How To Crochet Socks

Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or you’re starting from scratch, socks are a wonderful project to work on for the entire family. There’s nothing quite like receiving a handmade gift, but a practical, handmade gift really takes the cake!

Crochet is often not the method of choice for making socks. You’ll have to be very exact with your measurements, as crocheted projects have very little stretch compared to knitted wool. It definitely isn’t impossible, though, and it’s extremely rewarding to do. 

How To Crochet Socks

Whatever your experience or skill set, we’re here to share our favorite crochet sock patterns and walk you through each step in detail. By the end, you’ll be ready to make your very own crocheted socks, and treat yourself or your loved ones to a truly special gift. 

Can Beginners Crochet Socks? 

Yes! Beginners can definitely crochet socks. Crocheting the sock itself is fairly straightforward, but getting the right fit can be challenging.

You’ll need to know the exact foot size of the person you’re crocheting for, and you’ll need to follow the measurements extremely carefully.

Remember: crochet socks are a much tighter fit than knitted socks, so the key here is not to rush, and be as precise as possible.  

What Yarn Do You Need To Crochet Socks? 

There are various sock patterns out there, and most of them use different types of yarn. In this post, we’ll be walking you through a pattern that uses worsted-weight yarn.

Worsted weight yarn is a robust type of medium-weight yarn, and you can find it in almost any fiber. 

Worsted weight yarn (sometimes called afghan yarn) is usually identified by a number four on the label. It’s thinner than bulky weight yarn and thicker than double knit (DK) yarn, and it’s the ideal choice for making jumpers, blankets, and other winter-style knits. 

We’ll be using worsted-weight yarn because of its thickness, and also because it’s ideal for beginners! It also has a great price point and has a rough gauge of 16 -20 stitches per four inches of traditional knitting gauge.

Crochet hooks H, I, and J are most commonly used with worsted-weight yarn. 

How To Crochet Socks (Beginner Friendly) 

Ready to create your very own crochet socks? The pattern we use offers a nice snug fit around the feed and ankle, but if you want the ankle cuffs to be looser, you can always increase your hook size when you’re working on the cuff.

To follow this super simple pattern, you’ll need the following materials: 

  • G/4.0mm Crochet Hook
  • Worsted Weight Yarn 
  • A Stitch Marker 
  • Scissors 
  • Yarn Needle 

Although this pattern is beginner friendly, we’ll be using a variety of stitches and pattern notes throughout. If you want a heads up, we’ll be using… 

  • Single crochet 3 together (sc3tog)
  • Single crochet 2 together (sc2tog)
  • Magic ring
  • Slip stitch (sl st)
  • Chain (ch) 
  • Single Stitch or Crochet Stitch (sc) 

Don’t worry, each pattern note or stitch is simple to follow. Even if you’ve never tried them before today, we promise you’ll get the hang of them in no time! 

Quick Notes 

Here are a few things to note before you get started: 

  • To create a small or medium-sized pair of socks, you’ll need one skein of yarn. If you’re making a large pair, you’ll need a little more than one skein, or you can shorten the cuff – whatever you find easiest.
  • The sizes in this pattern (S, M, and L) are based on US foot sizes. S is size 4 to 6.5, M is 7 to 9.5, and L is 10 to 12.5. If you’re not in the US, convert these shoe sizes accordingly for the most accurate measurements. 
How To Crochet Socks

Step 1: Magic Ring 

First off, you’ll need to make yourself a magic ring. 

  1. Chain one, 6 single stitches in the ring, pull the ring closed tight (6 single stitches). Don’t join them – put a stitch marker in the first stitch of your next round instead. 
  2. 2 single stitches in each stitch (roughly 12 single stitches). Keep moving the stitch marker so it sits at the first stitch of each round. 
  3. Single stitch in 1 stitch, 2 single stitch in next. Repeat to around 18 single stitches. 
  4. Single stitch in 2 stitches, 2 single stitches in next. Repeat to 24 single stitches. 
  5. Single stitch in 3 stitches, 2 single stitches in next. Repeat to 30 single stitches. 
  6. Single stitch in 4 stitches, 2 single stitches in next. Repeat to 36 single stitches. 
  7. Single stitch in each stitch (36 single stitches). 

Note: Repeat the steps in round 7 for round 38. 

Step 2: Heel 

  1. Chain one, turn, single stitch in 27 stitches 
  2. Chain two, turn, single stitch in each stitch across (27)
  3. Repeat row 2 to row 7 

Row 8: Chain one, turn, single stitch, and single crochet 2 together. Repeat to across 18 

Row 9: Chain one, turn, single crochet 2 together. Repeat across 9 

Row 10: Chain one, turn, single crochet 2 together through until the last stitch. Single stitch in last stitch (5) 

Row 11: Chain one, turn, single crochet 2 together across to last stitch, single stitch (see also: The Extended Triple Crochet Stitch (ETR): Explained)in last stitch (3). Don’t fasten off. 

Step 3: Cuff 

  1. Single stitch around the opening of the sock (36 stitches). You can add or remove stitches to suit your sock. Don’t join together, and add a stitch marker at the first stitch of round 2. 
  2. Single stitch in each stitch 
  3. Repeat the above round to round 20, or your chosen length 
  4. Slip stitch the next 2 stitches, fasten off and weave through the loose ends.
  5. You’re done! 

The Bottom Line 

Even if you have very little crocheting experience, you’ll find this pattern easy to follow! You only need to know a few simple stitches to pull off this pattern, and once you’ve mastered them, they’ll carry you through the rest of the pattern! 

We hope you’ve enjoyed this crochet sock tutorial. Happy crocheting!

Nancy Adriane