Which needles do you prefer for knitting Lorna's Laces?

pictish · Which needles do you prefer for knitting Lorna's Laces?

I have seen on Rav that quite a few people use 2.25mm - I have always used 2.5mm - and they say their socks wear better. Anybody tried this?? I've never made socks on smaller than 2.5mm.

FatCat

Oh, that seems strange to me Confused

I always use whatever needle size the pattern I'm doing calls for regardless of what sock yarn I'm using. I've made socks with Lornas Laces on 2.25, 2.5 and 2.75 needles and to be honest I've not noticed any difference in the wear.

pictish

Well I make mainly plain ones and just use the Opal pattern and 2.5mm but not sure what these people were making Confused

They said the denser fabric was harder wearing. If it doesn't make any difference I'll just carry on as I am. I just remember Fiona on AY saying she always knitted socks on 2.25mm or maybe 2mm.

blueadt

I do a gauge swatch & always aim for at least 8 spi as I find it more comfortable to walk on & the socks are more hardwearing. With Opal DK I use 2.75mm & between 2mm & 2.5mm with other yarns. For LL (which I have but haven't used yet) I imagine I'll use 2.25mm. I'm working with B de Frances' Cho 7 at the moment & using 2.5mm. However it's not a true 4ply & is somewhere between 4 ply & DK.

FatCat

actually, now, I've been thinking about this. If you use smaller needles then you're right, it will create a denser fabric which will probably be more hardwearing than the slightly looser fabric created on larger needles. But I don't think it's specific to Lorna's Laces it'd be true for any sock yarn. Wouldn't it? I guess it'd be more of an issue with the sock yarns that don't have nylon and wear out more quickly.

For plain socks I always use 2.5mm needles regardless of the yarn, and only my cashmere ones have ever worn through. The Opal and Lorna's Laces ones I've made, including the ones for Mr FC who wears them a lot, haven't worn through at all. Yet ...

mogiebear

pictish

Just checked and I get 8spi with LL on 2.5mm but it isn't a 'dense fabric' Confused

I've yet to finish a pair of LL Wink

so none been worn yet.

My Posh Lucias were very dense tho and they are the only ones that have got a hole in.

ygymraes

I have knit a pair of socks with LL yarn on 2.5mm circs and got 9 sts per inch (my usual). They have worn really well and look as good as new (and I wear them a LOT Wink

).

probablyjane

2.25mm is my 'default' dpn for socks with most sock yarns although I needed to go up to 2.5mm for magic loop and 2 circs. Not sure why. Might have been because I wasn't so relaxed as I find both methods slow and cumbersome!

pjmck

I've knitted a few pairs of LL laces socks and I use 2.5mm needles. I get about 8ish stitches per inch. I don't notice a difference between it and other sock yarns I've used.

Paula

CJ

I use 2.5mm knit picks circs, but then I do knit on the tight side Wink

any smaller needles and mine would stand up on their own I think Very Happy

franney

I tend to use 2.25mm for most yarns but LL i use 2mm as it's a lot thinner and i knit loose too Rolling Eyes

I'm not actually that keen on knitting with LL, i find it hard and thin... not sure how they wear though as the only pair i've made i gave away Shocked

pictish

I just LOVE knitting with LL Shocked

I find it really soft!! Funny isn't it Laughing

franney