Does anyone here knit socks? I'd love to learn how to do this. I know how to knit and purl, but this knitting in the round thing confuses me.
Does anyone know of a good beginner pattern? Also what needles do you use? I picked some circular needles at W/M, and they'll be going back. Not happy with them as they're to stiff. Course it could be just me too.. Maybe I'm just meant to knit/purl on the straight :(

I use an old patter that my mother gave me. The pattern uses size6 4 double point needles. The kind you make mittens or gloves with.

I saw a few videos with the 4 double pointed needles. They look confusing. Are they? Since I know you only use 2 when knitting/purling, do the other 2 get in the way alot?

Carol, I want to knit some socks this winter, too! I've never done them, so I can't yet recommend a good pattern, but I am also looking. Maybe just for some "house socks"--not too fine a yarn that I'll never finish! I found knitting with dpn's (double point needles) for hats and toys to be just a little bit tricky at first, but it starts to feel more natural as you work. There are lots of great tutorials online that you may want to check out! If I come across a promising pattern, I will share it!

I'm a member of ravelry.com where there are TONS of free patterns to search, with reviews and photos and you can also narrow the search down to level of difficulty, weight of yarn, etc...It's a great site for knitters/crocheters!

They do feel like they are a little in the way. But just remember, you are only ever knitting with two needles at a time, like any other project. You can learn to ignore them!

Ignore the extra needles, I mean!

Thank you!! I need all the help I can get with this. This knitting in a circle just isn't registering in my head for some reason.

I too am a member of raverly.com. My eldest DD turned me on to the site. They've got some cool things there. Some are just way over my head.

When I return this circular needle thing, I'm going to exchange it for the DPN and maybe I can do it then. Thank you!.

Hi, I too have been trying to teach myself to knit socks. I had the book from the library, I think it was called "2 at a time", it was helpful, but I just could not get it. I ordered a round needle from somewhere on line it cost 14 dollars and I still couldn't figure it out. So I am so happy to hear about the ravelry website. Maybe there is still hope for me. Let me know how you do. I will bookmark this site. Thanks, Jackie

I use 2 circular needles and knit both socks at the same time. There's a great book out called "Knitting Circles Around Socks" by Antje Gillingham that shows you step by step how to cast on and set up to knit both socks. Her second book "Knitting More Circles Around Socks" shows both cuff down and toe up methods. Once I made a couple of pairs of socks, I learned the toe up method and love it as you keep knitting until you run out of yarn. No left over balls!