Sock Patterns & Resources for New Sock Knitters
When I first decided I wanted to knit a pair of socks, I was terrified of messing it up! But… as I always say, it was just a couple of sticks and some string that I was working with, so what was I scared of?!
Looking back, I know that I was scared of something unknown. At the time, I wasn’t super confident knitting with fingering weight yarn, and the thought of knitting two items that needed to fit (and hopefully fit well) and MATCH was… a lot.
In order to get over this fear, I knit my first pair of socks by following along with a pattern for a heel flap and gusset that had accompanying video courses. By doing this, I felt supported as I tackled this new and unknown project type.
In the hopes that I can help point you in the direction of great resources similar to the course I used, I’ve compiled this list of resources.
If you want additional information or just prefer to watch a video, this video on my YouTube channel will help you to find the resources you need to be successful knitting your first sock.
An Excellent Way to Ease In: The Baby Sock
One of my favorite ways to get over the fear that comes with taking on a larger or longer-term knitting project is to start with a small (or even tiny) version of that same type of project. For socks, this can mean knitting baby socks! When knitting a baby sock, the steps are all the same as for an adult sock of a similar construction except there are FAR fewer stitches. The sock will fly by and you will know exactly what you can expect when tackling a larger “you-sized” project.
These free patterns are both by very well-known and excellent pattern writers. They are great options if knitting a baby sock is right for you!
Jelly Bean Baby Socks by Susan B. Anderson
Baby Socks by Kate Atherley
Dive Right In: The Heel Flap & Gusset Fingering Weight Sock
The heel flap and gusset is a very traditional sock construction. Though it might look complex and intimidating, it really isn’t. You can absolutely tackle this sock construction and be highly successful on your first try. Here are some resources that combine a well-written pattern with video tutorials from two of my favorite people!
The No Fear Shorty Socks by Denise Desantis is a paid pattern that accompanies Denise’s “No Fear Sock Knitting Class” on her YouTube channel. I attended a virtual class that Denise taught at Vogue Knitting Live, and I test knit her newest sock pattern (the Soxploration socks releasing in May 2021). She is a great teacher who knows socks inside and out!
Another excellent first heel flap and gusset sock option is the I’m So Basic Socks pattern by Summer Lee of Summer Lee Design Co. It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Summer’s sock patterns because she is such a creative sock designer and an amazing pattern writer. Like Denise, Summer is an awesome instructor and has created a series of sock knitting tutorials that will absolutely help you on your way to successful socks.
Check out my “How to Kitchener Stitch” video tutorial and accompanying save-able graphic. You can find both here on my blog in How To Kitchener Stitch + A Free Downloadable.
Denise and Summer both share amazing tips in this video from my YouTube channel.
Additional Resources
Custom Socks - Knit to Fit Your Feet by Kate Atherley is one of my favorite sock knitting books. It contains so much excellent information about yarn choice, sock construction and fit. It also contains a lot of excellent patterns. One of my favorite basic sock patterns is a 3x1 ribbed sock that is contained in this book… a fully ribbed sock is awesome to ensure a snug fit if you’re worried that your gauge might be a bit off.
Sock Knitting 101: How a Sock is Supposed to Fit from Interweave is a great supplement to the knowledge you will gain from reading and knitting the patterns I recommend above. It is a free article and will help you to build up your knowledge on achieving a sock fit that works for your foot!
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