Knitting a pair of socks isn’t just a rite of passage for new knitters, it’s a fun and practical way to use up your leftover yarn in just a few days.
Within the space of a weekend, you can level-up your beginner skills by learning how to work with small needles, handle lighter yarn weights, and even use double-pointed needles. If you’re an experienced knitter, you can play around with different colors and techniques without the stress of a bigger project.
There are thousands of knitted sock patterns to choose from, often inexpensive or free – but how many of those socks do you actually want to wear?
The sheer abundance of sock patterns can make it hard to find subtle, modern designs that you’ll be proud to have as part of your regular wardrobe. It’s easy to come across bulky socks in color-changing yarns, but much harder to find sophisticated patterns that use interesting techniques and will fit your feet properly.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. In this list, we’ve curated 24 beginner sock knitting patterns with excellent instructions and contemporary designs. They’ll make you want to stop searching, and start knitting.
We’ve been careful to include easy sock knitting patterns that’ll suit absolute beginners, as well as some more unique patterns that’ll keep even seasoned knitters interested.
You’ll find socks in every style you can think of, from classic tube socks to ruffle socks, cable socks, ankle socks, and even some delicate lace patterns. There are a range of yarn weights included too, so you can pick between chunky winter socks and airier options for warmer weather.
Most of these patterns are knitted in the round, from the cuff down to the toe, on double-pointed knitting needles (DPNs). However, you can also use circular needles and the magic loop technique if you’re looking for an easier method that uses just two needles.
These patterns won’t just teach you how to work up a pair of gorgeous socks – you’ll also get detailed instructions for more complex techniques including short rows, shaping, cable knitting, and different types of colorwork, which you can carry through to all of your other projects.
For more tips on exactly how to knit a pair of socks, skip to later on in this article.
TIP: If you’re just starting out, we recommend checking out our selection of easy knitting kits for socks, too. Each kit includes all of the yarn and needles you need to get started, along with a simple sock pattern that’s great for mastering the basics.
24 Hand-Picked Sock Knitting Patterns In Different Styles
Now let’s get to it: here are 24 easy knitted sock patterns in a range of styles, types, and stitch patterns.
Each pattern includes instructions for different foot sizes. Most of them can be unisex if you knit to the right size, but we’ve included some patterns specifically for men, too.
In most cases, you’ll need small needles and between 1 and 3 balls of worsted or fingering weight yarn, so you can finish both socks in just a day or two. You can knit to the length you prefer, but remember – the higher you go, the more yarn you’ll need. Let’s go!
1. Cozy Knitted Boot Socks (for Beginners)

Price | $5.50/£4.92 |
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Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Cozy Knitted Boot Socks – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
Designed specifically for beginners, this easy knitted sock pattern contains thorough instructions, a detailed materials list, and video tutorials to guide you through the knitting process from start to finish. You’ll find instructions for US shoe sizes 6-10.
The socks are knitted seamlessly in the round using simple knit stitches, double-pointed needles, and worsted weight yarn. This creates a pair of classic, cozy socks that’ll work up much quicker than you expect.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 5/3.75mm Double Pointed Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | Worsted Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 180m |
2. “The Camp Socks”

Price | $6.50/£5.82 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
Suggested Yarn | 100% Icelandic Wool – Lettlopi |
Designer’s Website | “The Camp Socks” – Ozetta on Etsy |
This modern sock pattern uses up to 200g of worsted weight Icelandic wool to ensure your feet don’t feel the winter. They’re worked from the top down and come in two different sizes, both for women.
If you don’t feel like using double-pointed needles, the pattern also includes instructions for using circular needles and the magic loop technique, so you can choose whichever needle type you’re most comfortable with.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 5/3.75mm Circular Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 50g = 100g |
Yarn Quantity | 100g-200g |
3. Chunky Sock Knitting Pattern for Beginners

Price | $4.99/£4.47 |
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Techniques Required | Magic Loop Knit & Purl Stitches Decreasing |
Suggested Yarn | Wool Ease Thick & Quick – Lion Brand Yarn |
Designer’s Website | Chunky Sock Knitting Pattern – Bromefields on Etsy |
If you’re a beginner looking to start knitting a pair of chunky socks, this knitting pattern is for you. It’s worked up using super bulky yarn, simple stitches, and the magic loop technique, so you can stick with circular needles and you don’t have to bother with any sewing.
As tube socks, you won’t have to figure out how to knit a heel either, which is what makes this pattern so easy for beginners. It doesn’t matter what skill level you are – these socks will make you feel like a pro!
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 11/8mm Circular Needles (60cm Cable) |
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Yarn Weight | 170g = 97m |
Yarn Quantity | 140m-160m (Color A) 30-40m (Color B) |
4. “Everyday” Socks by PetiteKnit

Price | $3.92/£3.51 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Short Rows |
Suggested Yarn | Arwetta Classic – Filcolana |
Designer’s Website | “Everyday” Socks – PetiteKnit |
Entering more intermediate territory, the “Everyday” socks are worked from the top down using stockinette stitch for the body and short rows for the heel. You can use double-pointed needles or the magic loop technique, and you can choose to work them in stripes or one solid color. You’ll find sizing instructions for US shoe sizes between 5 and 12.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1.5/2.5mm Double Pointed Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 50g = 210m |
Yarn Quantity | 46g-56g |
5. Classic Knitted Socks Pattern for Men & Women

Price | $5.75/£5.15 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Classic Knitted Socks – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
This unisex sock knitting pattern uses subtle colors and a timeless design to create a wardrobe staple for both men and women. You’ll find instructions for two different sizes: one for adult men (US shoe sizes 9-13) and one for women (US shoe sizes 6-9).
Knitted in the round on double-pointed needles, it’s best suited to beginners who are comfortable with the basics. If you do have any problems, video tutorials are included.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 2/2.75mm Double Pointed Needles |
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Yarn Weight | DK Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 150m-165m |
6. Easy Classic Socks Knitting Pattern

Price | $5.50/£4.92 |
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Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Easy Classic Socks – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
These basic knitted socks are also constructed in the round, from the cuff down, using DPNs and fingering weight yarn. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a quick and easy sock pattern that’s worked up using simple techniques. The pattern includes video tutorials and instructions for US shoe sizes between 6 and 9.5.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1/2.25mm Double Pointed Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | Fingering Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 230m |
7. “Blooming Lavender” Socks

Price | $5.23/£4.68 |
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Techniques Required | 1×1 Ribbing Eye of Partridge Stitch Colorwork Decreasing Magic Loop |
Suggested Yarn | Cinderella – Yarn Love |
Designer’s Website | “Blooming Lavender” Socks – StoneKnits on Etsy |
Inspired by lavender flowers, these socks include two small sections of colorwork: one on the cuff, and the other just before the toe. The pattern includes step-by-step instructions for the body of the socks, as well as charts for the colored sections.
Best suited to intermediate knitters or confident beginners, the pattern involves some more complex techniques including an eye of partridge heel, decreasing around the toes, and some basic ribbing. Instructions are written for the magic loop technique, but you can use double-pointed needles if you prefer.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1.5/2.5mm Circular Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 20g = 64m (Fingering Weight) |
Yarn Quantity | 60g (Color A) 10g (Color B) 8g (Color C) |
8. “Sunday Ruffle Socks” Knitting Pattern

Price | $7.00/£6.27 |
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Techniques Required | Long Tail Cast-On Forethought Heel Kitchener Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | “Sunday Ruffle Socks” – PoppieJoeandCo on Etsy |
Feeling nostalgic? These knitted ruffle socks will take you right back to your childhood! Inspired by the 90’s, they’re worked up with a frill around the cuff using 100g of fingering weight yarn and a pair of 2.25mm needles.
Best suited to more experienced knitters, the pattern uses the magic loop method, a long-tail cast-on, and kitchener stitch for the toes. It includes instructions for adult and children’s sizes, but you can adjust it as necessary.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1/2.25mm Circular Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | Fingering Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 60g-100g |
9. “Starburst” Socks

Price | $0.00 (Free) |
---|---|
Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
Suggested Yarn | Socks – Paintbox Yarns |
Designer’s Website | “Starburst” Socks – LoveCrafts |
This free sock knitting pattern from LoveCrafts is easy, quick, and instantly-downloadable. It uses a basic stitch repeat to create a pair of classic-fitting socks with small “starburst” motifs throughout. You can use two circular needles or DPNs – whichever technique you prefer!
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1/2.25mm Double Pointed Needles US Size 1.5/2.5mm Double Pointed Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 100g = 390m |
Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
10. Women’s Lace Socks Knitting Pattern

Price | $5.50/£4.92 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Women’s Lace Socks – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
Combining a traditional top-down structure with delicate lacework, this pattern creates a pair of beautiful socks that are an absolute pleasure to knit. They’re knitted seamlessly in the round on double-pointed needles, with video tutorials to help you through the lace knitting if necessary.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1/2.25mm Double Pointed Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | Fingering Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 188m |
11. The “Cider House” Socks

Price | $6.00/£5.37 |
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Techniques Required | Cable Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | Quartz – Purl Soho |
Designer’s Website | The “Cider House” Socks – SummerLeeDesignCo on Etsy |
This list would not be complete without a pair of cable socks, and these ones are super colorful, to boot! Don’t let the cabling intimidate you, though – this is a beginner-friendly pattern with a simple cable repeat and plenty of traditional rounds in between. You’ll get all the goodness of a cable knit pattern without having to concentrate too hard.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1/2.25mm Circular Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 100g = 385m |
Yarn Quantity | 130m-255m (Color A) 20m-80m (Color B) 7m-22m (Color C) |
12. “Summer Picnic” Socks

Price | $3.00/£2.69 |
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Techniques Required | Magic Loop Colorwork Stranded Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | “Summer Picnic” Socks – HandmadeLifebyOlivia on Etsy |
With both written and charted instructions for three sizes, the “Summer Picnic” socks feature fun colorwork in a checkered gingham pattern. Suitable for advanced beginners, you’ll need some basic knowledge of how to knit a pair of socks, use the magic loop technique, and create colorwork using stranded knitting techniques.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | Fingering Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 150g |
13. “The Comfort Socks”

Price | $6.50/£5.82 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | Ribbing Decreasing Kitchener Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | Léttlopi – Ístex |
Designer’s Website | “The Comfort Socks” – Ozetta on Etsy |
The “Comfort” socks are true to their name: cozy, comfortable, and relaxing to knit. It’s a basic pattern with a simple design and a soft, ribbed texture that’s worked up in worsted weight yarn. You’ll find instructions for common techniques including kitchener stitch, shaping, and knitting in the round – all in three women’s sizes.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 5/3.75mm Circular Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 50g = 100m |
Yarn Quantity | 2-4 Skeins |
14. Ruffle Socks by PetiteKnit

Price | $3.92/£3.51 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Short Rows Folded Edge |
Suggested Yarn | Arwetta – Filcolana |
Designer’s Website | Ruffle Socks – PetiteKnit |
Another pattern from PetiteKnit, these cute ruffle socks are constructed using stockinette stitch for the body, a folded edge for the ruffle, and short rows for the heel. The pattern includes instructions for women’s shoe sizes between 5 and 12 (US), as well as the choice between double-pointed and circular needles. You won’t find anything missing here – it’s a professional pattern by a knitting icon!
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1.5/2.5mm Double Pointed Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 50g = 210m |
Yarn Quantity | 49g-58g |
15. The “Little Checks” Socks Pattern

Price | $5.00/£4.48 |
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Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Colorwork Reading Charts |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | The “Little Checks” Socks – SummerLeeDesignCo on Etsy |
A great choice if you’re looking to experiment with your project, the “Little Checks” pattern includes two colorwork charts: one for a classic gingham design, and one for a standard checkered pattern. You can play around with different colors, use up your old yarn, and learn to knit colorwork on socks in just a few days.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1/2.25mm Circular Needles US Size 2/2.75mm |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | Fingering Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 132m-320m |
16. The “Shell Strand” Socks

Price | $5.32/£4.76 |
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Techniques Required | Shell Strand Stitch Heel Flap Eye of Partridge Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | Tough Love Sock Yarn – Sweet Georgia Yarns |
Designer’s Website | The “Shell Strand” Socks – Emandelcollective on Etsy |
This sock pattern features a unique and interesting texture created with small “shell strand” stitches on the body, which resemble sea shells. Knitted in the round, it’s constructed with a square dutch heel, eye of partridge stitches on the heel flap, and a traditional wedge-shaped toe.
It might be more advanced than other patterns in this list, but you’ll receive both written and video instructions to teach you how to work the shell strand stitch easily with double-pointed needles.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1/2.25mm Circular Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 113g = 388m |
Yarn Quantity | 80g-113g |
17. “Rowhouse” Socks

Price | $6.50/£5.82 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Kitchener Stitch Stranded Colorwork |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | “Rowhouse” Socks – Bluepeninsula on Etsy |
The “Rowhouse” socks are named after the stranded colorwork around the cuff, which resembles a row of cozy houses. The pattern is knitted from top to toe using three different colors of sock-weight yarn and double-pointed needles (though you can use the magic loop method if you prefer).
It makes a great introduction to stranded knitting, kitchener stitch, and reading charts to knit rows in multiple colors.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1/2.25mm Double Pointed Needles US Size 2/2.75mm Double Pointed Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | Fingering Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 280m (Color A) 22m (Color B) 52m (Color C) |
18. Easy Knitted Lace Socks

Price | $4.50/£4.03 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Lace Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Easy Knitted Lace Socks – EcoFriendlyLife on Etsy |
Another pattern featuring simple lacework, this easy sock knitting pattern creates a pair of beautiful lace socks with interwoven spirals across the body. Worked from cuff to toe, you’ll need approximately 100g of sock-weight yarn and a set of double-pointed needles. The finished socks will fit US shoe sizes 8-9.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | Sock Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 400m-420m |
19. The “Disco” Socks

Price | $0.00 (Free) |
---|---|
Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
Suggested Yarn | Glitterball Sock Yarn – Wool and the Gang |
Designer’s Website | The “Disco” Socks – Wool and the Gang |
The final free sock knitting pattern in this list, this advanced-level project from Wool and the Gang uses 2.5mm double-pointed needles and just one ball of sock-weight yarn. It’s knitted using their sparkling “Glitterball” yarn, so get ready to shine if you take this project on!
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1.5/2.5mm Double Pointed Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 100g = 390m |
Yarn Quantity | 1 Ball |
20. Classic Men’s Socks Knitting Pattern

Price | $5.50/£4.92 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Hurdle Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Classic Men’s Socks Knitting Pattern – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
Great men’s sock knitting patterns can be hard to come by. You’ll find unisex patterns fairly often, but it’s rarer to find patterns designed specifically for men.
That’s why we’ve included this easy pattern for men’s knitted socks. Suitable for beginners, it features a classic design that’s simple to knit but interesting to look at, with textured ridges across the body created using hurdle stitch.
The socks are knitted seamlessly in the round on double-pointed needles, with video instructions included.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 2/2.75mm Double Pointed Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | DK/Light Weight Yarn |
Yarn Quantity | 165m |
21. The “Raindrops” Socks

Price | $3.54/£3.17 |
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Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Cable Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | The “Raindrops” Socks – Cashmere and Cables on Etsy |
Another knitting pattern for cable socks, the “Raindrops” socks feature interweaving cables that are complex enough to keep you interested, but not so difficult that beginners won’t be able to figure them out. The pattern includes instructions for three sizes which range from 16cm to 20cm in circumference.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1/2.25mm Circular Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | N/A – See Pattern |
Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
22. Knee-High Cable Socks Knitting Pattern

Price | $4.75/£4.25 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | Cable Knitting Heel Flap Gusset Shaping Ribbing (optional) |
Suggested Yarn | 7 Brothers – Novita Kid Mohair – BBB Filatti |
Designer’s Website | Knee-High Cable Socks – MyCharmingWool on Etsy |
This pattern combines chunky yarn with several different types of cables to create a pair of textured knee-high socks. With instructions for two sizes, they’re knitted from the top down in the round, with a Dutch heel.
Whether you wear them indoors, with a skirt, or with a pair of big boots, they’ll help keep your feet and legs warm at the same time – and they look great too!
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 5/3.75mm Circular Needles (80cm or 100cm Cable) |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 100g = 200m (Yarn A) 25g = 250m (Yarn B) |
Yarn Quantity | 2 Balls (Yarn A) 2 Balls (Yarn B) |
23. Striped Ankle Socks Knitting Pattern

Price | $4.08/£3.65 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Short Rows |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Striped Ankle Socks – LongBeachDesigns on Etsy |
Socks are quick to knit, but ankle socks are even quicker! This pattern uses worsted weight yarn, simple stitches, and two pairs of needles to work up a pair of striped ankle-length socks. You’ll need to be familiar with seamless knitting and short rows, though instructions are included for both.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Circular Needles US Size 5/3.75mm Circular Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | Worsted Weight |
Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
24. “Rocking Merino” Ragg Socks

Price | $3.54/£3.17 |
---|---|
Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Ribbing |
Suggested Yarn | Pop Merino – Hip Knit Shop |
Designer’s Website | “Rocking Merino” Ragg Socks – HipKnitShop |
Last but not least, these ragg socks from Hip Knit Shop are available in two lengths: long and short. Suitable for both men and women, they’re worked up with 3 balls of merino wool using stockinette stitch and ribbing, which makes them super stretchy, simple to knit, and easy to fit any foot size.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Circular Needles |
---|---|
Yarn Weight | 50g = 115m |
Yarn Quantity | 3 Balls |
How to Knit a Pair of Socks: What You Need to Know
Just like all knitting projects, there are dozens of ways to knit a pair of socks. You can start from the toes or the cuff, use a set of double pointed needles, use circular needles and the magic loop technique, and even knit them flat with straight needles.
There are knitting patterns out there for all of the methods above. As long as your pattern is written carefully, they all work equally well, too. Even a complete beginner can knit a pair of socks, but some techniques are objectively easier than others.
Whichever construction technique you opt for, socks are typically knitted in the round with thin or lightweight yarn and similarly small needles. Unless you’re going for a super chunky sock, most patterns will use 50 to 100g of DK or worsted weight yarn and 2.25mm to 4.5mm needles.
The Basics of Sock Construction
Generally speaking, the process of knitting a sock can be broken down into four distinct parts: the cuff, the body, the heel, and the toe. We’ll explain the most basic way to knit each of these segments below. Remember though: there are dozens of different ways to do it, and this is the most rudimental.
To begin with, you’ll need to work out how many stitches to cast on. To do this, knit a gauge swatch with the yarn, needles, and stitch you plan to use for your project. Measure your foot at its widest point, and then count the number of knitting rows there are for every two inches of the swatch.
If you’re knitting without a pattern, you can combine the measurement of your foot and the gauge of your knitting to work out how many stitches you’ll need to cast on.
Fortunately, if you’re following a pattern with specific sizing instructions, you can simply cast on however many stitches the pattern instructs you to in order to knit socks that will fit your preferred shoe size.
Once you’ve cast on and joined in the round, you’ll need to knit a few rows for the cuff. This is often paired with 1×1 or 2×2 ribbing to create a stretchy, elasticated texture. You can keep knitting the cuff until you’re satisfied with the length.

The body or “leg” of the sock is the next step, and it’s also the easiest. Here, you can use stockinette stitch to work the main body until you reach the heel.
There are several different ways to knit a sock heel, and your pattern designer will have chosen their favorite. The most common heel types include the traditional heel flap, the German short row heel, the afterthought heel, and the Dutch heel.
The traditional heel flap and gusset technique is the most common heel type, and it’s the easiest sock heel to knit, too. It involves some basic shaping, picking up stitches, and using short rows to “turn” the heel at the end. You’ll then knit the gusset and use decreases to return to your original number of stitches.
If you’re intimidated by this step, don’t worry – there are plenty of resources out there to guide you through it. Here’s a video demonstrating the basics of knitting a sock heel:

Finally, you’ll finish knitting the sock with the toes. Here, you’ll make each round progressively shorter until you’ve rounded the toe box off at the end. Then you’re finished – time for blocking!
The method above provides a general framework for a basic pair of knitted socks. However, you should follow your pattern’s specific instructions. You’ll find this basic format combined with more interesting techniques like cabling, colorwork, and unique stitches to create hundreds of different variations.
Can You Knit Socks With Only Two Needles?
Most sock knitting patterns are worked on double-pointed knitting needles. These needles are specifically designed for projects that are too small for normal circular needles, just like socks. Here, you can use up to 5 needles at once, with a small number of stitches per needle.
However, some knitters don’t like using more than two needles at once. If that’s you, you can also knit a pair of socks on just two circular needles using the magic loop technique – even for very small circumferences.
You can even knit a pair of socks using two straight needles. These patterns tend to look more simplistic and are less common as a result, but they do exist. In this case, you’ll knit each sock in two flat panels and then seam them together at the end of the project.
How Do You Block a Pair of Knitted Socks?
Once you’ve finished knitting, you’ll need to think about blocking your socks. This is the process of wetting the fabric, pinning it in shape, and letting it dry. This fixes the fabric in your desired shape and helps to clean up any mistakes in your stitchwork.
Blocking your socks isn’t necessary, but it can make them look and feel a lot better. Not only will it hide your most obvious mistakes, it’ll also help stretch the socks out to better meet your desired shoe size.
The easiest way to block your socks is to use a dedicated sock blocker. These are simple, foot-shaped wooden boards that you adjust to size and stretch your project over, helping it to dry in the shape and size you prefer. You can read more about this process in our guide to blocking your knitting projects.

Foot Size Chart for Sock Knitting: US, UK, and EU Sizes
Most sock knitting patterns will include instructions based on shoe sizes. By picking your preferred shoe size and simply following the pattern, you can knit correctly-sized socks without doing any measuring of your own.
However, if you’re trying to knit a pair of socks from scratch, you’ll need to measure your foot and size your socks accordingly. If your pattern designer is from a different country, you may have to convert between US and EU shoe sizes, too.
Using the shoe size conversion chart below, you can convert between US, UK, and EU women’s shoe sizes, so you can follow your chosen knitting pattern without worrying about sizing. It will also tell you the corresponding foot length and circumference for each women’s shoe size.
US Shoe Size | UK Shoe Size | EU Shoe Size | Foot Length (in) | Foot Length (cm) | Foot Circumference (in) | Foot Circumference (cm) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 | 2 | 35 | 8.33 | 21.2 | 8.33 | 21.2 |
4.5 | 2.5 | 35 | 8.43 | 21.4 | N/A | N/A |
5 | 3 | 36 | 8.56 | 21.7 | 8.50 | 21.6 |
5.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 8.75 | 22.2 | N/A | N/A |
6 | 4 | 37 | 8.88 | 22.6 | 8.66 | 22.0 |
6.5 | 4.5 | 37 | 9.06 | 23.0 | N/A | N/A |
7 | 5 | 38 | 9.25 | 23.5 | 9.00 | 22.9 |
7.5 | 5.5 | 38 | 9.38 | 23.8 | N/A | N/A |
8 | 6 | 39 | 9.50 | 24.1 | 9.00 | 22.9 |
8.5 | 6.5 | 39 | 9.68 | 24.6 | N/A | N/A |
9 | 7 | 40 | 9.88 | 25.1 | 9.50 | 24.1 |
9.5 | 7.5 | 40 | 10.00 | 25.4 | N/A | N/A |
10 | 8 | 41 | 10.18 | 25.9 | 9.66 | 24.5 |
10.5 | 8.5 | 41 | 10.38 | 26.4 | N/A | N/A |
11 | 9 | 42 | 10.50 | 26.7 | 10.00 | 25.4 |
11.5 | 9.5 | 42 | 10.68 | 27.1 | N/A | N/A |
12 | 10 | 43 | 10.88 | 27.6 | 10.33 | 26.2 |

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