How to knit socks on knitting needles, crochet for beginners. Step-by-step instructions with photos, patterns and diagrams

Many experienced and novice craftswomen are interested in the question of how to knit beautiful and warm socks for themselves and their loved ones. To do this, it is important to decide on the appropriate tools, buy yarn and find a detailed, accessible description of the work.

Choosing tools: the easier it is to knit

All sock knitting tools have their pros and cons:

• Knitting needles are often used for circular knitting of socks, as well as for making ornamental items with a side seam. Beginners do not always cope with these tools, which constantly slip out of the loops. Experienced knitters recommend purchasing knitting needles that correspond in diameter to the yarn used. It is easier to work if the tools have a matte surface: this way they will not fall out of the knitting.
• The hook is used by those who have long been accustomed to it. The advantage of this device is the need to hold only one loop. There is no risk of accidentally unraveling the sock. Not all craftswomen like the look of a crocheted product, since the rows are clearly visible on the fabric. But this tool is popular when creating house slippers and children's socks of unusual shapes: shoes, sneakers.
• Mixed technique is used by girls who are equally proficient in crocheting and knitting or who want to learn this craft. Craftswomen make the main part of the sock on 5 or 2 knitting needles, and use a crochet hook to finish knitting the area where the elastic band should be using an openwork pattern.

Beginning knitters should try both options to decide which tool is more comfortable for them.

Selecting a material for knitting

When it comes to creating a warm accessory for winter, preference is given to 100% wool yarn. Subsequently, many craftswomen understand their mistake. This material is environmentally friendly and warms well, but the resulting wardrobe items quickly wear out and lose their shape.

Experienced craftsmen advise how to knit socks for beginners so that these products will please you for a long time and keep you warm in the cold: you need to choose threads containing cotton and artificial fibers. The optimal yarn thickness is 50 g / 225 m. Such socks will even withstand machine washing.

How to determine the size (table)

To knit socks as a gift, the formula will help you correctly determine the parameters of your foot:

(Foot size ∙ 3) : 2 = length in centimeters

There is a lookup table that helps to avoid unnecessary calculations:

Foot size	Foot length
22/23	14.5
24/25	15.5
26/27	17
28/29	18
30/31	19.5
32/33	21
34/35	22
36/37	23.5
38/39	25
40/41	26.5
42/43	27.5
44/45	28.5
46/47	30

If it is possible to try on a sock during the knitting process, it is better to orient yourself in a practical way, since the data in the tables is not always suitable for a specific person.

Knitting classic socks on two needles step by step

Making items this way is convenient and allows you to use various patterns with ornaments or openwork patterns. According to some craftswomen, this is the fastest option.

To knit children's socks on 2 knitting needles, you will need:

• Choose a medium-thick yarn. To create stripes, take 2 contrasting shades.
• Cast on 22 stitches onto knitting needles for size 22 children's socks.
• Knit with a 1x1 elastic band 15 rows, about 4 cm.
• Continue knitting in stockinette stitch for another 4 cm.
• To create the heel, make 2 decreases on both sides of each row of knit stitches, knitting 2x2 stitches together. Reduce stitches to 12.
• Expand the piece again, joining the edge loops obtained after decreasing in the front row. Continue until returning to the original number of loops.
• For foot size 22, knit 8 cm after completing the heel, alternately with front and back rows.
• Form the toe by decreasing 2 stitches on both sides of each row, as when knitting the heel part. When there are 12 stitches on the needle, begin increasing.
• Knit 8 cm of the top, attaching at the beginning and end of each row to the edge loops of the foot.
• Continue the elastic band in the same way.

The finished sock does not need to be sewn, since the parts were connected during knitting. The same method is used to make products for any foot size. The upper part is striped or openwork, depending on individual preferences.

How to knit a straight heel correctly

To make a product with this type of heel, you need to knit the back of the heel, the number of rows in which is 2 less than the number of loops.

After this, follow the step-by-step instructions:

• Divide all the loops on the knitting needle into 3 equal parts.
• The 1st row of the middle is knitted with face loops.
• Connect the last loop of the center with the first one on the side, knitting them together.
• Turn the product over.
• Remove the first loop and knit purlwise to the end of the row.
• The last loop is connected to the first from the side part.

Continue making the heel using this principle. Finish when only ⅓ of the loops remain on the knitting needle. This method of creating the heel is more suitable for beginners who are just learning how to knit socks correctly. To move on to the main fabric, add the missing loops from the sides of the heel from every 2nd row, making 1 yarn over between them.

Decreases are made in the front rows, connecting 2 loops from both ends. When the number of loops becomes equal to the original, continue knitting.

How to knit a stepped heel

As with the straight heel, this type of heel begins with knitting the back in stockinette stitch:

• The initial row is made with face loops. The outer loop is dropped onto an additional knitting needle, and the face is knitted at the beginning of the next row.
• When the fabric is turned, a row of purl stitches is performed.
• In the 3rd row, alternate front and back loops, remove the last one, knit the front one.
• 4th row: knit all loops purlwise.
• Repeat rows 1 through 4 according to the pattern. Stop when a third of the original number of loops remains on the central needle.
• Begin knitting the 2nd step of the heel, connecting the edge loops with the draw loops in each front row.

When the loops from the 2 additional needles are connected to the middle, the heel is ready.

Knitting simple socks on 5 knitting needles step by step

Before a beginner knits socks on this number of knitting needles, it is important to decide on the number of loops for the cuff. Knit a small 10x10 cm sample with a 1x1 elastic band using the selected yarn on the same knitting needles that will be used in the main work. The resulting square is straightened and the loops that fit in 1 cm are counted.

Measure the ankle of the person for whom the sock is intended. Multiply the obtained data by the number of loops in a centimeter. The result should be a multiple of 4.

To do this, add or subtract several loops:

• Using 2 knitting needles placed together, cast on stitches in the classic way.
• Pull out 1 knitting needle, holding the resulting row.
• Divide the stitches equally, distributing them across 4 knitting needles.
• Using a 1x1 elastic band, make a cuff of the desired height in a circle, usually 5 cm.
• In a similar way, knit the section up to the heel, 7 cm wide, with the front surface.
• Start making the heel. Put aside the 1st and 4th needles and continue working on the 2nd and 3rd.
• Distribute the loops from 2 knitting needles onto 3.
• If the number is not divisible by 3, the excess loops are left in the center.
• Start the 1st row of the heel from the wrong side, knitting the loops of the 1st and middle knitting needles, at the end connecting one loop from the 3rd knitting needle with the last loop from the middle.
• Turn the fabric, drop the 1st loop, perform a row, similarly connecting the last loop of the center with the 1st side loop on the first knitting needle.
• Continue the heel until the loops remain only in the middle.
• Cast on shortened loops on the sides, making a yarn over between the loops of every second row.
• Distribute the resulting loops onto a pair of knitting needles and resume knitting in a circle.
• To bring the number of loops to the initial value, decreases are made: knit the last loop of the initial needle with the 1st loop on the 2nd, the last loop on the 3rd needle with the 1st loop on the last needle. When the 4 parts are aligned, continue working on the foot, knitting it to the required length.
• Try the sock on your foot. A sock that reaches the little toe is considered sufficient.
• Proceed to the design of the toe. Combine the 2 penultimate loops on the initial and 3rd knitting needles and 2 loops after the 1st on the 2nd and last knitting needles in each 2nd row. Having reduced the number of loops by half, proceed to decrease in each row. Stop knitting, leaving 8 loops, which are closed with a knitted seam.

This is the most common option for how to knit socks for beginners using 5 knitting needles. At first, it will be difficult for the needlewoman to hold all 4 main knitting needles with the loops collected. The skill will be formed gradually. It is not recommended to make the loops too tight or, conversely, weak.

Seamless socks

Such products are made with 5 knitting needles. The socks are knitted in a circle, but the toe is designed differently: in every 2nd row, the 2nd and 3rd loops are connected. As a result, 1 loop remains on the knitting needles. The thread is cut at a distance of 10 cm. The remaining tail is threaded through 4 loops using a hook or needle, tightened and the thread is tucked to the wrong side. You will get a beautiful snail-shaped toe.

Multicolored socks

To create original patterns for children and teenagers, select a pattern and yarn of contrasting shades so that the pattern is clear. During knitting, several balls will be in the work at the same time, so it is important to ensure that they do not get tangled.

There will be stretches on the back of the sock. It is important to ensure that these loose sections of thread do not sag or become too tight, which will affect the appearance and elasticity of the sock.

You should knit the item one size larger, as the pattern will make the sock thicker.

Beginners who are not very familiar with how to knit colored socks are recommended to start with simple stripes, using only 2 balls. As their skills improve, they move on to more complex patterns.

Braided booties for the little ones

To create these miniature slippers, kids are advised to choose soft, medium-thick children's yarn made of acrylic and cotton in a ratio of 50 to 50%. You will also need knitting needles No. 3 and a thick needle.

Execution:

• Measure the circumference of the baby's leg above the bone and cast on the appropriate number of stitches, making sure it is a multiple of 4.
• Distribute the air loops over 4 knitting needles, knit the cuff with a 1x1 elastic band – 20 rows.
• Make the upper part of the booties with a braid. To create the pattern, leave 12 loops on the 1st knitting needle. Knit according to the diagram: 1st row - 2 purl loops, 8 front, 2 purl; 2nd row - 2 front loops, 8 purl, 2 front. Make 6 rows. 7th - 2 purl, remove 4 loops on a pin, leaving them behind, knit the next 4 loops, return the removed 4 to the knitting needle and continue the pattern. Interlace the loops 2 more times in every 7th row.
• Redistribute the loops on 4 knitting needles so that there are 12 left in the front and back. Pick up the side parts from the edge loops of the braid.
• Perform 6 circular stitches in a circle using the front surface.
• Below, knit 3 rows with purl stitches and 3 with knit stitches.
• Form a pinch by grabbing the loops of the 1st purl row and knitting them together with the loops on the knitting needle.
• The sole is knitted from the toe to the heel, adding loops from the side knitting needles 1 at a time to the last loop of each row.
• The heel is connected with a knitted seam.

Booties with braids are also knitted from semi-woolen yarn if they are planned to be worn over tights or rompers. If the baby starts walking, an anti-slip material is sewn onto the sole - a piece of leather from old boots or a bag.

Openwork knitted socks with a pattern

To make the products unusual and feminine, the loops that are located on the two knitting needles of the top of the sock are used to create a lace pattern. In knitting, thin cotton yarn with synthetic fiber is used so that the products do not stretch from 2 or 5 knitting needles of the corresponding diameter.

The sock is knitted in a convenient way, but to make the top fabric, take any openwork pattern. It is important that the pattern is not large. Thin lace stripes running along the foot look good.

Sneakers for boys

To make such house shoes, take yarn of medium thickness in 3 colors: white or light gray for the sole, black and red or blue.

Execution:

• Cast on 26 to 30 loops with white thread, depending on the size of the leg.
• Knit 6 rows with purl stitch, adding 1 loop at the beginning and end of each.
• Add 2 rows of stockinette stitch, then make another 1 with black yarn and then 2 more with white yarn.
• Proceed to decorating the sides with the main color threads. Knit 1 row in red. Divide all the loops into 3 parts. Put the 6 middle ones on a pin. An equal number of loops remain on the sides, which are knitted to the desired height, decreasing 1 loop from the center side in each front row.
• At equal distances from each other, using a yarn over, make 3 holes for the laces.
• The middle part is made the same height as the sides.
• Sew the sneakers at the back.

After this, a cord is woven from white threads and threaded into the prepared holes.

Socks with a pattern

In order for a beginner to knit such beautiful items as patterned socks, it is enough to master the classic techniques of creating these wardrobe items on knitting needles. The cuff is made with a 1x1 elastic band, instead of a front surface, a pre-selected pattern is knitted on the upper part of the sock. Usually, small elements are chosen: diamonds, squares, less often - braids.

How to crochet socks: classic version

In advance, select yarn and a hook of the same thickness or slightly larger.

Execution:

• Knit a chain consisting of air loops with a total length of 7 cm.
• Make the elastic: 1st row of connecting posts, 2nd repeat the pattern, but for the back of the loop. Continue working until the elastic reaches the desired length to wrap it around the ankle, adding another 1 cm.
• Sew the elastic band together or connect it with a hook.
• From the bottom edge of the elastic band to the beginning of the heel, perform 5-7 cm using single crochets.
• The loops are divided into 2. A chain of air loops is made. Their number is equal to the number obtained.
• The free end of the chain is fastened to the opposite edge of the fabric with a connecting post. The cord of air loops will be pulled through the middle.
• Continue knitting in a circle with single crochet stitches, adding a new element. This is how the heel opening is formed.
• Having knitted the sock to the big toe, fold the fabric and mark the corners with contrasting threads. In these areas, knit 3 columns together, forming the toe. When the number of loops is 3 times less, cut the yarn. Sew the edge with a needle.
• Move on to the heel. Having knitted 3 rows of single crochet stitches, mark the corners and make the same reductions as on the toe.

More experienced craftswomen make the elastic band of the sock vertically, using relief posts.

Women's wool slippers

For size 38, take yarn with a thickness of 170 m/100 g, hook No. 3.5.

Execution:

• The end of the thread is folded into a loop, into which 1 air loop is made for lifting and 6 single crochets are added.
• In the 2nd row, expand the fabric: knit 2 single crochets into each loop.
• In subsequent rows, add 6 loops, located at equal distances from each other.
• When the width of the toe matches the circumference of the foot, stop making increases and knit in a circle until the desired length of the front part of the product.
• Determine the middle part of the slipper, equal to ⅓ of the girth. Continue knitting the remaining ⅔ loops in the same pattern.
• The sole is made 2 cm shorter than the foot so that the slipper fits tightly.
• Form the heel: divide the sole loops into 3 parts. In each row, on the inside, at the junction between the parts, reduce 1 loop.
• The edge of the product, excluding the heel, is tied with single crochets.
• The top is decorated with a row of connecting posts.

For the final finishing of the edge of the slippers, use yarn of a contrasting color. Add decorations in the form of buttons and knitted flowers.

Children's knitted sneakers

To create such shoes for a child, choose brightly colored yarn and white threads for the sole. Cotton or wool threads are preferable.

Execution:

• The sole is knitted with white threads using single crochet stitches according to the pattern.
• Perform 2 more rows with the same pattern without increases and cut the thread.
• The next row is completed with black thread.
• Again, weave 2 rows with white yarn.
• Select 30 loops to create the toe of the product. Knit them with single crochet stitches, then another row of double crochet stitches.
• The 3rd row of the front part of the sneaker is woven by knitting groups of 3 st. with a yarn over, united by a common top. As a result, 10 loops remain.
• Knit the remaining 10 sts with a yarn over, joining them at the top.
• Along the edge, make 2 more rows of single crochet stitches and cut the thread.
• With the predominant color thread, knit 7 rows that form the rest of the sneaker. In every 2nd row, decrease 1 loop at the beginning and end.
• In the middle, knit a tongue of the desired height.

Insert the lace into the holes left after reducing the loops.

Patterned footprints

Such products are made in the same way as women's wool slippers, but instead of the usual fabric made of single crochet stitches, the following are used:

• strips of multi-colored yarn;
• ornament made of threads of 2 contrasting shades;
• relief columns or openwork knitting options.

When using yarn of different colors, select threads of suitable thickness and quality.

Home version with felt soles

Using an awl, make holes in the purchased base at a distance of 0.5–1 cm from the edge and from each other.

Execution:

• The sole is tied with groups of 3-5 sts with a yarn over.
• To a height of about 4-5 cm, make several rows of dense single crochets or double crochets.
• Select the central part of 4 loops, where you start knitting the sock. Gradually, in each row, pick up the side loops. Using a fitting, determine the desired depth of the front part.
• The edge of the finished product is tied with connecting posts.

Slippers on a felt base are also decorated with available accessories.

Children's socks in the form of boots

The sole and instep are knitted similarly to sneakers. After completing the front part, the product is tied with connecting posts to align the row. Next, the upper part is knitted with posts with 1 yarn over or an openwork pattern to the desired height, without reductions.

These knitted socks are suitable for wearing both at home and when visiting. The sole is additionally insulated by sewing on an insole cut from boot leather. Even a beginner can handle it. There are many simple descriptions using a hook and knitting needles. You should try different options to choose the most suitable one.

Video: How to knit socks for beginners

How to knit simple socks, watch the video:

Socks on 5 knitting needles, master class: