How to Use a 50g + 20g Sock Set Like a Pro

How to Use a 50g + 20g Sock Set Like A Pro

What You'll Need

• A 50g + 20g mini skein sock set 
• A set of scales (preferably ones that measure to 0.1g)
• Your chosen sock pattern (toe-up works great here)
• Optional: a swift and ball winder

Step by Step: Yarn Management Magic

A Quick Note on Knitting Style

This tutorial assumes you are knitting your socks one at a time, which is the most common approach. However, if you are a fan of two-at-a-time socks, you can absolutely adapt these steps, just divide your yarn into two equal sets before casting on both socks together. It's another great way to ensure symmetry and avoid second sock syndrome! 

Step 1: Weigh your yarn

Before you start, weigh both skeins to confirm their actual weight. Sometimes they may be slightly over or under, and that matters when you are dividing. 

Step 2: Divide the main skein

Split the 50g skein into two equal parts - 25g each. You can do this either by using the scales and winding two balls manually or by winding the whole skein into a cake, then weighing and rewinding half. 

This process ensures each sock has the same amount of yarn, and you won't run out halfway through the second. 

Step 3: Divide the mini skein (optional)

If you are using the 20g mini for cuffs, heels and toes, you'll also want to split this into 10g per sock. Alternatively, you might keep the mini whole and weigh as you go. You can choose to use the mini solely for the cuffs and heels, heels and toes, or any combination you prefer. 

Step 4: Choose your pattern

Toe-up sock patterns are ideal as you knit until the yarn runs out. If you prefer to knit cuff-down, you might want to consider a shorter leg. 

Step 5: Cast on with confidence

Now that you have divided your yarn, you can knit freely without any worries. 

Pattern Ideas

Black Cat Favourite Socks by Black Cat Knitting Company. These are toe up socks, with a super simple Turkish cast on, a shadow wrap short row heel and Jeny's Surprisingly stretchy cast off. The pattern comes in 5 adult sizes and is easily modified to fit your foot. Alanna has been perfecting this sock pattern for years and it really shows. 

Scatterby Socks by Amy Stringer. Toe up socks, using Judy's Magic Cast On but you could easily swap this for a Turkish cast on. You have the choice of heels, either an Afterthought Heel or a Fish Lips Kiss Heel (again you can swap this for a shadow wrap short row heel) and Jeny's Surprisingly stretchy cast off.

The pattern only comes in one size but is easily adaptable to a smaller/larger foot size, as it has a simple 4 stitch repeat. 

Ready to cast on?  

Browse our hand-dyed sock sets here.

Happy knitting.

Paula