How to Make Knitted socks on 2 knitting needles – an easy way for beginners!

Absolutely! Here’s a detailed, beginner-friendly guide on how to make knitted socks using 2 knitting needles. I’ll break it down step by step, and keep it easy to follow. 🧦

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight or sock yarn (choose soft, washable yarn). About 100g is usually enough for one pair of adult socks.

• Knitting needles: 2 straight needles, size suitable for your yarn (often US 6–8 / 4–5 mm).

• Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends.

• Scissors

• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful).

Step 1: Measure & Cast On

1. Measure your foot circumference and length to get a good fit.

2. Use the long-tail cast-on method (or any stretchy cast-on) to cast on the number of stitches for your sock.

   • Example: For a medium adult sock, 48–60 stitches is common.

3. Divide stitches in half: You’ll work half on one needle, half on the other.

Step 2: Work the Cuff

1. Knit in ribbing (K1, P1 or K2, P2) for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm).

   • Ribbing makes the cuff stretchy so it stays on your ankle.

Step 3: Knit the Leg

1. After the cuff, switch to stockinette stitch (knit every row if working flat on 2 needles) to make the leg.

2. Continue until the leg is your desired length (usually 6–8 inches for crew socks).

Tip: You can try patterns like stripes or simple textures, but stockinette is easiest.

Step 4: Work the Heel

There are many heel techniques; here’s the simple flap and turn method:

1. Divide stitches for the heel flap: Usually half of your stitches (e.g., 24 of 48).

2. Work back and forth in slip 1, knit 1 or stockinette stitch for 2–3 inches, creating a rectangular flap.

3. Turn the heel: Knit short rows, gradually decreasing stitches at the center to create a curve.

It sounds tricky, but basically you knit partway, turn the work, and purl/knit back, gradually shortening rows to form the cup of the heel.

Step 5: Pick Up Stitches & Knit the Foot

1. Pick up stitches along the sides of the heel flap to create a round opening.

2. Resume knitting in the round or flat (back-and-forth) until the foot is 2 inches shorter than your total foot length.

Step 6: Shape the Toe

1. Decrease gradually:

   • On every other row, knit 2 together (k2tog) at the edges of the foot.

2. Continue decreasing until you have 8–12 stitches left.

3. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, and thread through remaining stitches, pulling tight to close the toe.

Step 7: Finish

1. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.

2. Block lightly if desired (wash and shape the socks) to make them look neat.

Tips for Beginners

• Use light-colored yarn—easier to see stitches.

• Practice on a swatch first to feel comfortable with stockinette and ribbing.

• Take it step by step—don’t rush the heel and toe shaping.

• Socks can be knitted flat on 2 needles and seamed, which is simpler than circular knitting.

If you want, I can also make a diagram showing each step visually, which is super helpful for beginners who are learning the heel and toe shapes.

Watch video: