by Here’s a detailed, beginner-friendly guide on how to make one-skein simple knitted socks — no complicated shaping, no fancy techniques, just a cozy, wearable pair of socks using basic stitches.
This guide assumes you know how to:
-
Cast on
-
Knit and purl
-
Work in the round
-
Decrease stitches
-
Pick up stitches
If you’re comfortable with those, you’re ready!
🧶 Easy One-Skein Knitted Socks (Beginner Friendly)
What Does “One-Skein” Mean?
Most sock yarn comes in 100g skeins (about 400–450 meters / 437–492 yards), which is enough to make one full pair of adult socks.
🧵 Materials You’ll Need
-
100g fingering weight sock yarn (wool or wool blend with nylon)
-
2.25–2.75 mm (US 1–2) double-pointed needles (DPNs)
OR 32” circular needle for magic loop -
Stitch marker
-
Tapestry needle
-
Scissors
-
Measuring tape
📏 Basic Sizing (Adult Average)
This simple pattern fits most adult feet.
You can adjust stitch count for different sizes.
-
Cast on: 56 stitches
-
Cuff length: 1.5–2 inches
-
Leg length: 5–7 inches (or desired length)
🧦 Step-By-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cast On & Join in the Round
-
Cast on 56 stitches
-
Divide evenly onto DPNs (14 per needle if using 4 needles)
-
Join in the round, being careful not to twist
-
Place stitch marker to mark beginning of round
2️⃣ Knit the Cuff
Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1.5–2 inches.
This gives your sock stretch so it stays up comfortably.
3️⃣ Knit the Leg
After the cuff, switch to:
-
Knit every round (stockinette in the round)
Continue for 5–7 inches, depending on how tall you want the sock.
4️⃣ Make the Heel (Simple Heel Flap Method)
You’ll work the heel over half the stitches (28 stitches).
Heel Flap:
Row 1: Slip 1, knit 1 across
Row 2: Slip 1, purl across
Repeat these two rows for about 2–2.5 inches.
This creates a sturdy heel.
Turn the Heel (Simple Version)
Row 1: Knit 16, K2tog, knit 1, turn
Row 2: Slip 1, purl 5, P2tog, purl 1, turn
Row 3: Slip 1, knit to 1 stitch before gap, K2tog, knit 1, turn
Row 4: Slip 1, purl to 1 stitch before gap, P2tog, purl 1, turn
Repeat Rows 3 & 4 until all heel stitches are used.
You’ll now have a curved heel shape.
5️⃣ Gusset (Reconnect to the Sock)
-
Pick up stitches along one side of heel flap (about 14 stitches)
-
Knit across top of foot (28 stitches)
-
Pick up 14 stitches along other side
Now you’ll decrease back to your original 56 stitches.
Gusset Decrease Round:
-
Knit to last 3 stitches of first needle, K2tog, knit 1
-
Knit across top of foot
-
On last needle: knit 1, SSK, knit to end
Next round: Knit all stitches
Repeat these two rounds until you’re back to 56 stitches.
6️⃣ Knit the Foot
Knit every round until sock measures:
-
About 2 inches shorter than your total foot length
(Try it on if possible!)
7️⃣ Shape the Toe
Decrease Round:
-
Knit to last 3 stitches of needle 1, K2tog, knit 1
-
Needle 2: knit 1, SSK, knit to last 3, K2tog, knit 1
-
Needle 3: knit 1, SSK, knit to last 3, K2tog, knit 1
-
Needle 4: knit 1, SSK, knit to end
Next round: Knit all stitches
Repeat these two rounds until 24 stitches remain.
Then decrease every round until 12 stitches remain.
8️⃣ Close the Toe
Use the Kitchener stitch to graft the toe closed seamlessly.
If you prefer simpler:
-
Thread yarn through remaining stitches
-
Pull tight and secure (slightly less smooth but beginner friendly)
🧼 Finishing
-
Weave in all ends
-
Lightly block if desired
-
Make the second sock the same way!
💡 Tips for Success
✔ Use stitch markers for gusset decreases
✔ Try the sock on before starting toe shaping
✔ Write down what you did so the second sock matches
✔ Self-striping yarn makes simple socks look impressive
🧦 Why This Is Perfect for Beginners
-
Only basic stitches
-
No complicated charts
-
One skein = full pair
-
Easy to customize
-
Great portable project
If you’d like, I can also provide:
-
A super simplified version
-
A toe-up version
-
A worsted weight thick sock version
-
Or a printable PDF layout version
Just tell me 😊
Watch video:
