How do I learn to knit socks? | How I went from zero to fancy socks in 6 months

 

Never in my wildest dreams would I think of myself as a sock knitter. I mean, what 30-something does? But here we are, many years and pairs of socks later and I don't see myself slowing down any time soon.

At the very beginning of this 2020 I decided I would focus on knitting as my hobby of choice. We all had a bit more free time, right? And what else would take away the unending dread of the news than learning a new skill that I can do while binging Bridgerton? It's the best of both worlds! I decided to focus on knitting and gave myself the goal of knitting a pair of socks and a sweater by the end of 2020. We got to both before July. 

As the years have passed socks have become one of my go-to knitting projects. It's fast, it's satisfying, and they keep my always-cold toes at least a little warmer. I've even published a few sock knitting patterns! I don't know if I would proclaim myself as a sock knitting expert, but I certainly know my way around a sock knitting pattern, and I have strong opinions on how best to learn the skill of sock knitting. Here's how I recommend any newbies learn to knit socks. 

My Biggest Tip For Learning To Knit Socks

Here is the big takeaway from this post: Start with chunky yarn and work your way down. 

Starting with larger needles and thicker yarn means way fewer stitches that are easier to see and much more obvious when you've lost one. If I didn't start with a thick sock, I probably wouldn't have continued because there is so much to learn! The moral of the story: Start big, work your way smaller. You'll save yourself frustration, and you'll know what things are supposed to look like when you graduate down to thinner yarns. 

Before You Choose Your First Sock Pattern

You need to decide if you're going to knit socks on double-pointed needles (the traditional way) or with the magic loop method. You can also knit socks on two sets of long circular needles (which is not my favorite method if we're being honest), or with teeny sock circulars. These last two probably aren't the best idea for your very first socks unless you're a more experienced knitter. 

My preferred method of knitting socks is with the magic loop method. DPNs just feel fussy. Magic loop? That's my jam. Here is an excellent tutorial that explains magic loop knitting. 

Your very first knit sock

This is really my second hot tip: choose a sock pattern that comes with a video tutorial. I'm sure there are plenty of thick bootie sock patterns you could choose from but I always find it helpful to go for the ones that have videos alongside. This means you can actually see someone who knows what they're doing do the thing before you have to. 

• The Cottage Socks - by Hooked on Tilly: These were my very first socks! I followed the pattern along with the super detailed videos to make my first pair of socks. I highly recommend this pattern because it gives you clear details and works you through the socks every step of the way. 
• Magic Loop socks - by Very Pink Knits: I swear by Very Pink Knits youtube channel. Although I didn't make these particular socks (I found her channel after knitting my first socks!) I have zero doubts that you can make a killer pair of socks after her tutorials. 

Both of these are great worsted weight sock patterns with videos I found super useful! I can't express enough how helpful it is to start with a thicker yarn before trying a fingering weight sock pattern. 

Your First Fingering Weight Socks

The vast majority of sock patterns you'll find are going to be knit with fingering weight yarn. Just look at any commercial pair of socks you have they're made of an even finer gauge than fingering weight yarn! The thinner the yarn, the thinner the sock. 

There are an unbelievable number of free or extremely inexpensive sock patterns available from knitwear designers. I bet if you look at your sock yarn provider's website they'll have a free pattern for socks. They're everywhere! However, there are a few go-to patterns that have great videos you can find on YouTube that can help you make it through your first pair of fine socks. 

• I'm So Basic Socks  - by Summer Lee. Summer is the queen of sock knitting patterns. This is her free basic sock pattern that all knitters can use!
• Hermione's Everyday Socks - By Dreams in Fiber. Many people love this sock pattern. I made my mom a pair for Mother's day this year! Janet from Purl Together has an excellent video series on making these socks that I highly recommend for new sock knitters. Her tutorials are in-depth, no-nonsense, and extremely clear. 

Once you've got the gist of how to knit socks, you won't necessarily need a pattern. When I got into the groove of knitting socks and understanding what stitch count works for my feet, I was able to freestyle these cute grey socks with no specific pattern.  

There is SO much to learn for knitting socks! They can be done in a wide variety of ways, right now I'm learning to knit two at a time, toe-up socks with the Fish Lips Kiss (FLK) heel. I highly recommend buying the FLK pattern, it's just $1 and it's basically a workbook for making sure your socks actually fit your feet!

I have a free ruffle sock pattern you can download here! My soft ruffle socks are a basic sock pattern with a cute and fuzzy ruffle addition. 

I also have two paid sock patterns when you get a little more comfortable with knitting socks - the first is a colorwork sock, the Icing Socks Knitting Pattern and the second is a cable knit sock, the Cozy Little Cable Socks Knitting Pattern. 

I hope this helps you with your sock knitting journey!