Thoughts on Socktober - A Personal Tale

Knitting for your feet in October makes perfect sense

By Inge-Lis Holst, knitwear designer at Önling

There is a good reason why Socktober makes perfect sense (other than the fact that it rhymes on October). Just as in summers of old when we gathered provisions for the winter ahead, it was also time to prepare our clothing for the impending cold. This meant it was time to knit socks.

When my mother was alive, she knitted socks for the entire family. She didn't need a pattern; the socks looked the same every time. It was common knowledge for women how to knit a pair of socks. We didn't think much about whether the socks were custom-fitted to each person's foot or whether we like the color or style.

For many years after my mother's passing, no one in the family had hand-knit socks any longer.

So, why even start knitting socks again?

Just like with other creative pursuits, there's immense satisfaction in creating something with your own hands – mastering a craft.

There are all these (and probably more) great arguments for knitted socks:

1. Socks are the perfect go-to knitting project in between bigger knitting projects

2. It's great to knit on the go, as it weighs nothing and takes up no space

3. You quickly learn how to customize them to your own foot.

4. You can get creative with stripes and patterns.

5. It's not overly expensive.

6. It's meditative and addictive.

7. Socks make wonderful and personal gifts.

8. Your feet stay warm.

A wealth of knowledge in knitted socks

When I started to delve into sock knitting myself, I discovered that it held was a lot of hidden knowledge and a wealth of fascinating information, challenges, and technical terms. Just to name a few terms:

 

Shadow wrap heel, star toe, grafted toe, heel gusset, french toe, German twisted cast on, heel flap, cuff down, toe up, etc.?

On a sock, you have just a few centimeters to create a good shape and fit, and you need to shape at a 90-degree angle.

On the other hand, anyone who can knit, purl, cast on, and bind off can knit a sock. It's just about finding the right pattern, which can be used as your base pattern!

 

 

At Önling, we've developed a range of sock patterns. We've made some choices for you in order to make the patterns adaptable and comfortable for as many feet as possible. We've also taken care to design beautiful and feminine socks, all knit in a luxurious and sustainably produced yarn.

Click here if you'd like to see Önling's entire sock design collection.