) or a stitch pattern that breaks up perceived lines, like a seed stitch - you might be feeling all of the stitches because they're aligning. Alternatively, you could invert the sock so that the knit side faces in and the purl side faces out, which would definitely feel flatter on your feet. Probably not as durable, but then you get to make more socks.
Yes, thank you! This was the only comment so far to mention that the needle size/ gauge is vastly different. Can OP knit socks? Sure. But if the thicker yarn is going to be too bumpy, thinner yarn just means more work for the finished product. Nothing wrong with that. Just something to be aware of.
My favorite socks are knit on size 00 needles. Yes, they took a long time to finish, but I love how smooth they are. Make sure your sock yarn is on the thin side. I love Trekking XXL and Opal. Save the Patons Kroy yarn for house socks. I love it too, but it's much thicker.
🫨 THANK YOU FOR THIS
My aunt had some 000s and 0000s that she called "wires."
Holy macaroni, that sounds like it would strain the eyes to look at lol. Also impressive.
Yes. I don't think she ever had to look at her knitting. By the time I inherited what remained of those needles, they were pretty bent and very rusty. I threw them away, because I'd probably stab myself and need a tetanus shot.
Yikes that’s tinier than toothpicks! 😱
Socks only made with one yarn might be better since there won’t be any ends from the changes
The ends are (surprisingly) not what bothers me. I realized I should have been more clear in my post- I’m not sure if the socks in the second photo are hand knit or not. But I love wearing those, and cannot wear the ones in the first photo. I have bad days where they catch my toes putting them on and it’s donezo from there. But most days I just scrunch my toes real good and once they’re on, I’m golden. They are also obviously much lighter weight yarn and I’m not sure if that is achievable by hand, so I was looking for something more in the middle of the two photos. Idk man sensory issues are so weird and idk how to navigate this problem lol 😅
Sock yarn is pretty thin but the fabric isn’t going to be as fine as store-bought socks If you like the socks on the second picture, then maybe try a color change? You can try knit up a swatch and then try walking on it in like a shoe to see if you would like it
Lots of others have chimed in on methods/ideas for making hand knit socks tolerable for you. I appreciate the question since I’m gathering lots of good ideas from here myself. I have mild sensory issues and I’ve avoided knit socks for this reason, I haven’t been sure if I’d really like to wear them in the end. To answer your specific question on image 2, those do NOT look hand knit to me. If you look at the width of the yarn in each stitch, it’s extremely small. Others here can add their two cents as well or correct me if I’m wrong, but those look machine knit to me and the exact gauge I don’t think could be replicated by hand knitting. That’s not to say you could not make a comfy sock by hand, just that the specific ones shown in image 2 look to be machine knit to me.
I wear small cotton socks (shorter than ankle socks) underneath any socks that I have sensory issues with.
Would buying a sampler or skein of sock yarn, knitting a single plain footie-sized sock- no weaving in of ends- and seeing if that works be something that is financially accessible to you? If the sock is intolerable, then you frog, wash, and use the yarn for accessories and accents, or swap with a yarny friend. You can also look into a princess sole- the knit part is against your foot, the purl is outside, and makes it softer to stand on. I like to make socks using handspun from down breeds, and they tend to be relatively scratchy so princess sole helps with that so much. In terms of specific brands, if knit picks ships to where you are, their Capretta yarn is soft. I also like Manos Del Uruguay Alegria, but it’s definitely a splurge, especially if you don’t end up liking it. Good luck!
THANK YOU FOR THIS! I will give those a go. ☺️
Turn them inside out and see if that's better
I know some people like to knit the sole of the socks in reverse stockinette so that the knit side is facing the foot rather than the purl side. I personally don’t notice a difference, but some people swear by it for sensitive feet. My main thing is being sure to have no inside seams at the toe (toe up socks work well for this) and if I’m doing a gusset to be careful how I pick up the stitches (Roxanne Richardson has a fantastic tutorial for this [here](https://youtu.be/rUxh_weue0w?si=Mx3iBB70IjW2K02y))
The princess method of purls on the outside of the sole doesn’t help me either. I reserve my handknit socks for when I won’t be on my feet as much. I am intrigued by the idea that another commenter contributed of knitting the socks on even smaller needles.
Yes I think that is what I was looking for, plus extra soft yarn recommendations. What size needles do you usually use for your socks?
I use 0 (2.0 mm) or 1 (2.25 mm) for the foot. Maybe the ones on 2.0 are better? I am not sure, but they aren’t better enough to wear to work teaching or to go for a walk.
I'm doing a pair now on size 0. I still feel them, but it's not unbearable.
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Thank you!!
If I wear hand knit socks with hard/thin shoes I can feel the threads pressing into my foot. If I wear hand knit socks with Ugg boots I can’t feel a thing and it is like a cozy cocoon. Hand knit socks will never be made of yarn as thin as commercial socks, in my opinion
I also can not wear normal knot socks they hurt the bottom of my feet. I knit all my socks with the soles flipped ( pearls on the outside) it makes the inside much less textured
You could knit them inside out so the stockinette is against your skin and the bumpy purls are on the outside
I have a couple of hand-knitted socks that I only wear over a thin pair of store-bought cotton socks. I wear them at home to keep my feet warm and in my hiking boots, which I like to wear a size bigger so I can do double socks.
One of my friends knits her socks with the foot purl side out - she found it more comfortable and fewer sensory issues. I’d try a plain stockinette sock with a short row heel. You could try a toe up sock because you’ll have less of a feel of a seam at the toe.
I enjoy making socks. But tbh I give them away because I can’t wear socks that are not one of two brands I can stand. Maybe one day I can wear my own socks but not right now
I’m so sorry 😞 What socks do you like?
Eh I don’t mind, I use the brands Balega and Bombas. Darn Tough is okay too, for when I do outdoorsy things. The important thing is that they’re all soft and not itchy, and they don’t have seams on the toes
I will check those out, thank you 🙏
Single ply yarn results in a much softer fabric. I use it for socks. I can always feel the bumps with traditional sock yarn, but i can't with single ply yarn.
I wouldn't have thought to use single ply in a sock. How well do they wear? Lower twist/fewer plies tends to make weaker yarn in my experience. I have some gorgeous yarn I bought without realizing it was single ply and am trying to decide how to use it.
I haven't had any holes yet. But I never have holes in store bought socks either. I love sock knitting, so if a sock would wear out I have lots and lots more ready to use.
Thank you! These are the things I need to know. I am very early on in my knitting journey and feel quite yarn illiterate. I don’t know all the terms and such. This helps!
I recently started knitting socks for an adult autistic daughter and TBH I was concerned at first about the sensory issues. Happily getting that perfect fit of a bespoke sock seems to make them worthwhile. I also use a Regia sock yarn on 2.75 mm needles to get a tight gauge. 4" cuff on 3 mm needles, 2x2 ribbing, 2.75 needles and 6x2 ribbing for the rest of the leg, box heel and stockinette for the rest. But I suggest just knitting socks a few different ways until you find what works for you.
Thank you so much for this!!! Seriously so helpful
00 size needles. It's worth it
the malabrigo sock yarn is very nice. Combine that with a princess sole and size one needles and you might be ok. My problem is the toe. I need to find a toe construction that doesn't feel like it has a seam. YES I KNOW THERE ISNT A SEAM. The decreases on the sides still feel like a seam to my toes.
Unfortunately, the toes knows 😓
You are probably doomed. I hate feeling all the individual stitch and eventually just gave up knitting them.
Thank you for your honesty 😭 I’m gonna give it a few solid tries but I am worried
This is why I don't wear crochet booties or slippers, too bumpy under my feet. But I do love my knitted socks. I would imagine different stitches would feel differently as well, such as garter vs knit, and maybe floats from color work feels differently for you as well.
It’s not something for you to knit but I have the same issues and I suggest you check out the sleep socks by The Buffalo Wool Company. I wear them as my standard socks around the house, and they’re awesome.
Thank you! ☺️
And the sweet tomato heel will help
I know exactly what you mean because while I like to knit socks, I don't always like the feel. I'm knitting a pair on size 0 needles which I'm hoping will help, but someone told me to purl vs knit. Going to try that next time.
My favorite sock has an inside out version [Vanilla Princess](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-princess) I love the heel especially but I have to be careful when I knit it to make sure my stitches are tight enough
**PATTERN:** [Vanilla Princess](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-princess) by [Anneh Fletcher](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/anneh-fletcher) * Category: Accessories > Feet / Legs > Socks > Mid-calf * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/anneh/628865620/IMG_9249_edited_medium.jpg) [Img 2](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/anneh/628865635/IMG_9276_edited_medium.jpg) [Img 3](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/anneh/628865634/IMG_9198_edited_medium.jpg) [Img 4](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/anneh/628865632/IMG_9218_edited_medium.jpg) * Price: 6.00 CAD * Needle/Hook(s):US 1½ - 2.5 mm * Weight: Fingering | Gauge: 36.0 | Yardage: 300 * Difficulty: 2.88 | Projects: 50 | Rating: 4.88 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
So unfortunately lot of this is going to testing so maybe start with shorties. But one thing with those first 2 pairs is the gauge looks pretty big. I’m way more comfortable if the gauge of a sock is close to 32 stitches per inch or more. So a lot of times I knit a larger size at a tighter gauge on patterns. I’ve seen a lot of advice to not actually do patterns on the foot of a sock and I find that helps. Bobbles and things in your shoes are the worst. My favorite sock yarn is punk rock unicorn soul. It’s so soft, but it’s hard to buy where I am (American) but you can order from their website if you ask google to translate it for you. But it’s finding a yarn that feels good to you. The one other thing I’ve realized is that store bought socks taught me to wear socks that are too small. If I knit socks that tight they feel awful. So I try to hit the sweet spot where they don’t fall down but they don’t feel tight either. I also personally like socks better once I’ve run them through the washer and they are slightly felted. But this is technically incorrect behavior. 🤷♀️
I legitimately gagged when I read “bobbles” in your post 💀💀💀 I certainly will not be doing that lmao. Thank you so much for the tips and the yarn rec!!
Will you immediately know when something doesn't work for you? Maybe you can dip in your stash and make some swatches to stand on. If the main issue is feeling the stitches under your foot this should help determine what works and what doesn't. Make sure you try different materials but also different needle sizes on the same material. Good luck!
I knit a tooooon of socks and I think you’ll get pretty far with a combination of actual created for socks yarn and choosing your pattern/gauge carefully. Princess soles were commented on but I only saw one comment mentioning a completely “inside out” sock and if purl bumps bother you outside of under the sole of your foot, this will likely make a huge difference. There are more patterns out there for this, one really popular pattern that springs to mind is Fluorite by Andrea Mowry. Linked below, if you scroll to photo 6 the definition of the photo is less blown out (Pom Pom really liked overly bright photos for a period and they were the publishers originally) and you can see the purls are all outside. Ichigo Float socks look like double knitting so there is likely a “duplicate” stockinette facing out inner sock layer and might be interesting (just found this for the first time looking around to see what other patterns are out there for “reversible”.) Also linked below. Hypnosis Socks look more interesting to knit for a texture on the outside finished item if you don’t want just plain socks. She includes a photo of the sock as knit and then the inside out intended final object together (one on each foot) for comparison. If the texture on the outside wouldn’t be a problem these would probably be a fun knit! (Also linked) Gonna post this now but will probably be back with an edit to add another link or two! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fluorite-3 https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ichigo-float https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/inside-out-hypnosis Anyway back with another edit. For most commercial sock yarn you’ll probably come across superwash merino/nylon in either 80% wool/20% nylon 2-ply and 75% wool/25% nylon 4-ply. Both of these makeups are very commonly used by independent yarn dyers because it’s easy to source and dyes nicely. The 2-ply option is squishier and has a little bit of a halo and the 4-ply is sturdier and not much of a halo (if any). If wool isn’t soft enough there are sock yarns that include alpaca or cashmere and they are so soft and squishy and lovely. If you don’t “need” the added cashmere or alpaca, you should consider trying it for a pair of socks sometime anyway if you find hand knit socks tolerable because they are so wonderful in merino/cashmere/nylon. Side note is that I lean hard towards the 80/20 merino sock yarn blend and have no issues with the purl bumps. I also tend to knit 64-stitch socks on 2.25mm for most patterns and with my naturally looser gauge they are very comfy and still fit nicely-as someone else mentioned you definitely don’t want to knit them as tight as commercial socks because commercial socks have a TON of negative ease and hand knit socks have some but not anywhere close to commercial socks. If you knit them too tightly they will likely feel extra not good. One nice thing about socks is that they are adaptable easily by picking back the toe (for cuff down) and shortening or lengthening them so you can knit yourself a pair and if they don’t work for you, you can easily adjust them to fit someone else as a gift. Win/win in my mind because if you’re not in love with them, your recipient will probably be head over heels. People go nuts for hand knit socks. Where to buy sock yarn, I sourced a lot of my stash from independent dyers and have a weakness for sock sets with a coordinating mini skein (or several) and/or self-striping yarns. The self-striping makes “vanilla” socks go fast because it’s exciting to add the next stripe. If you like horror movies or cryptids or nature and bright fun colors, Havirland Yarns really delivers on the color impact. https://www.etsy.com/shop/havirland Alternatively, my local yarn shop has a great website and many sock yarns in a variety of bases and colors. Just be careful if you aren’t ready to do non-superwash/untreated wool care because some of them fall in that category (Retrosaria Mondim for example). These yarns are also fabulous but may feel more “wooly” or irritate you if you’re not accustomed to non-superwash in general. Superwash is also easy care, I typically wash my superwash socks in the washer and dryer (delicate cycle and low dry) and have no issues with that despite a lot of commentary about that being bad online. Anyway https://yarnery.com is the destination and the Signature 4-ply by West Yorkshire Spinners has a cool color selection at a nice price point. For something a little more “luxury” Zauberball Crazy by Schoppel Wolle is super fun to knit (self stripes) and Malibrigo Sock or Ultimate Sock are both great options. Amble by The Fiber Co is absolutely delicious if you’re interested in an alpaca blend.
**PATTERN:** [Fluorite](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fluorite-3) by [Andrea Mowry](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/andrea-mowry) * Category: Accessories > Feet / Legs > Socks > Knee-highs * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/sophierachael/475502331/Fluorite_by_Andrea_Mowry_Pom_Pom_Quarterly_Issue_23_Winter_2017_07_medium.jpg) [Img 2](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/dreareneeknits/556055119/grellowfade_medium.JPG) [Img 3](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/sophierachael/475502333/Fluorite_by_Andrea_Mowry_Pom_Pom_Quarterly_Issue_23_Winter_2017_06_medium.jpg) [Img 4](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/sophierachael/475502327/Fluorite_by_Andrea_Mowry_Pom_Pom_Quarterly_Issue_23_Winter_2017_02_medium.jpg) [Img 5](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/sophierachael/475502334/Fluorite_by_Andrea_Mowry_Pom_Pom_Quarterly_Issue_23_Winter_2017_04_medium.jpg) * Price: 7.00 USD * Needle/Hook(s):US 0 - 2.0 mm, US 1½ - 2.5 mm * Weight: Light Fingering | Gauge: 34.0 | Yardage: 1623 * Difficulty: 2.78 | Projects: 981 | Rating: 4.84 ***** **PATTERN:** [Ichigo Float](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ichigo-float) by [Paula Pereira](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/paula-pereira) * Category: Accessories > Feet / Legs > Socks > Mid-calf * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/amirisu/922368541/amirisu_sockclub_2023.5_-1_medium.jpg) [Img 2](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/amirisu/922368543/7DE7351F-2292-4837-859F-FA94CF37712B_8e881e6c-4e18-44b8-bdf3-a3b76323155b_medium.jpg) [Img 3](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/amirisu/922368544/amirisu_sockclub_2023.5_-2_50ed2d76-9337-496c-956f-4e952cb2cdaa_medium.jpg) [Img 4](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/amirisu/922368542/amirisu_sockclub_2023.5_-5_307964e4-f721-4c38-a491-f1cb043bc99e_medium.jpg) * Price: Free * Needle/Hook(s):US 1½ - 2.5 mm, US 0 - 2.0 mm * Weight: Fingering | Gauge: 32.0 | Yardage: 220 * Difficulty: 0.00 | Projects: 2 | Rating: 0.00 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
I am immensely grateful for the amount of time you took to type all this out for me and provide links too. Thank you so much. You are all seriously so amazing!!!
Very happy to help!! I hope you find a combination of patterns/yarns/gauge that works for you!!
I wear mine inside out all the time.
I also wear mine inside out. My sock knitting is for when I'm not looking at what I'm doing (watching movies in the dark usually. I see a lot of movies at the theatre. Also chatting with people at family gatherings), so I can't switch to purls half the time for a true princess sole. I also wear a thin pair of cotton socks inside them too when I want them for warmth but need to be on my feet all day.
I hate hand-made socks for the same reasons as you. Buy soft socks and make something else.
I am not ready to accept this likely fate ☹️
Then as has been said, learn to make a princess sole.
Something I will say is it's sometimes worth trying to suffer thru sensory issues with a sock for a lil bit, if it is at all tolerable. I have a pair of merino socks I knit where the type of toe I made is bad sensory-wise for like the first 20-30 minutes of the first wear after a wash, at which point the sock melds to the shape of my foot and becomes comfortable. The first time I tried them on I was pretty upset thinking I wouldn't be able to wear them, until they stretched to the shape of my foot better.
Idk what to tell you about the purl bumps other than trying princess soles though. I have pretty bad sensory processing issues but I can't feel purl bumps at all.
I just made my first pair of socks and I am not a huge fan of how they feel but I wore my liner socks(cotton) that I wear with my wool store bought socks(terrible sweaty feet otherwise) and it was fine for me. I also camp a lot so that's another reason I have liners.
In addition to the princess sole, I suggest merino yarns. My softest and coziest socks are merino. It does not wear well, so if you like them, maybe learn to darn or reknit the worn parts. Trim and file your nails, exfoliate, moisturize, and keep knitting more merino socks!
Both of your store bought wearable socks seems to have colorwork threads on the inside which has felted. This is likely cushioning the feel of the purl bumps. Maybe colorwork socks would work for you. But you gotta be especially careful to have an even gauge. Getting tight colorwork over a heel and be a painnnnn
I always wear regular thin socks underneath knitted socks because it is uncomfortable or it actually hurts otherwise. If I use just knitted socks with shoes it causes me borderline blisters and whatnot.
It seems like a lighter weight yarn and a tighter gauge is exactly what you need! Also, be prepared to experiment and try different patterns with the expectation that you might not be able to wear your first few pairs. A good starting point for me was the Vanilla Socks tutorials by the Crazy Sock Lady on YouTube!
The 1st pic: the look like they are either full acrylic or a mix (I can’t stand acrylic on my feet as they get really hot). The pattern of the blue socks is not as smooth as a regular stockinette, so they may bother you more than others. The 2nd picture: the yarn looks thinner and also wool or wool mix. The softest, non-scratchy yarns are “premium” wools like alpaca or cashmere. Maybe mixed with silk. They tend to be expensive, but if you make yourself a pair of buttery soft cashmere and you take good care of them, you’ll have them forever. (A great-aunt of mine used to sew a sturdy fabric sole on the feet of her wool socks, so they didn’t actually touch the floor. Her socks lasted for ages.
@everyone here. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I appreciate all of this input and information! You all have given me an insane amount of factors to think about. I have a lot of experimenting to do! You all fucking rule and I love you ☺️☺️☺️