Can a beginner knit socks?

Yes absolutely! I've rounded up some of my favourite simple sock patterns below. Take a look at them all and give it a go.

How many stitches do I cast on for a sock?

This depends on the yarn you're using and your tension. If you're knitting a sock in 4-ply yarn, with a tension of 32 sts per 10cm/4", and knitting a plain stocking stitch sock, you shoud cast on as follows:
Finished circumference: 17.4 (20, 22.5) cm
Women's UK shoe size: 1-4 (4-7, 6-10)
Cast on: 56 (64, 72) sts

How do you knit easy socks?

What is "easy" will be different for every knitter. The important thing is to pick a well-written pattern. Take a look at the instructions and weigh up how many of the techniques you already know and what you will need to learn for this pattern. You might want to choose a DK pattern so that your first sock goes quickly, or pick a pattern designed for two needles if you're worried about knitting in the round.

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The Best Easy Sock Knitting Patterns

Winwick Mum: Sockalong

If you're looking for a pattern which will hold your hand every step of the way an introduce you to a fun and friendly community at the same time, take a look at the Winwick Mum Sockalong. Christine Perry aka Winwick Mum is a wonderfully generous knitter, endlessly patient and just fantastic at breaking down a complex task into small managable chunks.

Kate Atherley: Basic Ribbed Sock

Kate Atherley is a real authority on all things knitting. What she doesn't know about yarn and needles isn't worth knowing! Not only is she the technical editor of knitty.com she's also a talented designer and - more importantly here - pattern writer. There are very few techniques in a pair of socks which are actually difficult in and of themselves. The point where I fell down when I was first learning to knit socks was that I just couldn't make head nor tail of the patterns. Kate is brilliant at writing clear, easy-to-understand patterns so this is a fantastic option for newbie sock knitters.

Easy Socks on 2 Needles for Beginners

If you prefer to knit flat on straight needles, you can still make lovely, comfy socks! My favourite pattern is this one from Purl Soho, which includes simple instructions and step-by-step photos. It teaches you to turn a heel, pick up stitches and work a kitchener stitch toe join without having to worry about knitting in the round.

Free DK socks pattern

The Wool Zone in Oakham is one of my favourite yarn shops in the UK - and they've got a brilliant, beginner-friendly pattern for socks knitted in DK yarn. If you want your first pair of knitted socks to go quickly, try knitting a pair in DK yarn instead of 4-ply.

Super-simple Knitted Tube Socks

If you're a complete beginner, you can still knit some cosy socks! Instead of going straight for the classic socks listed above, why not start with some simple tube socks? This pair is knitted flat on two needles, using only simple stitches. The pattern creates lovely slouchy slipper socks.

Sweet Chevron Socks

If you've mastered the basics and want to step up your sock game, try this easy chevron pattern from our own team!