Best Yarn for Socks

Durable, washable yarn that creates comfortable, long-lasting handknit socks.

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What Makes Great Sock Yarn?

Socks endure more wear and washing than almost any knitted item. The best sock yarns combine softness with durability, elasticity with strength, and beautiful colors with practical care requirements.

Key Considerations

  • Nylon Content: 20-25% nylon adds crucial durability for heels and toes.
  • Superwash: Essential for machine-washable socks. Non-superwash felts.
  • Tight Twist: Well-twisted yarn wears better than loosely plied yarn.
  • Fingering Weight: The standard for socks. Creates comfortable, not-too-thick fabric.

Our Top Sock Yarn Picks

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Regia

4-Ply

Fingering 75% Wool/25% Nylon

The classic sock yarn. German engineering for durability. Tons of colors.

~$10 View on Amazon
Cascade

Heritage

Fingering 75/25 Blend

Superwash merino and nylon. Great stitch definition. Wide color range.

~$12 View on Amazon
Malabrigo

Sock

Fingering 100% Merino

Hand-dyed luxury sock yarn. 100% merino—less durable but incredibly soft.

~$16 View on Amazon
Wisdom

Poems Sock

Self-Striping Fun Colors

Self-striping yarn creates colorful socks without colorwork. Fun and addictive.

~$13 View on Amazon
Knit Picks

Stroll

Fingering Budget Pick

Budget-friendly with huge color selection. 75% merino, 25% nylon.

~$8 View on Amazon
Cascade

Heritage Silk

Fingering Luxury

Merino, silk, and nylon. Luxurious feel with practical durability.

~$14 View on Amazon

Sock Knitting Tips

Reinforce High-Wear Areas

Add reinforcing thread to heels and toes, or use a reinforced heel stitch pattern. This doubles sock life.

Yardage Planning

One 100g skein (400+ yards) typically makes one pair of adult socks. Buy two skeins for mismatched self-striping fun.