[lola grace]

For the many sock knitters out there, what is your preferred rib pattern when knitting socks? Most of the socks I knit have a pattern on the instep and leg and I do either a 1 x 1 or 2 x 2 rib for the cuff. I am teaching a friend how to knit socks and we both think the best start is to keep it simple and do ribbing up the leg. I've told her that hand knit socks don't stay up real well, at least that's been my experience, therefore I only knit to mid calf as opposed to knee high. I've also suggested she knit the leg using a smaller needle size which might help. I'm looking forward to the many responses and thank all of you in advance.

Laura

 

[gdooley1124]

I like a 3x1 ribbing.

 

[mirl56]

I vote for 2x2

 

[jvallas]

I read long ago that 2x2 is the best fitting, and it’s what I use most often. But since then, I’ve seen others swear 1x1 is best, or some other favorite, so maybe it’s more trial and error, finding what your personal best is. I’ll still swear by 2x2, though! :sm02:

 

[denisejh]

Lola grace-I also prefer the 2x2 rib for socks. It has a good amount of stretch yet doesn’t stretch out. My experience with the 1x1 rib stretches out too much. Denise

 

[Reinharv]

I never used ribbing for the leg—just the cuff and that’s 2x2. I hate doing ribbing as I feel it slows me down. I’m not the fastest knitter in the world and don;t knit every day & all day.

 

[fergablu2]

If you want hand knitted socks to stay up, you need to use negative ease, and knit them smaller than your actual foot. For ribbed socks, I do k1, p1 rib for a 1” cuff, and k3, p1(multiples of 4), or k4, p2(multiples of 6) rib, for the leg and top of foot. For stockinette or patterned socks, I like to a 2” cuff in k2, p2 rib. Depending on the stitch pattern, I have a lace pair that fall down, my socks stay up pretty well.

 

[RPM]

I use 2 x 2 ribbing for the leg. They stay up.

 

[chickkie]

I like to do 2 rows of k2p2 and then 2 rows of stockinette on the leg, and then k2p2 on the cuff

 

[jvallas]

I like to do 2 rows of k2p2 and then 2 rows of stockinette on the leg, and then k2p2 on the cuff

Well, that's interesting. I'll have to give it a try.

 

[galbiez]

I do 3 x 1 ribbing.

 

[Aimee'smom]

Depends on color in the yarn. If it is self-patterning I use either stockinette or k3p1 for the body. Solid colors I use any of the ribs mentioned or add cables. All my socks have negative ease and they all stay up. Tops of my socks are about 8 inches.

 

[BARBIE-s]

I use 2 x 2 for cuffs, looks nice and wears well/comfortably! :sm02:

 

[chickkie]

Well, that’s interesting. I’ll have to give it a try.

Here's a photo of what it looks like. I think it is called railway rib.

 

[ouijian]

Here's a photo of what it looks like. I think it is called railway rib.

Ooo. I like that a lot! I'm going to try it. The picture really shows the effects.

 

[jvallas]

Here's a photo of what it looks like. I think it is called railway rib.

Ha! I had already swatched 16 stitches before I saw this! :sm02: I like it.

Thanks. I like it even better on a whole sock.

 

[jvallas]

I like a 3x1 ribbing.

Pretty!

 

[jvallas]

PS, chickkie, I love that color way.

 

[Aimee'smom]

Really like those socks, chickkie. Think I'll use that one my next pair. Thanks!

 

[klrober]

I prefer 2x2 rib & use it cuff to toe...