Tuesday, April 8, 2008

The Best Sock Pattern EVER!

Or... at least, my favourite sock pattern :)

This is the pattern I use for almost all of my socks. It is easy to follow, and fits snuggly and doesn't droop at all. The only time I don't use it is self patterning yarns, those should be all stocking stitch to show the pattern that happens. You could still use all the numbers below, but stocking stitch instead of the K3, P1 ribbing.
Yarn: Most classic "sock" yarns (fine yarn designed to knit on 2.5mm needles)Needles: Double point 2.5mm needles, set of 4 - I like Bamboo ones, as the yarn is less likely to slip off.

Cast on 60 stitches and join in the round. Knit for 1.5 inches in K2, P2 ribbing. Change to K3, P1 ribbing, and continue to work in the round until total length is about 7 inches.
Heel: Put half the stitches (30 ) on one needle by knitting next 15 sts, and transfer previous 15 onto the front of this needle. Rearrange the other 30 sts onto two needles with 15 each. These 2 needles will be ignored for a while.
Working on the 30 st needles, Purl (wrong side) across. Right side: [Slip one, K 1] repeat across row. Work these two rows until repeated 15 times. (the heel should be almost square and be about 2.5 inches).
With right side facing you will now do the magic that is a heel turn! K17, K2tog, K1, turn to wrong side facing. Slip one, P5, P2tog, P1, turn. Slip one, Knit to the stitch before the gap (the space between the slipped stitch and the old heel stitches). Knit 2 tog (thus closing the gap and picking up the last slipped stitch and the next old heel stitch), K1, turn. Slip one, Purl to st before gap and P2tog over gap, P1, turn. Repeat these two rows, until all the old heel stitches are involved and worked.
Right side again: Knit across heel, pick up 15 sts up the side of the heel (put these on needle 1).
Work next 30 sts on needle 2, AND work them in the K3, P1 ribbing, as they are already still looking at you. Pick up 15 sts on the other side of the heel and knit half of the bottom of the heel sts. (needle 3). Check and make Needle 1 and Needle 3 have the same number of sts on each, adjust if needed.
Round ONE: Knit down Needle 1 to 3 sts before end, K2tog, K1, Needle 2: work in K3, P1 pattern as established, Needle 3: K1, K2tog, knit to end of needle. Round TWO: Knit needle 1, Pattern needle 2, Knit needle 3. Repeat these two rounds, until back to 60 sts (15, 30, 15). Then continue in stocking stitch for the under foot and ribbing stitch for the top of foot, until about 6 inches from the picked up stitches of the heel (or until sock is about 1.5 inches short of your foot length). Toe: round 1: Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. Needle 2 K1, K2tog, K across to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. Needle 3: K1, K2tog, K across to end. Round 2, Knit all sts without decrease. Continue to knit these 2 rounds until 16 sts are left. Graft two rows of eight sts.
Do it all again for sock two. This photo is the almost finished socks for Fiona, made with the yarn she dyed at our Sock Dying Party. I thought it may be a bit much for Fiona to knit as a first sock attempt, what with the small needles and her inexperience with double point needles, so I offered to whip these up. I will help her up with the Chunky Sock pattern for her first sock project.

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, I clicked on Jitterbug scarf in your sidebar and it linked to the sock pattern. Just thought I'd let you know so you could fix it.

Unknown said...

Thanks for your lovely web site. I wil return! Thanks for all the free patterns, too!

Anonymous said...

Chris,
I am a recently-self-taught knitter (as of the last few weeks). I ran across your website, and have printed almost all of your patterns.
Your instructions are logical and thorough, and I thank you for providing me with great patterns to get me started on my new hobby.
Faithful follower here ~

chris said...

that's one of the best comments ever! You go knitter!
happy to meet a new knitting fan, thanks

Anonymous said...

What size foot is this for? I need an easy pattern for a men's size 11 foot and I am a beginner knitter this is the first time I am attempting to knit socks.

chris said...

I have knit this pattern for the men in my life, and do the same number of stitches (it's very stretchy) but make the foot one inch shorter than the man's foot before you start the toe decrease!
Make sure you know how to knit on four double point needles. Your local yarn shop can help!

Anonymous said...

I started you sox and got as far as doing the heel turn and I got that O.K. but then I got lost. this is my first time aat knitting sox and I guess I am not to familiar with the needle numbers. Can you give me a hint what to do?
Thanks, Audrey Ellerbee

chris said...

the best advise I can give you is to take it to a yarn shop or a knitting friend to help you through the next part. You may also find a video on you tube about turning heels. I cannot do this by email. I would need to see the sock in person. Once you figure out the first one, I am sure you will love knitting socks!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this pattern. I've wanted to knit socks for a friend for a long time and never found a pattern that I liked. I think this one looks good!

Anonymous said...

How many grams/yards are needed for this pattern?

chris said...

2- 50 gram balls of SOCK yarn, or 1- 100 gram ball. Usually 350 to 400 yards in 100 grams.

Amy Collins said...

I've been meaning to thank you for your patterns. They are clear and precise and the items come out beautifully. I was a bit afraid to approach socks, having had a bad experience in a knitting club back in 6th grade, but this pattern, and your chunky sock pattern, inspired me to give it a go. Thanks to you I am now totally addicted to knitting socks!! I gave them as Christmas gifts to my children's bus drivers and teachers & assistants. My boyfriend loves his boot socks (I used the chunky socks pattern and Fisherman's Wool) and my daughter loves her bamboo blend AFO socks (for hers I used both patterns - the yarn weight and needles of this one and the number of stitches of the chunky socks and I made them very long to go inside her orthotics).
Thank yo so much for sharing so generously of yourself.

Unknown said...

This is the first time that I saw your web blog. I love it. Such a lovely blog! This is the way I have made my socks since 2001. It's a great useful pattern, basic and easy. I love making them and notice now there are a lot of different ways to make socks but I always go back to this pattern. Thanks for your blog. ! !

Anonymous said...

How wide would this sock be? My hubby takes a 4 or 5e shoe and most socks are too narrow and "bite" his ankle/heel area leaving him feeling like he's swished his feet into them.

chris said...

These are standard ladies size. For a hubby with large feet , add 4 or 8 to the total, and lengthen accordingly. The ankle will never "bite" as the ribbing is clingy but never tight!

Anonymous said...

I just found your site, love the variety of patterns. Looking at the knee sock pattern it doesn't say how much yarn you need to complete the socks. Could you please update that? Thank you.

chris said...

I had 150 grams in the pattern, but added about three balls of sock yarn, so that it would be more clear. I hope you make these, they are a test of patience, but SO lovely!
Cheers, Chris

Suzanne said...

I just came across this pattern a month ago and have finished 2 pair of these socks. I feel like a pro now (though I consider myself an beginner to intermediate knitter). I love the fit and so many colors and patterns to choose from, but so little time - LOL. Thanks much!

Anonymous said...

Would it work with my 9" circular??

chris said...

socks cannot be knit on one small circular needle unless you want your sock to be 9" or larger (around your ankle)....
there are videos out there for knitting socks on TWO circular, or one very long (wrapped kind of funny) circular... these are not for beginning sock knitters.
Double point needles are best, and not so hard to use. Try a class or knitting club!
chris

Anonymous said...

I just discovered your pattern by accident and am glad that I did. I was having trouble with other patterns, but I sailed right through this one. Thanks

tezza said...

Hi Chris do I need 60 stitches for a 3year olds socks?

chris said...

This pattern is for adults, maybe teens... I have not knit for small children yet.
You would need less stitches, and of course all the other measurements will be less.
I will try to post a baby, kiddy pattern in the near future, so the numbers make sense, ok?
Chris

Anonymous said...

can you use magic loop for this pattern?

chris said...

Yes, I have knit them with one long cable in the magic loop style (check out videos if you are unfamiliar).
It is best to have a full understanding on sock heel turning, before switching to this method...
Cheers, Chris

Anonymous said...

This the best sock pattern I have used to far! I just have on question. When you start knitting the heel and it says sl1, k1, am I slipping it purlwise or knitwise? Thank you!

chris said...

I don't think it matters, but you can knit wise the right side and purl wise the wrong side, to match the stitches at that part of the heel.

Unknown said...

I absolutely love this pattern! It really is the best sock pattern ever. I have gifted three friends with socks made from this pattern using self-stripping yarn. Each pair was lovely and each one unique. This will be my go to sock pattern forever. Thank you.

Molly C. said...

These socks are beautiful! I can't wait to make them. It's just what I've been looking for. I just finished my first pair of socks (I used the Paton's Kroy Sock yarn and pattern) and they just aren't as form fitting as I was wanting. I'm going to use my first Yarnbox socks shipment to make these. Thank you for such a lovely pattern!

Marvan said...

Just wanted you say thank you for this pattern. I used it for the first pair of sock I have ever made. Not only was it 'easy' to understand but the socks turned out wonderfully. I love them. Since then I've made four more pairs. Your site is absolutely terrific. Thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

I have to tell you this! I love to knit socks but I always mess up the heel,, with your pattern it finally made sense! I love it and a huge thank you!

Anonymous said...

Can you explain "Grafting", as in graft 8 st at the end of your sock?

chris said...

Grafting is just stitching the final stitches closed. Using the yarn and a darning needle, often called Kitchener Stitch... You can google photos or videos to finish your sock toes.
Hope that helps, Chris

Vanessa Rottner said...

Hi Chris,
I am so excited to 'delve in' and create my first socks. I've knitted baby jackets before but not socks. I'm looking forward to following you, you have such talent Vanessa

Anonymous said...

Why does the pattern specify DPNs? That could scare off a lot of people. Circulars work fine on socks, and are easier for a lot of people.

chris said...

I almost always prefer Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) for socks, as I believe you can see the heel turn more easily (my opinion only, for sure). That said, circulars are possible (I discussed this in a comment a few entries above), but you need some skills with two circulars or the magic loop method. Straight forward circular knitting does not work.
I stand by the DPNs. Learn to love these little toothpicks! In bamboo they really work well to hold the stitches from slipping, and they are compact enough to slip the whole thing in your purse for travel knitting.
Chris

Anonymous said...

I bought Patons "Kroy Socks" yarn. (Super fine #1) The label says to use 3.25mm needles. Should I do what the label says, or go with your directions and use 2.5?

Anonymous said...

I have purchased some Patons "Kroy Socks" yarn. (Super fine #1) The label on the back says to use 3.25mm needles. Should I use that size, or follow your directions and use 2.5mm?

chris said...

I have used Kroy socks a lot (I think most of them suggest 2.75mm needles). For socks you want 2.5 or 2.75 or even 2.25 if you are a loose knitter. You can also knit sock yarn at 3.25 for sweaters or lace weight shawls, but they would be more loose and draping. Socks need to be a fairly tight knit.
So, yes, use smaller needles to make sure the socks are sturdy and a great fit!
Hope that helps, Chris

pz said...

Just found your great looking sock pattern and can hardly wait to get my needles revved up.Up to now I have made "house socks" and these will be my first sock-yarn socks so off to my local yarn shop tomorrow to mull over the choices. Yahoo!

Unknown said...

I have knit many socks which have been very disappointing. The above are the best instructions yet and also very easy to do. most of all ...THEY FIT!!!

Unknown said...

Chris its been awhile i'm working with 4 needles thank you for the pattern I think it'll work out well. First time for socks. THanks

Stephanie said...

I think I made an error in dividing the stitches on the needles.... I have finished the sock and have the "heel"portion of 8 stitches on two needles but the ending is in the middle .... so to graft I would have to start in the middle.... I am wondering how I can correct this and get the last stitch at the end of the 8 stitches!!
Thank you for your help!! smd

chris said...

Hi Stephanie, You just need to knit to the side of the toe (knit four more stitches) then you can transfer both sets of four onto one needles, and graft together the two sets of eight. You are following EXACTLY the instructions, because, of course, you will end up in the middle of the two smaller number needles! Well done. I always just forget where the "start" of the round is!
Happy knitting, chris

Anonymous said...

Hi Chris... I'm a crocheter I'm new to knitting but I'm loving it already.. Any advice on where I begin? I be learned the long tail stitch if that's correct. Thank you.

chris said...

Local Yarn Shop, or a knitting group will help everyone challenge their knitting skills, whether a beginner or experienced knitter.
Keep learning!
Chris

Unknown said...

I love this pattern. It's my go to sock pattern. Thanks!

Unknown said...

You are one of my favorite designers, I've made so many of your patterns. I do make all my socks toe up, two at a time, Magic Loop. I am going try working your pattern in reverse.

Anonymous said...

I am very interested in knitting this sock pattern. The person I would give these socks to has a condition that has enlarged her calves extremely. Can this pattern be modified to make a wider leg or is there enough stretch in the ribbing at the top and the leg portion?

jdfrm@hotmail.com

chris said...

It is a very stretchy top of sock, as long as you use a stretchy or loose cast on... but the big thing is that it only goes 6 inches up the leg from the ankle, so it may be below the large calves... You could also knit an extra 4 or 8 stitches and reduce that as you get to the heal turn.
Hope that helps. Chris