Site updated 8/28/2010 2:58:19 PM
all content and images © Tom and Linda Diak 2001-2010
MADE IN VERMONT
Yarns: anything that will feel good on your toes.
Hook Size: whatever size will make a firm fabric in single crochet. Any stitch can be used, however. We recommend our Hummingbird™ or Peacock™ crochet hooks, available here or from our retailers. And for the cost conscious crocheter who still wants the beauty and functionality of a hand carved hook, we recommend our Inline Hooks. Your tools should be comfortable and beautiful. They spend more time in your hands than the yarn does!
To begin, make a chain about 1 to 2 inches long, depending on the size of the foot the sock is intended for. Then begin your pattern stitch. I use single crochet - particularly for the toes and heels - as it makes a firmer sock, but you can use any pattern you choose. Crochet along the chain to the beginning of the chain, and then crochet back up the other side of the chain.
The Toe Begin crocheting in rounds, adding two stitches to the stitch at either side. In other words, make a double increase in each of the side stitches. Continue in this manner until the toe is the right width for the foot.
The Body Continue crocheting in rounds until the sock reaches to the bend of the ankle. In the photo above, I played around with stripes and a little color work, but you can do anything you like.
The Ankle. When you have reached the ankle point, go around once, the go around the top of the sock only. At the side of the sock, make a chain that is half the total stitches long,*** and then reattach that chain at the other side of the sock. You now have a hole where the heel will go. Continue on up the ankle in the pattern/colors of your choice.
***Since I originally wrote this, I discovered the extended chain that Doris Chan uses on her pieces. It provides a stretchier start to the heel. Search on Doris Chan for detailed instructions. In short, chain two, insert hook in the second chain, pull through and then pull through again. Make another chain, go into the last, and pull through twice again. Repeat.
The Heel The heel is simply another toe. Go back to the heel area and, using single crochet, work once around the entire opening and then continue in rounds making a double decrease (two decreases) at each side until you have a gap approximately 1-2 inches wide, again depending on the foot size. Turn the sock inside out and slip stitch the heel together. Voila! You have made a sock!
Notes: I have a high instep and crochet seems to shrink in diameter more than length, at least in my experience. For my next pair, I think I will increase a little when I get to the instep area. Also, if you have a deep or narrow heel, you can adjust where you make the decreases, the number of decreases, or the number of stitches in the chain.
Inline Hooks
Cost-conscious crocheters (say that three times!) need not give up quality. Our Inline Hooks offer our same hand carved heads with a slim profile. Available in sizes E, F, G, G7, H, I, J, and K for just $13.99 - and a special offering on the complete set of 8 sizes for only $89.99!
The Hummingbird™ Hook
Our unique crochet hooks are hand crafted and carved by Tom from the finest hardwoods we can find. Smooth to the touch, comfortable in the hand no matter how you hold your hook, and easy on the eye, these gorgeous hooks will bring a new dimension to your crochet work. Made here in Vermont from Vermont wood products, in sizes US C and up.
The Peacock™ Bullion Hook
Our bullion hook was designed in conjunction with Prudence Mapstone, crocheter extraordinaire. The long, straight shaft facilitates fluid motions when making wrapped or bullion stitches. The tapered handle is a perfect fit for those with overhand grips.
