Just Plain Socks by Talena Winters

Just Plain Socks

Knitting
January 2012
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
34 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch
US 2½ - 3.0 mm
166 - 332 yards (152 - 304 m)
Any size
English
This pattern is available for free.

This pattern has two versions:
Calculated for You (paid)
Calculate It Yourself (free)

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.

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.

If you need a sock bigger than this, please see the calculated version of this pattern, which enables you to do the math yourself. It’s a formulaic pattern (meaning you have to do the math yourself based on formulas), but it’s also free. If you want to take a stab at it, click here: I like to do math.

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

About Pattern:

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


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!


PATTERN FORMAT: Bookmarked PDF (best for printing or sighted knitters). See “Accessibility” for more information.

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.

  1. 2.0 inches or 5.0 cm}
  2. 2.5 inches or 6.3 cm
  3. 3.5 inches or 8.8 cm
  4. 4.5 inches or 11.3 cm
  5. 5.0 inches or 12.5 cm
  6. 5.5 inches or 13.8 cm
  7. 6 inches or 15.0 cm
  8. 6.5 inches or 16.3 cm
  9. 7.5 inches or 18.8 cm
  10. 8.0 inches or 20 cm
  11. 8.5 inches or 21.3 cm
  12. 9.5 inches or 23.8 cm
  13. 10.0 inches or 25.0 cm
  14. 11.0 inches or 27.5 cm
  15. 11.5 inches or 28.8 cm
  16. 12.0 inches or 30.0 cm

The FREE version has Formulaic sizing, which means it can be made in any size. Example numbers are given for a 10-inch (or 15-cm) adult foot throughout.

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 & 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 (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
  • 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

ABOUT SAMPLES

RED MULTI-COLOURED TALL SOCKS, GRADIENT ORANGE SOCKS, AND STRIPED GREY-AND-MULTI-COLOUR CHILD’S SOCKS:

  • Patons Kroy Socks (151.8 metres / 166.0 yards in 50 grams / 1.76 ounces), a four-ply super-fine 75% Superwash wool / 25% nylon yarn that works up to 28 to 34 stitches per 4 inches / 10 cm on 3 mm / US 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 / 231 yards in 50 grams / 1.76 ounces), a four-ply super-fine 65% Merino Superwash wool / 25% nylon / 25% acrylic yarn that works up to 28 to 34 stitches per 4 inches / 10 cm on 2.25 to 3.25 mm / US 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.

Bookmarked PDF:

  • 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.