Ask the Knitters

Dear Knitters,

Can you recommend a sock pattern for dummies?? One that is REALLY easy to follow without a teacher?? I've never made socks and I really want to learn! What better time than Socktober?!

Chrissy-the-Future-Sock-Knitter

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Comments

[Elizabeth SanMiguel]

There are a lot of good sock knitting books so check your local public library. When I teach sock knitting I usually recommend knitting a Christmas stocking because you can use larger needles, thicker yarn, and you only have to knit one.

I highly recommend the book "Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch. She starts you off knitting a small Class Sock using worsted weight yarn. Her book then gives you lots of patterns with instructions for using double point needles (DPNs) or circular needles. Each sock pattern has instructions for 4 DPNs, 5 DPNs, or 2 circular needles.

Hope this helps.

[Cheryl]

I'll second making a Christmas stocking as a first sock. It is much easier to learn the magic of turning a heel with thicker yarn. And problems are easier to fix.

I made four cabled stockings last year in less than three months using worsted and DK yarns. The vanilla socks using sock yarn were started almost four years ago and have been in timeout for over three years.

The sock project can probably come out of timeout now that I have successful experience with heel flaps and turning a heel. I no longer think that it will be impossible to fix the problems I ran into.

But I'm not sure I'll ever really be a sock knitter.

[PamelaR]

Very Pink Knits has a wonderful beginner's pattern with video instruction throughout. Also, Rye by Tin Can Knits. The Rye pattern comes in worsted or fingering.

[Jessica]

Vanilla Latte, it's free on Ravelry. It was my first sock pattern and still my go-to for speckled, variegated and self-striping yarn. It's easy and allows the yarn to shine.

[Donna]

The above suggestions are excellent. I also recommend the chapter on sock knitting in Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (Yarn Harlot). She walks you through knitting a sock - top down. She does an excellent job of describing sock anatomy. After going through that chapter, you’ll be able to knit socks using just a stitch dictionary.

[Lois]

How I make my socks by Susan B Anderson. More a guide than a pattern. Easy to follow. Free on Ravelry.

[Karen Sequira]

I just made my first pair of socks. I have wanted to for years and was so intimidated by that heel. I found a video on YouTube by Kristin Lehrer entitled Tutorial: How to Knit Socks. She made it super easy and I am hooked now. Just got more yarns from here and can't wait to make more socks.

[Betty Haisten]

Susan B Anderson, How I Make My Socks, free on Ravelry. The Rye pattern is quick because uses worsted weight yarn. Once you understand the anatomy of a sock, sock knitting makes sense.
I’ve tried all needles and processes. I like double points. The first few rounds are like holding a porcupine. After that, it flows pretty easily.
Good luck!

[Natalie]

Others have shared resources with you. I want to share that it feels very fiddly at first and you think you can't do it.. after you get past the first 2-3 rows it starts being easier. Just keep trying. I was very confused when I first made socks and now I have probably made at least 50 pair and I know my simple pattern by heart. Don't get discouraged- you are learning something new. Also Utube is great for tutorials.

[Beverly J White]

I learned to knit socks using "Getting Started Knitting Socks" by Ann Budd. I still use this book today after knitting my first pair 13 years ago.

[Jackielemon]

You are starting on a great adventure! I have been knitting for decades but I started knitting socks just a few years ago. I love the Yarn Harlot's chapter on knitting socks in "Knitting Rules". Clear description of sock anatomy and her "Sock Recipe: A Good Plain Sock" from that chapter is my go to pattern.
It is a bit over welling at first, but well worth the learning curve.
Enjoy!

[Jody]

All of the references listed in these comments are great and well worth checking out! I knit my first socks with Opal 6 ply. I cannot remember the exact pattern I used - it was either one from Yankee Knitter or Knit Simple - this was definitely pre-Ravelry. The 6 ply is a bit heavier than regular sock yarn. You can use larger needles and need fewer stitches. But the biggest plus for me was that the yarn did all the work - I magically had color changes and patterns and all I had to do was knit lol! I get bored working with one color and the Opal was the perfect choice for me! I was so proud of those socks I literally wore them to pieces!

[JOYCE MORROW]

I also like and have made Ann Budd socks. Her sock book is great! And Susan B. Anderson guide from Ravelry, Tin Can Knits which is also a nice sock. My current favorite is Kate Atherly, esp. her ribbed sock pattern which is on Ravelry. I would go to library or friendly book or yarn shop and read some pages from the recommended books to see which ones speak to you. Do the same with the guides on Ravelry. I resisted socks for years until an injury forced me to do something small in order to keep knitting. The math of socks got me and I enjoy it. Who knows it may work for you, too.