Sock Yarn: How to Choose It and How Much You Need for a Pair
What makes a good sock yarn, why most of it contains nylon, how many metres a pair takes in each size, and the sock yarns we stock in our shop.
The short answer: an adult pair of socks takes about 350 to 420 m of 4-ply sock yarn, which is one 100 g ball of most sock yarns. Pick a yarn with about 25 % nylon so the heels and toes last, and get a second ball for big feet or long legs.
What makes a good sock yarn
Socks have a harder life than any other knitted garment: every step rubs the heel and toe against a shoe. That is why most sock yarn is a blend.
- Wool and nylon, usually 75/25. The wool keeps the sock warm and elastic and handles moisture. The nylon (often labelled polyamide) makes it far more resistant to wear.
- A firm, tight twist. A smooth, tightly plied yarn holds up better than a soft, loosely spun one, and shows stitch patterns more clearly.
- Not every soft yarn is a sock yarn. Novita 7 Sisters, for example, is 75 % wool and 25 % merino with no nylon, and Novita recommends it for every 7 Veljestä pattern except socks. It is lovely for sweaters and hats, but socks knitted in it would wear through quickly.
Thin or thick sock yarn
| Type | Typical metres per 100 g | Needles | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-ply / fingering | 350 to 450 m | 2 to 3 mm | Everyday socks that fit in shoes |
| Thicker sock wool (sport, DK) | 200 to 350 m | 3 to 4 mm | Warm house socks and boot socks, quick to knit |
4-ply is the classic. Thicker sock wool, like Novita’s 7 Veljestä family, knits up much faster and makes cosy, warm socks, but they can feel tight in shoes. The yarn weight chart shows every weight side by side.
How much yarn for a pair
| Socks | 4-ply / fingering | Thicker sock wool |
|---|---|---|
| Child (shoe size 25 to 33) | 150 to 250 m | 130 to 220 m |
| Adult, ankle to mid-calf (size 36 to 41) | 350 to 420 m | 300 to 380 m |
| Adult, large feet (size 42 to 46) | 420 to 500 m | 380 to 450 m |
| Knee socks | 600 to 800 m | 550 to 700 m |
Two tips that save a second order:
- Weigh the first sock. If it weighs more than half the ball, buy another ball before you start the second sock, ideally from the same dye lot.
- Knit toe-up if you want to use every metre: start at the toe and knit the leg until the yarn runs out.
For other projects and weights, see how much yarn do I need, or put your own numbers into the yarn calculator.
Sock yarns from our shop
We run Knytfolket, the craft shop behind Knytstudio. These are what we stock for socks:
- Rico Premium 4-ply Sockenwolle: the classic sock yarn, 75 % new wool and 25 % polyamide, hard-wearing and holds its shape. One 100 g ball makes a pair of adult socks in most sizes.
- Novita 7 Bröder Raita: a self-striping sock yarn that knits even Finnish-style stripes without changing yarn. Wool and polyamide, the same blend as the classic 7 Veljestä. One ball makes a pair in size 38.
- KnitPro sock blockers: slip the damp socks over them after washing and they dry in shape, with an even, finished look. Three sizes.
- Stickade sockor året om by Niina Laitinen: 20 sock patterns inspired by the Nordic seasons, from light ankle socks to knee socks. The book is in Swedish.
We ship from Sweden, within Sweden and to the rest of the EU.
Before you cast on
- Swatch in the round with the needles you plan to use, and check that the fabric feels firm. Here is how to measure gauge, and the gauge calculator turns your swatch into a stitch count.
- Double-pointed needles or magic loop. Both work. For magic loop you need one long circular needle: the KnitPro Zing comes in 60 cm from 2 mm for 4-ply, and in 80 cm from 3 mm for thicker sock wool.
- Reinforce the heel with heel stitch (slip every other stitch on the right side). The fabric gets denser and lasts much longer.
Frequently asked questions
How much yarn do I need for a pair of socks?
About 350 to 420 metres of 4-ply (fingering) sock yarn for an adult pair, which is one 100 g ball of most sock yarns. Large feet, long legs or a textured pattern can need a second ball.
Why does sock yarn contain nylon?
Heels and toes rub against your shoes with every step. Around 25 percent nylon (polyamide) makes the yarn far more hard-wearing, while the 75 percent wool keeps the socks warm, elastic and comfortable.
Can I knit socks from pure wool or merino?
Yes, but they wear through faster, especially at the heel. Knit the heel in a denser stitch such as heel stitch, or hold a thin reinforcement thread together with the yarn there.
What needle size do I need for sock yarn?
Usually 2 to 3 mm for 4-ply sock yarn. Socks are knitted a little tighter than a sweater in the same yarn, so the fabric is firm and lasts longer.
How do I get two matching socks from self-striping yarn?
Start both socks at the same point in the colour sequence. Pull yarn from the ball until you reach the colour the first sock started with, then cast on.