Have you been wanting to knit a pair of socks but feel intimidated by how complicated a pattern can be? I created this pattern just for you! Each step of the sock has a video tutorial I recorded to walk you through each step. I also try to explain each part of the written pattern in more detail than a traditional pattern. Additionally, we are using DK weight (3) yarn so the stitches are a little bit easier to see and knit. The sock knits up quicker so you can feel the satisfaction of finishing a sock a bit sooner, too!
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Ready to dive in? Let’s get started! Make sure you read through the sections about materials, sizes, gauge, abbreviations and yarn before starting the pattern. Each section has a video link at the beginning, but I have also listed them all at the end.
If you make this pattern, I want to know! Leave a comment here or on YouTube, and if you post a picture on Instagram make sure to tag me @kneedlesandlife so I can see!
Materials
US 4 (3.5mm) needles with at least a 32″ cord for knitting Magic Loop.
What is Magic Loop? It is a method which allows you to knit small-diameter tubes using a single long circular needle.
Scissors, tapestry needles, measuring tape
Sizes
Start by measuring around the ball of your foot while flat. Sizes are listed in this format throughout the pattern: XS (S, M, L) and coordinate with the following sizes: 7″ (8″, 9″, 10″)
If you are in between sizes, I would recommend sizing down. You can make your socks to any length but you want them to be a bit snug instead of loose.
Gauge
5 sts wide per inch
6 sts tall per inch
Abbreviations
k – knit
p – purl
st(s) – stitch(es)
sl – slip
k2tog – knit 2 together
ssk – slip slip knit
p2tog – purl 2 together
** – repeat what is in between these as directed
Yarn
I used hand dyed DK weight yarn from Poppy & Spruce Fibers in the colorway Safe Space. You can use any DK weight yarn you have that meets gauge. I would recommend something superwash or with a little bit of nylon in it. You could also hold fingering weight yarn double to create DK weight.
Pattern
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Cuff
Casting on using Magic Loop video tutorial
Cast on 36 (40, 44, 48) sts using the Long Tail Cast On Method and join to knit in the round.
Knit 1″ of 1:1 ribbing (k1, p1) to create the cuff of the sock. If you prefer a twisted rib, you are welcome to do that here.
Once you finish the cuff, k 3 rounds of stockinette (all k sts).
Heel Flap
Heel Flap and Heel Turn video tutorial
This sock has a flap and gusset heel, and in this section we will be creating the heel flap which sits at the back of your heel while wearing. The heel flap is worked flat on half of the stitches.
K 18 (20, 22, 24) sts. You can place a marker here, but if you’re using the Magic Loop method it isn’t necessary. These sts will hangout on the long cord while we create the heel flap.
The following rows will be worked back and forth on the other half of the sts.
All slip stitches are purl wise.
Row 1: k2, *sl 1 (with the working yarn in the back), k1* to the end of the row and then turn your work so the wrong side is facing you
Row 2: sl the first st (with working yarn in the front), then p to the end of the row and turn
Row 3: *sl 1, k1* to the end of the row and turn
Row 4: sl the first st, then p to the end of the row and turn
Work Rows 3-4 a total of 7 (8, 9, 10) times. This is 14 (16, 18, 20) rows for the heel flap. The right side should now be facing you.
Heel Turn
We will now be working the heel turn. This is the bottom part where your heel rests.
All slip stitches are purl wise.
Row 1: sl 1 (with the working yarn in the back), k 9 (10, 11, 12), ssk, k1, then turn your work to the wrong side. This is in the middle of a row – trust the process!
Row 2: sl 1 (with the working yarn in the front), p3, p2tog, p1, then turn your work to the right side
Row 3: sl 1, k to 1 st before the gap that was created from turning, ssk, k1, turn work
Row 4: sl 1, p to 1 st before the gap that was created from turning, p2tog, p1, turn work
Repeat Rows 3-4 until you have worked all the sts on both sides.
Pick Up Stitches
Picking up Stitches and Gusset video tutorial
We will now be picking up stitches on each side of the flap to work in the round again. The right side of your knitting should be facing you.
To start, k across the top of the heel turn. Working down the left side of the heel flap, pick up and k 7 (8, 9, 10) sts. This works out to be one st per sl st on the edge. Pick up and k one additional st in the corner to close the gap. You are now at the beginning of round. You can place a st marker here but if you are using Magic Loop, just split the sts in half here.
K the 18 (20, 22, 24) sts that were on hold while knitting the heel flap. Place a st marker here.
We will now pick up and k sts along the other side of the heel flap.
Start by picking up a st in the corner to close the gap, then pick up and k 7 (8, 9, 10) sts along the edge. Continue knitting until you reach the beginning of round.
Gusset Decreases
We will now be decreasing back down to our original st count. This part is called the gusset and shapes the sock to fit your foot to about the start of the arch. You will decrease 2 sts every other round.
Round 1: k to marker, slip marker, k1, ssk, k until there are 3 sts before the beginning of round, k2tog, k1 (2 sts decreased)
Round 2: k all sts
Repeat Rounds 1-2 until you are back to the original st count of 36 (40, 44, 48) sts total.
Foot
You will now knit in plain stockinette st (all k sts) to create the foot of the sock. K until the sock is approx. 2″ less than your desired foot length. If you are able to try on the sock, this is about right at the top of your pinky toe. When you have reached this length, start the toe decreases in the next section.
Toe
Toe Decreases and Kitchener Stitch video tutorial
We will now work decreases to shape the toe into a point. Before you begin, make sure your sts are divided evenly between needles. You will decrease 4 sts every other round.
Round 1: k1, ssk, k to 3 sts before the end of the first needle, k2tog, k1. repeat the same thing on the back/second needle. (4 sts decreased)
Round 2: k all sts
Repeat Rounds 1-2 until you have 8 (10, 12, 14) left on each needle. This is 16 (20, 24, 28) total. You can try on the sock and make sure it covers your toes if you want.
Cut yarn, leaving a 12″ tail. Close the toe of your sock using the Kitchener Stitch.
Make one more sock exactly the same and now you have a pair! I like to wet block my socks to relax all the stitches, especially if I’m taking photos, but it’s not necessary before wearing.
Enjoy!
Links
Picking Up Stitches and Gusset
xo, kalley
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Thank you.
Hi, you say to split the stitches just before picking up the second set of flap stitches. So does that mean to move them to the other needle or just put a marker there? I’m doing magic loop.
Thank you!
Hi Sandy, just move them to the other needle!