This tubular accessory is typically produced on circular knitting machines or knit in the round by hand. It consists of a cuff, leg, heel flap or short-row heel, gusset, foot, and toe closure. Manufacturers use yarns with high elasticity and durability, often blending natural fibers with nylon, to withstand friction inside footwear and maintain shape.
The toe seam on this sock is too bulky and will cause blisters inside a tight shoe.
Hand-knitters often reinforce the heel and toe of a sock with a strand of nylon thread to prevent premature wear.
Related terms
Compression sock
A specialized hosiery item knit with high-tension elastic fibers to apply graduated pressure to the lower leg.
Kitchener stitch
A hand-sewing technique used to graft two sets of live knitted stitches together.
In the round
This technique creates a continuous tube of knitted or crocheted fabric without side edges.
Circular needle
A knitting tool made of two rigid tips joined by a flexible cord.