Does the idea of knitting socks scare you? Try this easy, free pattern and whip up a pair of socks in no time with the Simple Sock Knitting Pattern! Worked cuff down for an easy knit.
Design Story and Inspiration for the Simple Sock Knitting Pattern
I wanted to knit a pair of comfy socks that I could wear at home when my feet were cold. I designed this basic sock pattern to be a wonderfully quick knit (I had finished socks over a weekend, and that was with lots of stopping!).
This pattern is very easy and uses the magic loop method, which is my favorite way to knit in the round. It uses up stash yarn (yay!) and is designed in 3 sizes.
Yarn Options for These Super Bulky Hand-Knitted Socks
These ankle socks are worked in super bulky yarn (weight category #6) so they make a chunky sock that is perfect for first-time sock knitters. These are cuff-down socks which is often easier for beginner sock knitters, so give this classic sock pattern a try! I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!
For these cozy socks, choose any super bulky yarn that gets gauge. You can also try getting the same gauge with two strands of worsted weight yarn held together. This often gets the same gauge as super bulky, but do a gauge swatch as all yarns are different.
When choosing a yarn for your socks, look for one that is comfortable against the skin, breathes (you don’t want clammy feet) and is machine washable. These will help ensure that you are happy with your new socks after spending the time to knit them.
Choose one color for solid color socks or get creative and use a multi-colored yarn, variegated yarn or even self striping yarn. The choice is completely up to you when you knit your own socks!
Anatomy of Sock Knitting
A basic pattern for socks is either worked toe up or cuff down, and I prefer cuff down socks so that’s how I worked this easy pattern. Let’s take a look at the anatomy of cuff-down socks.
Socks are made up of four main parts: the cuff, the leg, the heel, and the foot. The cuff is usually worked first and is usually a ribbed pattern that helps keep the sock up on your leg.
The leg is worked in stockinette stitch or another pattern stitch for length desired, but for this pattern there is no leg portion as we are working ankle socks.
The heel is then turned to shape the sock and the foot is worked until it reaches the desired length.
Finally, the toe area is shaped and the remaining stitches grafted.
For this pattern, we are using plain Stockinette stitch except for the cuff, so it’s mostly knit stitches. You will need to use the purl stitch for the cuff and when working back and forth over the heel stitches.
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Simple Sock Knitting Pattern
Supplies You’ll Need to Knit Socks
Yarn:Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick, 1 skein River Run (Super Bulky #6)
Needles: US size 11 (8.00mm) circular needle for magic loop, or you can use size 11 double-pointed needles if you prefer. Use the size needles that gets gauge if size 11 do not get gauge for your project.
Notions: Yarn needle/tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker
Super Bulky Sock Pattern Information
Style: Cuff to Toe
Finished Sizes: Small (Medium, Large), 7 (7.75, 8.5) inch foot circumference to fit women’s shoe size 4-6 (7-9, 10-12). These can be unisex socks if you know the foot circumference and length of the man’s foot you want to knit for.
Gauge: 11 sts and 18 rows = 4” (10cm) in St st
Stitch Guide
Knit (k)
Purl (p)
Slip Slip Knit (ssk)
Knit 2 Together (k2tog)
BOR – beginning of round
Video Tutorial for the Magic Loop Technique
I used the magic loop technique to knit these winter socks. I find it easiest, but you can use double-pointed knitting needles if that is what you prefer. Just be sure to mark the beginning of the round and you should be able to follow the instructions as written, moving stitches between needles as necessary.
SUPER BULKY SIMPLE SOCK PATTERN
Sock Start:
Cast on 20 (22, 24) sts loosely using the long tail cast on method.
Divide sts evenly for magic loop.
Join. Place stitch marker for BOR.
Knit the Cuff:
Work cuff in k1p1 rib for 3 rnds. Make sure to slip marker for each round.
Size S (L) Only
Knit one round.
Size M Only
K2, M1, k to end (23 sts).
How to Knit the Heel Flap (All Sizes)
Working back and forth across 10 (12, 12) sts for heel:
Row 1: *Sl 1 purlwise, k1. Repeat from * to end.
Row 2: *Sl 1 purlwise, p1. Repeat from * to end.
Repeat these 2 rows until 10 rows are complete.
Size M Only
K2, k2tog, k to end of heel sts (11 heel sts), continue to heel gusset and work in the round.
Size S (L) Only
Work across heel stitches, continue to heel gusset and work in the round.
How to Knit the Heel Gusset (All Sizes)
With the tip of the needle, pick up 5 sts along the side of the heel. (heel section)
Pick up a stitch from the row below the first instep st to prevent a hole. [6 sts picked up]
Slide sts to cable, move instep sts to shaft. Work across 10 (11, 12) instep sts.
Slide instep sts onto cable being careful to keep separate from heel sts.
Pick up and knit a st from below the last instep st to prevent a hole. Pick up 5 sts along the side of the heel. [6 sts picked up]
Work remaining heel section sts.
Work across instep sts. All 22 (23, 24) heel sts should be on one side of the needles and the 10 (11, 12) instep sts should be on the other. BOR
Shape Gusset:
Rnd 1: (Dec Rnd)
Heel: K1, ssk, work to 3 sts from end. K2tog, k1.
Instep: Work even in St st.
Rnd 2: Work even in St st.
Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until there are 20 (22, 24) total sts remaining.
Knit the Foot:
Continue working in rnds in Stockinette st until foot measures 7 (8, 9) inches from base of heel.
Size M Only
On the next rnd, inc 2 sts; 1 st on the foot side and 1 st on the instep side.
Complete instep sts. BOR
Shape Sock Toe (All Sizes)
Rnd 1:
Heel: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Instep: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Rnd 2: Work even.
Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 16 total sts remain.
Work decrease rnd only until 8 sts remain. [4 instep sts, 4 sole sts]
Simple Sock Finishing
Slide sts from cable to needle shaft. Holding shafts together, graft sts using Kitchener Stitch. Here is a super helpful video tutorial that I loved for working the Kitchener Stitch (it’s the best one I’ve ever seen!).
Weave in ends. Work second sock. Lightly block if desired.
Care for Your New Pair of Socks
The way you care for your socks will depend upon the yarn used to knit them. I chose a blended yarn that does have some wool in it, but it is also a machine washable yarn, which was important to me.
Check the yarn label for helpful hints about how to care for your new pair of socks. For the yarn I used, it says it is both machine washable and dryable. If you aren’t sure, whip up a swatch, wash and dry it the way that you will care for your socks, and see if it shrinks, pills or has any issues.
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How to Customize Your New Socks
Customizing your hand knit socks is easy! Here are some ideas:
- Use more than one color of yarn for stripes or color blocking
- Make them taller by working in Stockinette stitch for a leg portion before turning the heel
- Adjust the length of the foot by working longer or shorter as needed. Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the dimensions of your sock.
- Incorporate colorwork – since this is simple Stockinette, you can use a color chart
- Add buttons or other embellishments
- Be creative!
You’ll also love our Easy Super Bulky Knit Slipper Socks knit on straight needles!
Final Thoughts on Knitting Socks
I hope you’ve enjoyed this easy pattern for cute ankle socks! I love wearing these and honestly wear them anytime my feet are cold in the house. Right after I designed them we had a cold snap and they came in handy!
Even if you are a complete beginner I encourage you to give this sock pattern a try. I’ve included helpful videos from some great designers for the magic loop method and the kitchener stitch to help you out. This pattern is a simple design that uses simple stitches with a super chunky yarn for a quick knit and has three size options to fit most adult feet.
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
Thanks for being so kind as to share your patterns
Are the knitted socks suitable for wearing shoes?
Since they are made with super bulky yarn they are pretty thick, so they are really best for wearing around the house.
Where can I purchase your 2books one knit and the other crochet. Thanks Email me at [email protected]
Just sent you a message. The one last night didn’t go through because there was a typo in the email but I figured it out. 😁