I’ve always been a little obsessed with heavy weight socks. It started when I began teaching sock knitting back home in Ontario. It seemed like a good idea to use heavier weight yarn in class so that students could more easily see the mechanics of sock knitting. Also, a pair of socks could be completed in only a couple of classes, making it easy to reinforce new skills by repetition.
I really fell in love when I began to wear my heavy weight socks inside my rain and snow boots with a thin pair of cotton socks underneath. Over the years, I’ve developed a couple of heavy weight sock patterns and I’m currently in the process of adding a third to the library. The biggest challenge is finding yarns that fit the bill. Here’s the criteria:
- A high natural wool content for warmth.
- Superwash for machine washability.
- A plied construction for durability.
- A little nylon for strength.
In Canada, it was a little easier to rely on the big German brands such as Regia, Opal and ONLine (all produce 8-ply sock yarns) and Scandinavian brands like Sandnes Garn. Their “Perfect” yarn has been a go-to for me for many years. Unfortunately, these yarns are tricky to obtain in the US. Recently, Mother Knitter has become a US distributor for Sandnes Garn, but unfortunately, their line does not currently include “Perfect”. Your best bet for acquiring these yarns states-side is to bite the bullet and go through Canadian suppliers like Nordic Yarn Imports or Urban Yarns. Shipping will be more expensive and take a little longer due to possible customs delays, but the US/CAD exchange rate tends to even things out.
So! The search is on for new and exciting heavy weight sock yarns. Here are my current top picks:
My top favorite is, of course, Kenzie by HiKoo. This fuzzy, tweedy blend of merino/angora/nylon/alpaca/silk is a true pleasure to knit and it comes a million beautiful colors. I was turned on to Kenzie a few years ago by Elizabeth McCarten who had just finished a new sock design, Urban Rustic, using Kenzie. My Maypole Socks are worked in Kenzie and my latest heavyweight pattern, due out just after Christmas, is in Kenzie too in the color way Kiwano. The best way I’ve found to acquire Kenzie in the US is through Alpaca Direct. You can shop Alpaca Direct through their own website or through Amazon; shipping is fast and cheap. Their prices and color options are the best I’ve found.
This is a new-to-me sock option is a blend of merino, nylon and cashmere. It is offered in a wide range of sophisticated colors, all solids. I’ve got a couple of skeins on order, so I’ll let you know how it goes. You can purchase Bella Cash direct from Universal Yarns or through Yarn.com.
This self-striping worsted has long been a favorite with sock knitters, due in part to its beautifully curated color ways. This is a special edition yarn, so grab it while you can. Each issue usually comes with a brand new color way or two. I’ve got a bunch stashed because this yarn is also excellent for knitting quick and easy striped mittens.
Cascade Andean Dream
<Sshhh! This is still a secret!> Since I’m on the submissions list for Cascade Yarns, I get these little reelings of their latest yarns to play with. It’s a gorgeous blend of baby llama, merino and nylon and it is soooo soft and thick. You can bet I’ll be swatching for socks with this undiscovered gem. I don’t even know what colors will be offered yet!
So this is where my sock fetish is centered these days. How ’bout you?
Love,
Cheryl
