Just Plain Socks - Calculate It Yourself Version
Socks for every body...
I designed this to teach a class to beginners (Yes! BEGINNERS! You CAN knit socks!) There is nothing fancy about these socks—they can be knit BY anyone, FOR anyone.
Worked from the cuff down in two basic ribbing styles with an eye-of-partridge Dutch Heel flap and a classically-decreased toe, this version has formulaic sizing: you can make them for anyone, but you need to do the calculations yourself. Sample stitch counts for an adult sock for a 10-inch (15-cm) instep circumference are given throughout.
Choose an engaging colourway of sock yarn and dive in. See how fun socks can be!
PROJECT LEVEL: Intermediate (but instructions are accessible for any skill level)
If you want a version where the math has been done for you, click here: I don’t want to do math.
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Fast, fun, and easy.
The Just Plain Collection is the perfect way for you to unleash your creativity. Sized to include everyone, most knitting patterns in this collection are written for multiple yarn weights, with each weight written separately. As such, they are excellent starting points to create cozy garments and accessories when used as written, or as blank canvases so you can apply your own creativity. Get started on the Just Plain Collection today!
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Digital download includes:
PDF (standard) - best for printing or for sighted knitters
See “Accessibility” for more information about file types.
Your PDF will be available as an instant download after checkout.
Project Level:
Intermediate (though instructions are accessible to any skill level)
Construction:
Socks are worked in the round from the cuff down.
Sizes:
Formulaic—can be made in any size. Example numbers given for a 10-inch (15-cm) adult foot throughout.
Supplies:
YARN:
2 to 3 skeins fingering-weight sock yarn with 50 grams (or 1.76 ounces) per ball.
For shorter or smaller sock sizes, one 50-gram (or 1.76-ounce) skein per foot is enough. For adult socks with a shaft longer than 6 inches (or 10 cm), you’ll likely need more yarn.
NEEDLES & NOTIONS:
Set of four 3.0 mm (US 2) double-pointed needles OR size needed to obtain gauge
(Optional: Two circular needles of this size instead of double-pointed needles)
yarn needle
stitch marker
Gauge:
32 to 34 stitches in 4 inches (or 10 cm) over stockinette stitch knit in the round. Because of the stretchy rib in these socks, gauge is more forgiving, but adjust your needle if it doesn’t fall within these limits.
SKILLS YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THIS PATTERN:
knit
purl
make a gauge swatch in stockinette stitch
All other required stitches are explained.
SKILLS USED TO MAKE THIS PATTERN:
knitting in the round using circular or double-pointed needles
Creating a heel flap and gusset
INCLUDED RESOURCES:
A comprehensive list of links to online tutorials on my website for necessary skills. Tutorials are screen-reader accessible, with instructions relayed fully in text, and also include videos and downloadable photo tutorials.
Full glossary
Tips for good fit
Written instructions
RED MULTI-COLOURED TALL SOCKS, GRADIENT ORANGE SOCKS, AND STRIPED GREY-AND-MULTI-COLOUR CHILD’S SOCKS:
Patons Kroy Socks (151.8 metres in 50 grams or 166.0 yards in 1.76 ounces), a four-ply super-fine 75% Superwash wool and 25% nylon yarn that works up to 28 to 34 stitches per 4 inches (or 10 cm) on 3 mm (US size 2.5) needles
Colourways: Kroy Socks FX in Colourbox (red multi) and Copper (orange), and Blue Striped Ragg
LIGHT BLUE WOMEN’S SOCKS:
Knit Picks Stroll Tweed (211 meters in 50 grams or 231 yards in 1.76 ounces), a four-ply super-fine 65% Merino Superwash wool, 25% nylon, and 10% Donegal Tweed yarn that works up to 28 to 34 stitches per 4 inches (or 10 cm) on 2.25 to 3.25 mm (or US size 1 to 3) needles.
Colourway: North Pole Heather
Publishing Information:
Release Date: 2012
Most recent revision: May 2023
Publisher: My Secret Wish Publishing
Knitting pattern type: Single Design Option
Project type: Socks
Page Count: 10
COPYRIGHT AND LICENSING NOTICE: This pattern is copyright My Secret Wish by Talena. Your purchase of this pattern gives you the right to use it for personal, non-profit use only. To license the pattern to use for profit, please e-mail me for permission. You do NOT have the right to print the pattern for other people (unless they reside in your household) or to transfer the digital file to any other person. This pattern may not be sold, copied, or distributed in any way.
Update History:
September 24, 2022:
Revised formatting of PDF to align with current template style. Clarified language where necessary. Converted PDF to be screen reader accessible.
May 18, 2023:
Updated URLs for new store and social links.
Pattern Accessibility (all formats):
Colour Blind Accessible – all text is black or very high-contrast, and no colour is used to relay pattern instructions.
Left-Handed Inclusive – instructions are given in terms of hand dominance and working needles, not right and left hands.
PDF (standard):
This document can be navigated using bookmarks that link directly to various sections.
All images have ALT-text descriptions.
Fonts are embedded in the document, and it retains its original formatting.
Any charts are also fully written out.
Text uses minimal abbreviations to make the pattern easier to understand, and is written in plain language.
Best for printing or sighted knitters.
Your file will be available for download as soon as you complete purchase. Please contact us for pattern support.
