My 5 Favourite Beginner Sock Patterns and Tutorials
Are you determined to knit socks for the first time in 2023? Below are 5 fantastic beginner sock patterns that I've previously knitted.
Almost all of these patterns have complimentary tutorials for the visual learner (AKA me) OR I've provided some helpful links to resources.
1) Rye Light by Tin Can Knits
Ravelry Pattern Page
(© tincanknits)
For those that don't mind purling, this is a lovely cuff-down sock with a purled panel going down the instep of the foot. It has a heel flap and gusset construction and five different sizes from Baby to Large Adult. If your nervous about starting sock knitting, you can try out the baby sized socks as a practice.
They have a written tutorial available here.
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2) Hermoine's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder (Dreams in Fiber)
Ravelry Pattern Page
(by Dreamsinfiber 
Flickr)
This is one of the most popular patterns EVER on Ravelry, and a joy to knit (I would know, I've knit it twice). It has a cuff down and heel flap and gusset construction which is one of the main sock constructions you'll come across.
While the textured pattern looks complicated, it is very very simple, and helped me learn how to count rows in my knitting.
Purl Together has an awesome video tutorial on YouTube for exactly this pattern that helped me when I knit these socks for the first time.
3) Trusty Toe Up Socks by Tanis Lavellee (Tanis Fiber Arts)
Ravelry Pattern Page
(© Tanis Lavallee)
For beginner socks and self striping yarn, you can't go past this pattern. It features a toe up construction, so you can try on the foot of your sock to work out where you want your heel to start.
This pattern uses Judy's Magic Cast On which can be a bit tricky/frustrating to learn, but once you have it down it's fantastic! Alternatively, give the Turkish Magic Cast On a try, most folks find it a little easier.
Toe up construction is also handy if your not sure how far your yarn will go. Weigh your yarn before starting, knit away, and start the cuff of your first sock when you have 60% of your yarn remaining. Cast off when you have 53% of your yarn remaining and you will have enough for your second sock and have used almost all of your yarn!
The other amazing thing about this pattern is that it gives you two choices of heel!
A short row heel is great as there is no gusset increases/decreases that mess with the stitch count around the foot. The Chilli Dog has a simple tutorial I found useful.
An afterthought heel is probably one of my favourite heel constructions, as you can knit the whole sock, then add the heel in after. KirbyWirby Yarns has one of my favorite tutorials on this technique, or see Drowning in Yarns tutorial if you decide to use waste yarn (a forethought heel).
4) How to Knit Toe up Socks by Carmen Jorissen (New Leaf Designs)
Ravelry Pattern Page 
(© Carmen Jorissen)
This sock pattern from Carmen is close to my heart, as it's how I knit my first successful pair of socks. On her New Leaf Designs website, she has a free pattern along with a video tutorial series, or you can purchase a downloadable PDF version to show her some love.
Carmen shows you how to knit this pattern on both dpns (double pointed needles) and magic loop, so this is brilliant if you are still exploring which option you'd prefer. The sock construction is toe up, with a German short row heel, and also shows you how to join contrasting yarn for toes and heels.
A great, all round, beginner sock tutorial, and Carmen is so sweet, check out her podcast!
5) Vanilla Socks on DPN's by Kay (The Crazy Sock Lady)
Ravelry Pattern Page
(© Crazy Sock Lady Designs)
Kay has made some amazing sock pattern/video tutorials. I've linked her pattern with dpns above, but she also has a magic loop and a 9" circular pattern/tutorial combo. The video tutorials completely walk you through, but a downloadable PDF pattern is also available for purchase for a very small price.
These socks are all a cuff down construction with a heel flap and gusset. Kay uses a long tail cast on, and includes a link to her video tutorial. However, if your struggling with this cast on technique, try the alternating cable cast on. It's quickly become my favourite cast on for 1x1 ribbing.
BONUS) Very Pink Knits
The patron saint of knitting tutorials, Very Pink Knits has a plethora of video tutorials ranging from whole socks, to short and precise technique tutorials. Every time I'm learning something new, I will watch how Staci does it first!
I hope all you inspiring sock knitters find this blog useful, and I've prepared you to take the first step into hand knit socks. As a Taswegian, I wear hand knit socks everyday, and that has greatly reduced the amount of fast fashion socks I buy and throw away.
Feel free to post any questions below, or perhaps you have a favourite sock knitting tutorial you'd like to share?
Happy crafting!