Wendy Poole Handmade
DRESSMAKING, KNITTING AND CROCHET
Learn to Knit
Cuff Down Socks
Hello and welcome to my starting point for "Learning to Knit Socks". . .
This is where you'll find my Free PDF Download Pattern and YouTube Video Tutorials for Adult Basic 4 Ply Socks with Short with Short Row Heels.
Sock knitting is addictive, portable and fun. I adore knitting socks and always have a pair on the go!!
​
But from memories of learning to make my first pair of socks back in 2008 and now teaching my own Sock Workshops, I know that making that first pair of socks can feel like a quite a challenge. So I’ve created this Adult Basic Sock Pattern, as a beginner friendly way to learn to knit socks and as an introduction into the world of sock knitting.
This pattern is designed with a simple heel and 2 different toe options to get that first pair of socks made!! There are two versions of the FREE PDF pattern below, one with lots of colour photos, plus a more printer ink friendly version, with just one photo.
​
All you need is a 100gram ball of sock yarn and a 2.5cm (80cm length) circular needle and a padlock style stitch marker (or spare scrap of yarn) and you’re ready to go!
​
If you're not a fan of the circular needle, you can always opt for using a set of 5 Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) instead. This way you'd use 2 needles for the front, 2 needles for the back and the 5th needle as your working needle.
Just scroll down and you’ll also find my YouTube videos, showing you the following
​
-
How to knit in the round, using the "Magic Loop" method.
-
How to use “Short Rows”to create the heel section.
-
How to "Close and Fix any Heel Holes", when you've finished the Heel Section.
-
How to "Decrease" to shape the toes.
-
Grafting the Toes, using Kitchener Stitch.
The Videos Below will also help you with the techniques used in the pattern.
Video - Learn To Knit Socks
With the Magic Loop Method
Click here for my Step-by-Step Introduction to learning to knitt socks in the "round", using the "Magic Loop" method.
Video - Learn the "Wrap and Turn" Method (Sock Heel)
Click here for my video demonstrating how to knit a basic heel, using the "Wrap and Turn" method of "Short Row Shaping.
Video - Closing and Fixing Heel Holes when Sock Knitting
Click here for my video showing you how to fix the little holes that can appear at the sides of the ankle, just after working the heel of a sock.
Video - Kitchener Stitch
Grafting the top of the toes.
Click here for my video showing you how to graft together the tops of the toes, using Kitchener Stitch.
Video - Toe Decreasing (shaping the sides of the toe)
Click herefor my video showing you how to graft together the tops of the toes, using Kitchener Stitch.
Pattern Details
-
The pattern starts from the cuff and you can knit the standard length sock or a shorter version.
-
Has a really simple heel shape created with a technique called “Short Rows”.
-
Shows you how to fix any heel holes (that can happen with sock knitting, as you finish the ankle section).
-
Includes 2 toe options. A really simple round toe, where the last few stitches are gathered up. Or you can opt for the standard classic wedge toe, with the toe grafted at the end with Kitchener Stitch.