If you’re a knitting enthusiast who’s ready to take on a new challenge, knitting your own socks can be a rewarding project. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of knit socks on circular needles, step by step. Using circular needles makes this project more accessible and comfortable, even if you’re new to sock knitting. So, let’s get started!
A Step-by-Step Guide
The following steps will help you make your own socks on circular needles which are under as:
Part 1: Casting On and Knitting the Cuff
Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, gather your supplies. You’ll need fingering weight sock yarn, a US size 1 (2.25 mm) circular needle that’s 12 inches (30 cm) long, and a tapestry needle for seaming.
Cast On Stitches
Make a slip knot and place it on your circular needle. Then, cast on 60 stitches using your preferred casting-on method. This will create a standard-sized sock suitable for most adults.
Join in the Round
Ensure your cast-on stitches are not twisted, and all stitches are facing the same direction. Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left hand, wrap the yarn around the hand, and pull the stitch through. This will join your knitting in the round.
Work Ribbed Stitches for the Cuff
To create a ribbed cuff for your sock, knit 1 (K1) stitch and purl 1 (P1) stitch in a repeating pattern (K1 P1) for the entire row. Continue this pattern until the cuff measures 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Also Read: How to Knitting Hat
Part 2: Knitting the Body
Start Knitting the Body
After the cuff, knit one row to set the stage. Insert a stitch marker at the end of this row to help you keep track of your progress.
Continue Knitting
Knit every stitch for the next row. Keep the working yarn behind the needles as you knit across the stitches. Repeat this step until the body of the sock measures 7 inches (18 cm).
Part 3: Working and Turning the Heel
Begin the Heel
Knit 15 stitches to start the heel. This marks the beginning of the heel flap.
Purl the Heel Flap
Turn your work, and purl 30 stitches in the opposite direction to create the heel flap. The remaining 30 stitches will remain unworked for now, forming a bubble of fabric that eliminates the need for darts in the heel.
Slip and Knit
Turn your work again and slip 1 (Sl1) stitch and knit 1 (K1). Continue alternating slipping 1 stitch and knitting 1 stitch across the 30 heel flap stitches, creating one row of Sl1 K1.
Slip and Purl
For the next row, slip 1 stitch and purl the remaining 29 stitches. This alternation of Sl1 K1 and Sl1 P1 forms the texture of the heel flap.
Continue Heel Flap
Keep alternating between Sl1 K1 and Sl1 P1 for a total of 28 more rows, forming the heel flap.
Turn the Heel
To turn the heel, knit across 17 stitches, then perform a slip slip knit (SSK), knit 1, and turn the needles. This step shapes the heel.
Purl the Heel
Purl 5 stitches, then purl 2 stitches together, purl 1, and turn the needles. This row continues the heel shaping.
Continue Heel Shaping
Alternate between two rows: Sl1 K1 and Sl1 P1 until you’ve worked all of the heel stitches, decreasing the heel to 18 stitches in total.
Part 4: Working the Gusset
Knit Along the Instep
Knit 9 stitches, place a stitch marker, and knit 9 more stitches. This marks the center or beginning of the round and separates the instep stitches.
Pick Up Stitches
Pick up 15 stitches along one side of the heel flap, then knit 1 stitch and place a marker. Next, knit 30 stitches along the remaining unworked stitches of the body.
Pick Up More Stitches
Pick up 1 extra stitch and the 15 long stitches on the other side of the heel flap. You’ve now established the gusset.
Decrease the Gusset
Work the gusset decreases by alternating two rows until you have 60 stitches remaining on your circular needle.
Part 5: Working the Toe and Finishing the Socks
Prepare for the Toe
Knit 15 stitches onto the circular needle. Transfer 30 stitches to one double-pointed needle and 30 stitches to another. You’re now ready to shape the toe.
Shape the Toe
Follow a pattern or decrease as follows until you have 16 stitches left: Knit 1, slip knit (SSK), knit to the last 3 stitches, knit 2 together, and knit 1.
Finish the Toe
Cut the yarn, leaving a 2-foot (61 cm) tail, and graft the toe using a tapestry needle. Weave in any remaining ends.
Make the Second Sock
Repeat all the steps to create a matching sock for the pair. Adjust the size if needed for smaller feet, using a pattern designed for children or babies.
Conclusion
According to the above-detailed discussion and by following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to knit your very own pair of socks using circular needles. So, follow these guides and make your sock pairs for your loved ones.
Also Read: How to Bind Off Stitches for Armhole
