Just Plain Socks

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Socks for every body...

There is nothing fancy about these socks—they can be knit BY anyone, FOR anyone. These socks were designed to teach beginner knitters to make socks (not just beginner sock knitters—knitters new to the craft). Every step of the process is described fully and clearly, like a workshop in a pattern, making the Just Plain Socks a perfect “first sock” pattern.

These socks are knit from the cuff down in two basic ribbing styles with an eye-of-partridge Dutch Heel flap and a classically-decreased toe. With sizes from Preemie to Really Really Big (13 inches [or 32.5 cm] in circumference at the instep), you’ll be able to make socks for every foot you see.

Choose an engaging colourway of sock yarn and dive in. See how fun socks can be!

Bonus: Calculate-It-Yourself version:

In case you need a sock bigger than this, your download includes the calculated (formulaic) version of this pattern, which enables you to do the math yourself for any sized foot.

PROJECT LEVEL: Intermediate (but instructions are accessible for any skill level)

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Digital download includes:

2x PDF (standard) - best for printing or for sighted knitters

See “Accessibility” for more information about file types.

About Collection

Just Plain Collection

Fast, fun, and easy. The Just Plain Collection is the perfect way for you to unleash your creativity.

Sized to include everyone, knitting patterns in this collection are written for multiple yarn weights (fingering, worsted, and bulky)*, 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!

* Except for the Just Plain Socks patterns, which are written for any size but only designed for fingering-weight yarn.

About Design

Construction

Socks are worked in the round from the cuff down.

Sizes

Measurements given are the foot circumference at the instep. When choosing a size, round to the nearest whole inch to the actual foot circumference.

The size numbers are for the sake of this pattern only, not shoe sizes. Round to the nearest size measurement.

2.0 inches [or 5.0 cm}
2.5 inches [or 6.3 cm]
3.5 inches [or 8.8 cm]
4.5 inches [or 11.3 cm]
5.0 inches [or 12.5 cm]
5.5 inches [or 13.8 cm]
6 inches [or 15.0 cm]
6.5 inches [or 16.3 cm]
7.5 inches [or 18.8 cm]
8.0 inches [or 20 cm]
8.5 inches [or 21.3 cm]
9.5 inches [or 23.8 cm]
10.0 inches [or 25.0 cm]
11.0 inches [or 27.5 cm]
11.5 inches [or 28.8 cm]
12.0 inches [or 30.0 cm]

Supplies

Yarn

50 gram [or 1.76 ounce] skeins fingering-weight sock yarn in the following quantities:

Sizes 1 through 4: one skein
Sizes 5 through 9: two skeins
Sizes 10+: three skeins

These quantities assume a 3- to 6-inch (or 12.5 to 15 cm) leg. For longer shaft lengths at the top end of these size ranges, add another skein.

Needles

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

Notions

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.

About Samples

Red Multi-Coloured, Gradien Orange, and Striped Grey-and-Multi-Colour:

Patons Kroy Socks, a four-ply super-fine 75% Superwash wool and 25% nylon yarn with 151.8 metres in 50 grams (or 166.0 yards in 1.76 ounces) that works up to 28 to 34 stitches per 4 inches (or 10 cm) on 3 mm (US size 2.5) needles.

Colourways:

Red Multi: Kroy Socks FX in Colourbox.
Orange: Kroy Socks FX in Copper.
Blue: Kroy Socks Ragg Shades in Blue Striped Ragg.

Light Blue:

Knit Picks Stroll Tweed, a four-ply super-fine 65% Merino Superwash wool, 25% nylon, and 10% Donegal Tweed yarn with 211 meters in 50 grams (or 231 yards in 1.76 ounces) 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.

Techniques & Resources

Skills you will need:

Knit
Purl
Make a gauge swatch in stockinette stitch.

All other required stitches are explained.

Techniques used:

Knitting in the round using circular or double-pointed needles
Super-Stretchy Cast On
Grafting with Kitchener Stitch
Increasing & Decreasing
Picking up stitches
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

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.

You will get the following files:

PDF (4MB)
PDF (3MB)

FAQs

Your instant download is a ZIP folder containing your pattern files.
If you need help unzipping and accessing your downloaded files, see the instructions on this page: Access Downloaded Files.
It is impossible to accept returns on digital items. However, I want you to be happy with your purchase, so if you are dissatisfied for any reason, please contact me and I will do my best to see that you are.
All Formats
Colour Blind Accessible: All text is black or very high-contrast, and no colour is used to relay pattern instructions.
Left-Handed Mirror Knitting Inclusive: Instructions are given in terms of hand dominance and working needles, not right and left hands.

Please check the pattern description to see which of the following apply to this design.
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.
PDF (Screen Reader Accessible Large-Print)
This document is a screen-reader-accessible PDF which can be read aloud using text-to-speech options and navigated via document headers. However, fonts may not be embedded and may display improperly. The document uses Verdana font at minimum 24 points. All text is in a single column and left-justified with no italics. Text uses plain language with no abbreviations.
All images have ALT-text descriptions. Any charts are also fully written out. If this pattern contains charts, they are at an appropriate scale for Large Print. If the chart is large and will need to be pieced from several pages, the chart will be available separately.
The document was tested using Adobe Reader on a PC and an Android phone.
Plain-Language EPUB
This document has been edited so text makes sense and flows smoothly when read aloud, and no abbreviations are used. Each section is bookmarked as a chapter. It can be read aloud by an eReader or the font can be resized using eReader settings. The pattern sections can be read straight through without having to return to earlier sections unless you need to refer to something such as a note, technique, or stitch explanation. All images have captions to explain context, but they are not necessary to understand the pattern. If the pattern includes charts, large-scale charts are also available in a separate Large-Print PDF, and all charted instructions are also written out.
EBooks are tested on a Windows PC (using the free Calibre e-reader, which you can get on their website here) and an Android phone using the Google Play Books app.
I’m here to help. If you have questions about this item or your transaction or you need pattern support, please contact me, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. – Talena

Talena Winters wears a textured scarf and smiles at the camera.

About My Secret Wish Knitting

Hi! I’m Talena Winters (a.k.a. the Yarn Mermaid).

I started My Secret Wish Knitting in 2010 to empower and delight knitting heroes like you who want to elevate your knitting and make magic with yarn. When I’m not concocting new yarn potion recipes, I’m creating story magic as a fantasy and romance author and fiction editor (at talenawinters.com). I live with my family and pets in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, where sweater weather lasts at least nine months a year and my closest neighbours are bears and wood nymphs.

This website is a labour of love by a team of one (me!). If you found value here, please support the effort by purchasing a pattern. If you want more knitting magic, check out my community events and newsletter in the Knitting Circle. We’d love to have you!