If you’ve mastered knitting hats and want to venture into the world of sock knitting, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is specifically designed for first-time sock knitters, providing you with essential skills and techniques to create your very own pair of cozy socks. Throughout this article, we’ll explore the steps involved in knitting socks, including measurements for a custom fit, cast on methods, heel placement, and finishing touches. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to knit a variety of socks using different stitch patterns. Please note that this article provides a summary of the process, and for the complete pattern, we encourage you to visit the official post linked below.
Getting Started: To begin knitting socks, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Approximately 250 yards of medium weight yarn, such as 100% wool, wool/nylon, or cotton/wool/nylon blend.
- About 5 yards of contrasting color medium weight yarn for waste yarn.
- US 3 (3.25 mm) 32″ or longer circular needles (or size needed to obtain gauge).
- Locking stitch marker.
- Yarn needle.
- Scissors.
Why are we using medium weight yarn instead of lightweight? Using medium weight yarn for your first pair of socks makes the process easier as you familiarize yourself with sock knitting. If you’d like to explore yarn substitution options, you can refer to “The Ultimate Guide to Substitute Yarn.”
Pattern Details: Before we dive into the instructions, let’s familiarize ourselves with some abbreviations:
- K: Knit
- K2tog: Knit Two Together
- KFB: Knit Front Back
- P: Purl
- SSK: Slip Slip Knit
- St(s): Stitches
Now let’s explore the steps involved in knitting socks:
- Toe Instructions:
- Start by using Judy’s Magic Cast On to cast on 12 (16, 20) stitches on each of the two needles.
- Round 1 (needles 1 and 2): Knit all stitches.
- Round 2 (needles 1 and 2): Knit 1, KFB. Knit to the last two stitches. KFB, Knit 1.
- Round 3 (needles 1 and 2): Knit all stitches.
- Repeat rounds 2 and 3 until you reach the desired foot circumference based on the size you’re knitting.
Note: To ensure proper fit, pause and measure your gauge. Lay the toe flat and count the number of stitches in a 1″ section. Adjust your needle size if needed.
- Foot Instructions:
- Next Round (needles 1 and 2): Knit all stitches.
- Repeat the last round until the sock measures the desired foot length.
Note: Throughout the foot section, make sure to consult the full pattern for size-specific instructions.
- Placing the Afterthought Heel:
- Knit all stitches on needle 1.
- Stitches on needle 2 are heel stitches and will be worked on waste yarn to hold them. Choose a smooth contrast color yarn and leave the working yarn attached to the sock.
- Follow the provided instructions for rows 1-3 to work the heel stitches with waste yarn.
- Slip the heel stitches onto the left needle and pick up the working yarn to knit all stitches on needle 2.
- Leg of Sock:
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- Rounds 1-4 (needles 1 and 2): Knit all stitches.
- Round 5 (needles 1 and 2): Knit 3, Purl 1.
- Repeat the last round until the leg measures 5 (5.5, 6) inches from the first row of the heel. Note: For specific measurements based on the size you’re knitting, refer to the complete pattern.
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Image / Pattern / Tutorial: Bhooked Crochet
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- Stretchy Bind Off and Finishing:
- Consult the tutorial provided in the full pattern for a detailed demonstration of the stretchy bind off technique.
- After completing the bind off, weave in all the yarn tails on the wrong side of the sock.
- Use the tail to close any remaining gaps in the heel and correct the jog at the top of the sock.
Conclusion: Congratulations on completing your first pair of knitted socks! This beginner’s guide has introduced you to the essential techniques and steps involved in knitting socks. Remember, this article provides a summary of the process, and for the complete instructions and sizing details, we recommend visiting the official post. Enjoy the cozy warmth and comfort of your handcrafted socks, and don’t forget to explore different stitch patterns to create unique designs. Happy knitting!
