Anyone can knit socks. All you need are 4 double pointed needles, yarn, a few stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors for clipping the ends off. Depending on your preference you may need a stitch holder when knitting the heel gusset. An extra piece of yarn will also do. The skills you need to know are how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and cast off. Read through the instructions and then find the basic sock pattern at the bottom.
The basic steps involved in knitting socks are:
- Cast on stitches.
- Knit the heel.
- Knit the gusset.
- Knit the foot.
- Knit the cuff.
- Bind off stitches.
Here are some tips for knitting socks:
- Use a yarn that is specifically designed for knitting socks.
- Use a needle size that is appropriate for the weight of your yarn.
- Cast on enough stitches to fit your feet comfortably.
- Make sure your stitches are not too tight.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
- Weave in your ends carefully.
- Block your socks to finish them off.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to knit basic socks:
Materials:
- 1-2 skeins of sock yarn
- Set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in size US 1 or 2 (2.25mm or 2.75mm)
- Tapestry needle
Instructions:
- Cast on 60 stitches evenly across 3 DPNs. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
- Knit 2, purl 2 ribbing for 2 inches.
- Knit every stitch for the next 4 inches.
- Begin shaping the heel by knitting 30 stitches on the first needle. Leave the other two needles for now.
- Turn your work, and purl back across the 30 stitches you just knit.
- Continue working back and forth in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) for a total of 2.5 inches, ending with a purl row.
- Begin turning the heel. Knit 16 stitches, then knit 2 together, knit 1, turn your work.
- Slip the first stitch purlwise, purl 5 stitches, purl 2 together, purl 1, turn your work.
- Slip the first stitch purlwise, knit to 1 stitch before the gap, knit 2 together, knit 1, turn your work.
- Slip the first stitch purlwise, purl to 1 stitch before the gap, purl 2 together, purl 1, turn your work.
- Repeat steps 9-10 until all stitches have been worked and there are no more gaps.
- Pick up and knit 15 stitches along the side of the heel flap. Knit across the next 30 stitches. Pick up and knit 15 stitches along the other side of the heel flap. This should give you 60 stitches again.
- Knit in the round until the sock measures approximately 2 inches shorter than the desired length of the foot.
- Begin toe decreases. Knit to the last 3 stitches on the first needle, knit 2 together, knit 1. Knit 1, slip 1 stitch purlwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over the knit stitch, then knit to the last 3 stitches on the next needle. Knit 2 together, knit 1. Knit 1, slip 1 stitch purlwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over the knit stitch, then knit to the end of the round.
- Repeat step 14 until there are 20 stitches remaining.
- Cut the yarn leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the toe of the sock.
- Weave in any loose ends with your tapestry needle.
And there you have it! A basic pair of socks that will keep your feet warm and cozy. You can customize your socks with different yarn colors, stripes, or even cables. Happy knitting!
Ready to buy some sock yarn?
Off The Lamb 