4-ply sock yarn

4-ply sock yarn is also called 4-ply sock yarn because the wool consists of 4 individual threads that are twisted together.

The result is a thin sock yarn with a length of approx. 400 - 450m per 100g of wool, depending on the brand.

You can knit 4-thread sock yarn with knitting needles with a thickness of 2-3mm.

The main advantage of 4-thread sock wool is of course that the socks are thin and are still very comfortable to wear even at higher outside temperatures. The good properties of the wool also contribute to this. Wool regulates temperature and regulates moisture.

What is 4-ply sock yarn made of?

Almost all well-known manufacturers of high-quality sock wool rely on a material mixture of virgin wool and polyamide.

This mix has proven to be particularly durable and hard-wearing.
Unlike other knitted items, socks are naturally subject to high mechanical stress and constant friction.

You also want to machine wash sock yarn for obvious reasons.
A composition of 75% wool and 25% polyamide is common. This is what well-known manufacturers like Opal, Regia and many others do.

Slightly different compositions with, for example, 80% wool and 20% polyamide are not uncommon.
Sock wool without any plastic added is possible, but rather unusual.

In addition to the classic compositions, there are 4-thread sock yarn made from alternative materials such as bamboo or silk.

A good example of this is the Regia Premium sock yarn.

What needle size do I need?

The best way to knit 4-ply sock yarn with a length of around 425m is with double needles with a thickness of 2-3mm. Depending on how tightly you knit.

Which is the best 4-ply sock yarn?

Of course, opinions vary widely here. Because everyone has their favorite yarns.

We can definitely recommend that you knit a high-quality branded wool from a well-known manufacturer. Because if you go to the task of knitting a whole pair of socks, you want them to be able to withstand a bit of wear and tear and not get felted the first time you wash them in the machine.

The 4-thread yarns from Opal have proven to be very successful - but the sock yarn from Novita, which we haven't had in the shop for very long, was also able to convince us right away with its excellent quality.

Is there sock yarn that doesn't scratch?

In any case! Modern sock yarn is actually not scratchy at all.

If you have very sensitive feet, try Regia Premium Silk - this wool has a silk content of 20% and is noticeably softer. Nevertheless, the yarn is just as durable as you are used to from Regia.

But you should never think of washing your knitted socks with fabric softener or tumble drying them. Then your socks are guaranteed to be worn out - no matter how good your wool was.

What else can you knit from sock yarn?

With 4-ply sock yarn you can not only knit stockings! Sock yarn is actually a completely normal yarn - but it is particularly robust and hard-wearing due to the polyamide content that is usually present.

This also makes sock yarn the ideal yarn for all kinds of children's clothing.
Because this is usually subject to a little more wear and tear than clothing for adults.
Even gloves, hats, scarves and shawls are no problem with sock yarn.

If you still have a little leftover, just knit a pair of matching cuffs to go with the socks.

Which 4-ply sock yarn is suitable for beginners?

Basically, you can start with any 4-ply sock yarn. Since you will probably need a little longer to make your first socks, we recommend that you start with a high-quality branded yarn right away.

Because the first pair of socks is something very special and should last a long time.

Sock yarn with a difference...

If you would like to try a sock yarn away from the well-known manufacturers, we can highly recommend the wool from the English company West Yorkshire Spinners.

If you're looking for a 4-ply yarn with a bit of glitter, try the Glitterball sock yarn from Wool and the Gang. Or the great Moomin yarns from Novita.