If you've been considering venturing into sock knitting but are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the vast amount of information and notions on the internet, this post is for you. It's a helpful guide with everything you need to know to start knitting your first socks, as well as some recommendations of sock patterns.
Sock knitting needles
This is the most important topic I want to address here. Sock needles are highly personal choices, so let's consider the options.
If it's your first time knitting socks, I recommend starting with what you already have. Many people don't enjoy knitting socks because the needles are thin, and the yarn is superfine. Consider grabbing a long circular needle, using the magic loop technique, and watch the magic unfold.
If you enjoy the process, then you should try double-pointed needles (DPNs) and the super short circular ones. I used to be a big fan of DPNs, but now I enjoy alternating between different types of needles and projects. As you practice, you'll get better at figuring out what works best for you.
Yarn
When someone tells me they tried knitting a pair of socks but gave up halfway because it was a slow knit or because of the thin yarn and needles, I always recommend starting with a DK-weight yarn.
With DK-weight yarn, you can finish a sock in about two movies during a lazy afternoon. Thicker yarn makes the process easier for beginners, and results in a super cozy pair of home socks.
In terms of composition, look for nylon-wool blends; the touch of nylon will significantly strengthen your heels and toes. Plant-based fibers are a bit more complex; generally, they stretch but don't bounce back, which can lead to floppy socks after just one use. While excellent vegan sock yarns are available, they can be more challenging to find.
Notions
Notions are a bit of a danger zone because every knitter loves to be surrounded by all the trinkets they can get their hands on. But if there's one essential item for your sock knitting starter pack, it has to be lightbulb pins.
You can use them to mark the beginning of the round, count rows, or place them into a dropped stitch. No extra weight on your needles, plus they're super versatile. And if you're still thinking sock knitting's a bit of a slow jam, you can use lightbulb pins to track your work. Marking your progress visually is a great way to motivate yourself.
Patterns
Here are two free patterns to challenge yourself—one for fingering weight yarn and the other for DK.
With almost 40k projects on Ravelry, Hermione Everyday Socks are a true beginner-friendly pattern. This sock is knit from the cuff down and features a garter stitch-edged slip-stitch heel. The pattern is written for one size, but with a four-stitch pattern repeat, it is easily customizable to fit whatever size you want.
The Blueberry Waffle Socks are a good in-between weight for wearing around the house and under boots. The ribbed waffle pattern helps the socks stay up quite well, and because of the stretch, they'll easily fit a woman’s medium to a man’s medium foot. There are variations available to change the gauge of the pattern in several different weights, from fingering to worsted weight.
If you're looking for more sock patterns, make sure to check out the most original socks from 52 Weeks of Socks Vol. II.
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