About 2-3 weeks before Christmas, I finally settled on presents. Fleece socks all around. Jalie Patterns have become my go-to patterns and I was eager to try out their pattern 2448 thermal stretch fleece socks.
I have a couple fleeces in my stash that I thought I'd try. The pattern calls for a fleece with 2-way stretch, but I thought, "Hey, let's see how this works on some of my microfleece scraps. They're kind of stretchy one way."
Well, it was good I tried it because that wasn't the best fabric for the job. If you look at the photo below, you'll see that the seams are underneath my foot rather than being at the sides of my foot. This is one of the things that happen when you don't have enough stretch. Good to know, right?
Well, it was good I tried it because that wasn't the best fabric for the job. If you look at the photo below, you'll see that the seams are underneath my foot rather than being at the sides of my foot. This is one of the things that happen when you don't have enough stretch. Good to know, right?
This pattern only goes up to a woman's 42 EU / 11 US size foot. That would leave out my Brother and Dad who wear an 11 and 14 US men's sizes. So, I needed to get creative. Since I wear a US 11 / 42 EU normally, I figured the best way to test sizing was to make my size first, then see how the fabric worked.
I ended up giving the size 42 to my brother because it was too big for me and his feet are just enough larger that the stretch would likely be perfect.
I estimated my dad's size using a men's shoe sizing chart and the existing grading found on the pattern as a guideline. His sock fit well, but is a little too big. I need to take the toe in. Plus, he mentioned that they tend to fall down. So I might consider the elastic with silicon backing as an alternate finish. Though, I would sew it in flat at the exact width of the calf first to see if that's all it needs.
I ended up giving the size 42 to my brother because it was too big for me and his feet are just enough larger that the stretch would likely be perfect.
I estimated my dad's size using a men's shoe sizing chart and the existing grading found on the pattern as a guideline. His sock fit well, but is a little too big. I need to take the toe in. Plus, he mentioned that they tend to fall down. So I might consider the elastic with silicon backing as an alternate finish. Though, I would sew it in flat at the exact width of the calf first to see if that's all it needs.
Speaking of fabric, I grabbed the lovely black powerstretch from my stash that I bought years ago at Seattle Fabrics and had earmarked for winter leggings. If it meant giving those up in favor of not having to spend more money on Christmas presents and also have a stellar present to give, I decided I was ok with it. Funny how I get attached to the projects I associate with the fabric when I buy it.
As you can see below, I have 3 of the 4 sizes laid out on the powerstretch. It used surprisingly little fabric. I love that! I still have some left over for... something else.
If you're curious about how these are made, Jalie has a great video on how to sew their pattern. They are such a great company. I highly recommend any of their patterns!
Because I found the comparison between Powerstretch (Left) and Microfleece with one way stretch (Right) rather fascinating, I thought you too would enjoy seeing the difference in how the fabric behaves on the body with Jalie2448 stretch fleece sock pattern.
As you can see below, I have 3 of the 4 sizes laid out on the powerstretch. It used surprisingly little fabric. I love that! I still have some left over for... something else.
If you're curious about how these are made, Jalie has a great video on how to sew their pattern. They are such a great company. I highly recommend any of their patterns!
Because I found the comparison between Powerstretch (Left) and Microfleece with one way stretch (Right) rather fascinating, I thought you too would enjoy seeing the difference in how the fabric behaves on the body with Jalie2448 stretch fleece sock pattern.
Powerstretch in Jalie 2448 | Microfleece in Jalie 2448 |
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Powerstretch heel has plenty of room and edges toward the mid-upper heal where it should be. The microfleece heal seam is below the mid heal and would be walked on all day. That could be an irritating prospect.
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Again, the powerstretch easily stretches all the way to the calf. The microfleece hits mid calf and has a tendency to fall down pooling around the ankles. That annoys me with any pair of socks. Does it you?
Everyone was pleased with their socks. In fact, the boys and my dad all put them all and wore them all day. It was a bit cold in the house. I was really happy that they liked what I made! Yay!
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