In a message [email protected] writes: > So is "sock yarn" the same thing as "fingering"? > Not necessarily! 'Sock yarn' is just a wool with nylon (polymide) of some sort added for strength.
*Most* of the sock yarns are 4ply, and I would think that is probably the one which is usually thought of as generic sock yarn and the one meant by the questioner. Within the 4 ply range there is a variation of thickness - Opal is thicker than Trekking for example - but this shows by giving a more 'solid' fabric when knitted on the same needles. It is not enough different to need bigger needles, but maybe enough different to spoil the delicacy of a lace pattern. But there are also 6 ply sock yarns made for boot socks, 3 ply for a lighter sock, and more and more people are selling lace weight sock yarn in response to the demand for thinner socks. Although I am a great fan of my own socks, the standard 4 ply sock yarn ones (however well they fit) are bulky compared to shop bought cotton ones and so I can understand why the finer yarns are in demand. My personal favourites are made from a 3 ply 90% alpaca 10% nylon, making them that bit slimmer in the shoe, as well as being so comfortable to wear. Jacquie in Lincolnshire - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
