Are you ready to level up your knitting game and craft a cozy pair of socks? Knitting socks can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the craft. But fear not! With this basic sock recipe by Vickie Howell, you’ll be whipping up your very own warm and snuggly socks in no time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to create socks that are personalized to your style and fit. So grab your knitting needles, pick out your favorite yarn, and let’s get started on creating the perfect pair of handmade socks!
**How To Knit Socks Basic Sock Recipe**
*Ingredients:*
– 1 set of double-pointed knitting needles, size US 2 (or size needed to match gauge)
– 200 grams of sock yarn in the color of your choice
– Stitch markers
– Tapestry needle
– Scissors
*Instructions:*
1. **Cuff:**
Cast on 64 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method. Divide the stitches evenly across three needles (16 stitches on the first needle, 32 stitches on the second needle, 16 stitches on the third needle). Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
2. **Leg:**
Work in your desired stitch pattern until the leg measures about 6 inches from the cast-on edge, or your desired length. This is where you can get creative with ribbing, lace, cables, or any other stitch pattern that speaks to you.
3. **Heel Flap:**
Slip the first stitch of the next round purlwise, then knit across half of the stitches (32 stitches). Turn your work.
Row 1: *Slip 1 purlwise, purl 1,* repeat across.
Row 2: *Slip 1 purlwise, knit 1,* repeat across.
Repeat these two rows until the heel flap measures approximately 2.5 inches, ending with a RS row.
4. **Heel Turn:**
Row 1: *Slip 1 purlwise, purl 17, p2tog, purl 1, turn.*
Row 2: *Slip 1 knitwise, knit 5, ssk, knit 1, turn.*
Row 3: Slip 1 purlwise, purl to 1 stitch before the gap, p2tog, purl 1, turn.
Row 4: Slip 1 knitwise, knit to 1 stitch before the gap, ssk, knit 1, turn.
Repeat these two rows until all stitches have been worked, ending after a RS row.
5. **Gusset:**
Knit across the heel stitches, pick up and knit one stitch in each slipped edge stitch along the heel flap, place a stitch marker, then knit across the instep stitches, place a marker, pick up and knit one stitch in each slipped edge stitch along the other side of the heel flap, then knit to the start of the round.
Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before the marker, k2tog, knit to next marker, slip marker, knit across instep stitches, slip marker, k2tog, knit to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat these two rounds until you have 64 total stitches.
6. **Foot:**
Continue knitting in the round until the foot measures approximately 2 inches less than the desired foot length.
7. **Toe:**
Round 1: Knit to 3 stitches before the first marker, k2tog, knit to the next marker, ssk, knit to 3 stitches before the next marker, k2tog, knit to the end of the round.
Round 2: Knit.
Repeat these two rounds until 32 stitches remain.
8. **Finishing:**
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Using a tapestry needle, thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure on the inside of the sock. Weave in any remaining ends.
Now that you’ve completed one sock, repeat the above steps to knit the second sock. Once both socks are finished, give them a gentle blocking to even out the stitches and shape them to perfection.
Knitting socks may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, you’ll soon become a sock-knitting pro. Enjoy the process, experiment with different yarns and patterns, and most importantly, relish in the satisfaction of wearing handmade socks that are as unique as you are. Happy knitting!
