Are you intimidated by the idea of knitting socks, or are you a beginner knitter and want to knit your first pair of socks? I am here to encourage you that socks are not difficult to knit and requires only basic knitting skills. I am not kidding and YES you can knit a pair of socks !!!
All socks are knit in the round using either double-pointed knitting needles, or on one circular knitting needle using the Magic Loop technique.
Socks can be knit top down, toe up or two at a time, but the basic anatomy of a sock changes very little from one method to the other.
The simplest way to learn to knit socks is knitting from the top-down, which means you start knitting in the round from the cuff. The cuff is usually worked in a rib pattern to ensure a snug fit around the ankle or calf. Followed by the leg of the sock, which can be knit in a pattern or plain stockinette stitch. Once the leg is complete, the heel flap is knit using half the stitches, followed by knitting the heel turn and gusset. Then you pick up the other half of the stitches and complete the instep and sole of the sock, by continuing to knit in stockinette or pattern. Once you have reached the desired length of the foot less 2" (5 cm) then you shape for your toe and close the toe using the kitchener stitch. Easy Peasy!
Check out our extensive selection of double-pointed knitting needles and circular knitting needles, and in my next newsletter there will be a free downloadable basic sock pattern.