Wednesday, March 15, 2006

So... What do you think?

At work the other day, we were talking about the need for a very basic kid's sock pattern. Naturally, since I made a very basic adult sock pattern, I figured it would be no big deal to write a kid's version as well. There's just one small problem. When it comes to adult socks, there are two adults in this house I can use as guinea pigs. There are no little people around me to try kid socks on. I can write the pattern (and have)... no problem there. But, will they actually fit a real kid??

Here's the 2-4 year sock I just finished... hot off the needles, you might say. And, to avoid the dreaded second sock syndrome, the second sock is on the needles already.



So that you can give me some input (those of you with little people in your lives), here are some of the stats. The sock is made with Online Supersocke 100 Caribe on 2.5mm (US 1) needles. I cast on 44 stitches. The cuff is 4.5" long and the total foot length is 6.25". Does that sound about right?

If you knit socks for kids using sock weight yarn, please give me some input. What age do you knit for? How many stitches do you cast on? What's the total foot length you knit? How much do you allow for the toe? (In my socks, for me, I knit to 2" less than the total length required, then start the toe shaping.) I'm also looking to write this pattern for 5-6 years, so, those of you with children in that age range can be a real help. Thanks in advance!

3 comments:

  1. I only knit for adults too, Ev, but wa wondering if the Brannock site might be a help. While not showing how long toes are, it gives a sizing idea for total foot length. I would assume a kid's toes are in the same proportion to the overall foot length as an adult's. The advantage of using the Brannock chart would allow you to give the sizing in shoe size instead of the child's age.

    the url is: http://brannock.com/cgi-bin/start.cgi/brannock/charts.html

    All of the above is, of course, fwiw :)

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  2. I've knit socks for my kiddos..cast on 32, leg width 4.5" foot length 4-5" this was for approx. 3 & 4 y/o also for childrens show size 13-2 cast 48, knit. to length of foot. Do keep in mind children grow at differnt rates, some petite like my youngest girl (6y/o) and the other one (boy) was premiee (4.8y/o now) and he's outgrowing my little girl for the past year or two they actually took the same size. Not sure if theres a general rule to follow with children or not but these are just my experience.. Hope it helps! I'd be happy to test out your pattern

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  3. My kids are a little older, but maybe it will still help you? For my 7 year old I cast on 56 sts. His foot is 8 inches long. My 9 year old wears the same size sock I do. 64 sts/ 10 inches long. I always do my socks toe-up with a very short toe (about 1/2 inch long).
    Your sock looks great! I love those colors. ;-)
    Michelle

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