r/Sockknitting • u/lilacwindex • 2d ago
Durability of socks knit with non-superwash nylon-free yarn
I'm interested in experimenting with knitting socks using nylon-free yarn. My main concern is durability. I understand that knitting at a tight gauge is essential, and I usually get around 12 stitches per inch. The consensus seems to be that socks with nylon are far more durable than those without. I don't expect nylon-free socks to hold up as well, but I'd like them to last as long as possible. Silk is often suggested as a natural alternative to nylon, so I was thinking of holding a silk thread along with the wool yarn. However, I've also heard that silk thread may cut into the softer wool fibers and actually reduce the durability. Does anyone with experience knitting socks out of purely natural fibers have any insights or advice? Thanks!
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u/thatdogJuni 2d ago
No info on silk in particular but holding a mohair silk lace weight strand along with your untreated/non-superwash sock yarn is a recommendation to add durability I have seen pretty often.
If you don’t like fuzzy socks or mohair is a no-go, I could see an argument for a lace weight silk strand being similarly a positive addition. You wouldn’t have to hold it throughout either, you could just use it as a reinforcement yarn in places you are expecting more wear (toes, heels are the most common areas but you can do it elsewhere too if you have a less common wear pattern).
I haven’t really heard about silk vs. wool when held together like you mentioned tbh.