Sock FAQs

So, you’ve received a pair of EngimaNess socks, and by some magic, they actually fit! I’m just kidding. Although, I do have a tendency to make them a little loose... Anyway, the few friends who have graciously allowed me to measure their feet so that I can practice making socks on my sock knitting machine, have tested, worn, and love their socks. But they have all come back to me with similar questions on how to care for them. So, I decided to put this little list of FAQs together to provide some responses to those questions. As I get more questions, I’ll add to this list. But I’m sure I’ll need to make some more socks first…

How often should I wash these?

In short, you don’t have to. Unless otherwise noted, EnigmaNess socks are made using wool yarn. The cool thing about wool is that it does not absorb oils from our skin, meaning they don’t hold bacteria and odors like the cotton-blend socks most of us are used to. So, as long as you don’t get anything yucky on them, just air them out between wears. That said, I would still recommend giving your socks a spa day at least once a year.

How should I wash them when I need to?

I strongly recommend hand washing over machine washing. Simply fill a sink (bathroom sink is perfect) with lukewarm water, add a squirt of no-rinse wool wash (like Soak), and put your socks in to soak for 15 minutes. I’ve soaked up to 4 pairs of socks at the same time this way. After the time is up, squeeze out the water (no wringing please!) - you can roll them up in a towel and walk on the roll to squeeze more water out. Then lay flat or hang them over a towel rack to dry. NEVER put them in the dryer! That will cause the wool to felt and shrink, and you may be forced to give them to someone with tiny feet. 

Where/when should I wear these?

Okay. No one actually asked this question, but I wanted to use the opportunity to share that my handmade socks are the only things that consistently keep my feet warm in winter - without overheating! I wear them around the house, with my tennis shoes, and in my boots. They're fantastic and incredibly versatile. Don't be shy to try them out in different ways to see what works for you.