DIY Kilt Hose

**BozemanboB** · 31st October 07, 06:20 AM

Hi, Timber.

I'm considering that pattern as my first-ever pair of socks/hose. What do you think? Too challenging? I've heard that a top-down pattern is a bit easier. (So far I've done three scarves and a hat with cables, knit in-the-round. But I like to really challenge myself, and I usually win in the first couple of tries.)

I have a question about the cable/braid pattern. The way it's called out, it seems that it's just a standard (simple) cable:

FC4: Front cross. Slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold at front of work,
K next 2 sts, K2 from cable needle.

BC4: Back cross. Slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold at back, K next 2 sts, K2
sts from cable needle.

I don't understand how that results in the braid (fancy cable) that's shown in the pics. What am I missing?

One of our LYS has a fabulous selection of sock yarns. Some are solids, but others are subtly multi-colored. Not with the variegated colors, but instead with colors that will, I think, result in sort of a tweed-look to the socks. I don't want to make frilly hose, but I don't think I need to restrict myself to just single-solid colors either. I'll make a guage square before I start a sock, just to make sure it'll look alright. There are so MANY neat yarns out there!!

Knit on!

boB

**cacunn** · 31st October 07, 08:17 AM

Because of my fat calfs I'm working on knitting socks with a knitting machine. My last prototype:

Are you using circular needles?

Here is a site that has some interesting info. on knitting socks:

http://www.thedietdiary.com/blog/lucia/1939

Let us see you progress.

**auld argonian** · 31st October 07, 08:44 AM

I would dearly love to get my hands on a sock knitting machine but I see that we are looking at a BIG investment there...finding a complete one and keeping it tweaked up is beaucoup bucks. I could only hope to find one in an estate sale or something like that and get it at bargain prices. (Frankly, I've been hoping to find a printing shop going out of business that wants to sell a small letterpress, too...just something about doing things by hand.)

I'm looking at a technique that uses multiple needles rather than a circular one.

http://www.royea.net/sockdemo1.html

Best

AA

**cacunn** · 31st October 07, 09:28 AM

There is a method using two circular needles, similar to the multi-needle,

http://www.needletrax.com/toeupon2circulars.htm

I found that two needles were easier to handle than 3 to 5 needles. First learn the method you are using now, then experiment.

The machine I am using is a flat bed knitting machine with a ribber. I know TMI. I like the idea of a circular sock machine but that limits what can be done, single tasker. I hope eventually to be able to do some sweaters.

**thescot** · 31st October 07, 10:05 AM

I'm casting my kilt hose lot with Arlen's lovely lady. Hoping she can make a pair for a ski-foot like me. I wear a 14AA, and it's hard to find anything for the foot (that fits) for a reasonable price.

My last dress shoes were $195.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 31st October 07, 10:07 AM

My wife has knit a couple of pair for me. The most recent I debuted Sunday at Stone Mountain:

**Galician** · 31st October 07, 10:59 AM

WOW! I've seen several projects on here, for which you guys have complimented one another and expressed your amazement at the talent on here. Leatherworking is one thing, but a guy knitting his own socks, so that he can have a good accessory for his kilt??!! again, WOW!

**Pleater** · 31st October 07, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by BozemanboB

Hi, Timber.
I have a question about the cable/braid pattern. The way it's called out, it seems that it's just a standard (simple) cable:

FC4: Front cross. Slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold at front of work,
K next 2 sts, K2 from cable needle.

BC4: Back cross. Slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold at back, K next 2 sts, K2
sts from cable needle.

I don't understand how that results in the braid (fancy cable) that's shown in the pics. What am I missing?
boB

You get the braid effect because the cables are done offset, in this case I think it would be over 6 stitches, so first you work on st 1,2,3,4 then on st 3,4,5,6 a few rows later, so it looks as though the centre 2 st are being plaited with the outer 2 sets of 2 st.

I used to make long socks to wear when hiking in my beloved Pennines. There is no walking like it.

When I moved south and went walking on the downs I found it no pleasure because the paths are just solid chalk, and there are too many fences.

I make my socks with a left and right foot - most sock patterns seem to be for people with pointed feet - or at least feet more pointed than mine.

Hand knitted seamless socks are a real luxury, and ones which are a perfect fit too - just heavenly.

**cacunn** · 31st October 07, 04:03 PM

BozemanboB

Look at this information:

http://www.learn2knit.co.uk/knitting/cables.php

As you are knitting and come to the area for the cable you stop (depending on the twist) you take a a couple of stitches off you needles and put them to the "side" as you go on to the next stitch you close the hole created by the dropped stitches. This pulls these stitches and creates a visual twist in the stitches. You then pickup the previously dropped stitches. These dropped stitches are pull over (or behind depending where your are in the pattern) the stitches you just knit. These twists are normally close enough together that your eye connects them into one long intertwining cable.

**BozemanboB** · 1st November 07, 06:09 AM

Hi, Cacunn.

Your instructions make a standard cable, which I learned when I made a hat that came out too small.

I'm wondering about the braids shown in the John Anderson pattern - his pattern describes a regular cable, but the pictures show a braid.

Other thing I've learned (the hard way) is make a gauge swatch!!

Pleater describes a method that I'll try tonight. It's Knit Night at the local yarn shop, so I get to sit back and enjoy no-stress knitting and socializing. Yea!!

boB