Knitting socks on 9 inch circulars, by Craft House Magic on YouTube. 9 min 37 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 37 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Pick a top-down sock pattern in your size and check the yarn label for gauge. Choose a sock yarn with some nylon in it, which holds up better at the heel and toe.
Cast on the number of stitches your pattern gives for your size. On 9 inch circulars the stitches sit close together, so count them twice before you join.
Join in the round without twisting. Line up the cast-on edge so every stitch faces the same way, knit the first stitch, and place a marker at the start of the round.
Work the ribbing your pattern gives, often knit 1 purl 1 or knit 2 purl 2, for the stated depth. Most sock cuffs are about 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) deep.
Slide the stitches around the needle tip as you work and keep the working yarn at the back. Let the short needle hold the tube and do not pull the stitches tight.
Change to the leg stitch your pattern uses, often plain stocking stitch or a simple knit and purl repeat. Knit until the leg measures what the pattern says, often 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches).
Try the tube on or hold it against your calf before you move on to the heel. Stop at the length your pattern gives for your size.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a bulb pin or small marker to hold the needle tips together when you put the work down, so stitches do not slide off.
A 9 inch circular suits the cuff and leg, but the heel and toe usually need double pointed needles or a magic loop.
Cast on loosely, because a tight edge makes the cuff hard to pull over your heel.
Count your stitches at the end of each round, since a dropped stitch in a narrow tube is hard to fix later.
Questions
Can I knit a whole sock on 9 inch circulars?
You can knit the cuff and leg, but the heel and toe have too few stitches to stretch around the short needle. Switch to double pointed needles or magic loop for those parts.
What yarn should I use for socks?
A sock yarn with about 75% wool and 25% nylon works well. The nylon adds strength where socks wear through first.
How many stitches do I cast on?
It depends on your foot circumference and your gauge. Follow the stitch count your pattern gives for your size and knit a gauge swatch first.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
