How to Make Simplest Knitted Socks for Beginners!

Absolutely! Let’s break this down step by step. I’ll give you a beginner-friendly guide for the simplest knitted socks, using basic techniques. These will be cozy, easy to follow, and won’t overwhelm you with complicated shaping.

Supplies You’ll Need

1. Yarn: Worsted weight or sock yarn (medium weight is easier for beginners).

2. Needles: Double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles for magic loop, size recommended for your yarn (usually US 7–8 / 4.5–5 mm).

3. Notions:

   • Stitch markers

   • Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

   • Scissors

4. Optional: Measuring tape to check foot length.

Basic Techniques You Should Know

• Casting on: Long-tail cast on works well.

• Knitting in the round: You’ll be knitting in a tube, no seams.

• Knit stitch (garter) or stockinette stitch (knit all rounds for the sock tube)

• Decreasing stitches: Basic “knit two together” (k2tog)

• Binding off / finishing: Standard bind off

Step-by-Step Instructions for Simple Socks

1. Measure and Cast On

1. Measure the circumference of your foot (around the widest part).

2. Decide the number of stitches:

   • Use the yarn label’s recommended gauge (stitches per inch).

   • Example: If your gauge is 5 sts/inch and foot circumference is 8 inches → 8 × 5 = 40 stitches.

3. Cast on even number of stitches (e.g., 40 stitches).

2. Divide Stitches

• Divide your stitches evenly across 4 double-pointed needles (10 sts each if using 40 stitches).

• Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

3. Knit the Cuff

• Optional ribbing for cuff: K2, P2 for 1–2 inches (keeps the sock from slipping).

• Or just knit all stitches for a simpler cuff.

4. Knit the Leg

• Continue knitting in the round until the leg reaches the desired length (usually 6–8 inches for adult socks).

5. Knit the Heel (Simple Flap Heel)

1. Work back and forth on half the stitches (so 20 sts if total is 40) for heel flap.

2. Knit in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl next) until heel flap is as long as you like (about 2 inches).

6. Turn the Heel

• To create a cup for the heel:

  1. Divide heel stitches into thirds (e.g., 7 sts / 6 sts / 7 sts).

  2. Use simple short rows or basic decrease method:

     • Row 1: Knit to last 2 stitches of middle section, k2tog, turn.

     • Row 2: Slip 1, purl to last 2 stitches before middle, p2tog, turn.

  3. Repeat until all middle stitches are used up.

(This may sound tricky, but just think of it as shaping the sock to cup the heel.)

7. Pick Up Stitches and Knit Foot

• Pick up stitches along the sides of the heel flap.

• Resume knitting in the round on all stitches.

• Continue until foot is 2 inches shorter than your total foot length.

8. Toe Shaping

• Begin decreasing for toe:

  • Round 1: Knit to last 2 sts on needle, k2tog, repeat on all needles.

  • Round 2: Knit all stitches.

  • Repeat until 8–12 stitches remain.

9. Finishing the Toe

• Use Kitchener stitch or simple grafting to close the toe.

• Weave in all yarn ends.

Tips for Beginners

• Use light-colored yarn so stitches are easy to see.

• Try stretchy cast-on for easier sock fitting.

• Keep a row counter for leg length and heel height.

• Don’t worry about tiny gaps; it comes with practice.

This method uses stockinette stitch and a basic heel, which is simple but produces a wearable sock. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore ribbed cuffs, different heels (like short-row heels), or patterns.

If you want, I can also make a visual step-by-step diagram of the sock knitting process, which makes it super easy for beginners to follow. It’s basically like a mini infographic for socks.

Watch video: