How to Knit Socks in Easy Steps

Socks have a very special place in knitting. Hand knit socks are perfect to warm your feet or gift a loved one. After learning to knit a pair of knitting needles and yarn to make some socks. For new knitters and everyone who is willing to give it a try, we got this blog on how to knit socks in easy steps. Even though knitting a sock could seem to be a complicated project, in reality, it is quite simple. You have a quick project on hand with only few rounds to go. Once you understand how it works, you’ll be able to “whip up” different socks in any size using whatever yarn you have on hand.

Socks come in various sizes for babies, kids and adults (men and women). While the best way to go forward is the measurement of the ankle and the area from down the heel, it cannot be done for every project. Socks make the best gifts, so of you are making it for loved one you might not shy from asking their measurements, if not follow the standard sizes.

For your sock sizes, here’s a quick chart.

(U.S. Shoe Sizes)	4-6½	6-8½	7-9½	9-11½	10-12½	13 -14
Foot Circumference (inches)	7	8	8	9	9	10
Sock Height	6½	7½	7	8	7½	8½
Total Foot Length	8	9¼-10	9¼-10	10¼-11	10¼-11	11¼-12

 

Which Knitting Needles to make Socks?

For knitting socks you can go ahead double pointed or circular needles. Both are handy tools for the project. The knitting needle size is most important here so make sure you have needles as mentioned on a sock knitting yarn. You can plan one with popular sizes- US 1, US 2 or US 3 with lengths of either 4″ or 6″.

If you like working on circular needles rather than double points, we recommend 10” circular needle set. The small circumference of the fixed circular makes them easy to handle, and the set comes with a variety of needle sizes in an easy to carry case. It also includes several useful accessories.

If you are ready to try out new things, the magic loop technique is definitely worth. Make sure you have a circular needle that has a cord length of 32″ to almost 47″.

Yarn: While you can use any kind of yarn for sock knitting, a lot of knitters prefer yarn with superwash sock-weight yarn. Wool and wool-blends are popular choices for babies to keep their feet warm.

How to Knit Socks?

There are two ways to knit socks- toe up or cuff down. Both are perfectly fine as long as you are confident. Many knitters prefer to make the cuffs first then go down while many knitters like to go the other way.

Knitting Socks in Easy Steps

Start with knitting a gauge swatch of 4 - 6” x 4 - 6”. Make sure to use the same knitting needles and yarn that you have planned for the project. Stockinette is the most common stitch pattern for socks therefore it’s recommend you knit the same. After the swatch is ready, wash and block it. Then measure your row and stitch gauge.

Step 1: Cast on Stitches

Cast on stitches with three or four double pointed needles or the needle tip of the circular needles and spread it over the cord to the other tip.

Start with knitting the leg part of the socks. Work 3 rounds of rib stitch (knit 1, purl 1). Repeat until the leg measures according to your calculations. You can knit with 1 yarn color or 2 or more, just make sure to knit at least two or three rows with one shade.

Step 2: Knitting the Heel and Foot

Knitting a sock heel is challenging but then a pattern assists you. Keep working with the stockinette stitch on the needle for the heel. The heel shape needs special attention so make sure to keep trying the socks every few rows if it’s your first time sock knitting project.

If you are working with double points, for the heel and gusset, you will need to divide the stitches. Even with circular needles first go ahead with short rows and then later come back to the pick them up and complete them.

After the heel, pay attention to the sock pattern as you need to actively decrease stitches. Use stitch markers here to mark the points of decrease.

Step 3: The toes and binding off

Continue with the stockinette stitch and decrease for the toes. When you have few stitches left on the knitting needle, use the Kitchener stitch or other seaming methods to bind off.

Work the second sock in the same way.

After you have completed the project give it some love with blocking tools. You can cover up the minor mistakes and let the yarn relax.

Happy Sock Knitting!