Sock knitting can seem intimidating, but it's one of the most satisfying knitting skills to master. Designed for confident knitters, this practical course guides participants through every stage of constructing a beautifully fitting pair of socks, from cuff to toe. Along the way you'll learn techniques including short-row heels, shaping, finishing and achieving the perfect fit. More than simply following a pattern, you'll gain the understanding and confidence to tackle future sock projects independently. By the end of the course you'll have completed your own handmade socks, and discovered why one pair is rarely enough.
Face to face
- Choose suitable yarn, needles and size for sock knitting.
- Understand the basic construction of a cuff-down sock.
- Cast on and knit a ribbed cuff.
- Work the leg in stockinette stitch.
- Shape and knit a short-row heel.
- Knit the foot in stockinette stitch while checking for the correct fit.
- Shape the toe using symmetrical paired decreases.
- Finish the socks and weave in ends neatly.
- Build confidence to knit future socks independently.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Select suitable yarns and needles for sock knitting.
- Understand the basic construction of a cuff-down sock.
- Knit a complete pair of socks from cuff to toe.
- Work a ribbed cuff, stockinette leg, short-row heel and shaped toe.
- Measure and adjust sock length for a comfortable fit.
- Finish socks neatly using professional finishing techniques.
- Read their knitting and solve common knitting problems.
- Apply the skills learned to confidently knit future pairs of socks.
- A set of five 3.5 mm double-pointed knitting needles (DPNs)
- 100 g of 6–8 ply yarn (either one 100 g ball or two 50 g balls)
- Scissors
- A 2–3 mm crochet hook
- 2–4 stitch markers(optional)
- For your first pair of socks, any 6–8 ply yarn is suitable. However, a wool/nylon sock yarn is recommended for durability and everyday wear.
Helpful search terms when shopping for yarn:
- "8-ply sock yarn"
- "6-ply sock yarn"
- "DK weight sock yarn"
- "8-fädig"
