There's very little as comforting as curling up with a set of DPNs (or a circular cable needle if you have mastered the magic loop knitting method) and casting on a brand new sock knitting pattern. Hand knitted socks are the best. The stitches hug your feet so nicely. They make your toes look so much prettier, and even if nobody else knows you're wearing hand-knitted socks, you will know and that can be enough to make your day brighter.
Whether you favour bold stripes, colourwork patterns, chunky cables or cute motifs, we have the best sock knitting patterns for you right here. Some are free patterns you'll find on Gathered, and others are cool designs and buys we've rounded up from around the web. Fancy a bit of crochet too? Check out our best crochet sock patterns as well.
If after all that you don't find exactly what you're looking for – and you're feeling adventurous! – you could customise your socks with our tutorial on sock toes, or even learn how to design your own socks with Gathered's in-depth guide.
15 of the best sock knitting patterns
1. Super Socks from Winwick Mum
If you've knitted socks before you've probably heard of Winwick Mum, and if you haven't then you're in for a treat. Blogger Christine Perry is passionate about making her own socks and encouraging others to do the same. In this beginner's guide she takes you through everything you need to know to knit your first pair, from choosing the best needles and yarn to super-clear, easy to follow instructions for the socks themselves. We love that there are tutorials for short or long circular needles and DPNs, so you can pick the method that works best for you – or try all three and see which one you prefer. (Need more help? Try Gathered's knitting with circular needles guide! And check out our German twisted cast on guide for the perfect start to cuff-down socks.)
- Buy Super Socks: Knit a pair of socks with Winwick Mum now from Amazon
2. Miezi Socke knitting pattern
Oh my days – we just adore this sock knitting pattern. Check out those glorious stitch patterns, and the knitted leopard print is to die for! Don't be concerned about the slightly offbeat name of this pattern – the instructions and yarn weights all use UK terms, and the pattern is easy to follow using the digital download, available from Etsy seller averagepony. We're loving your work, averagepony! This design is certainly far from average.
- Buy the Miezi socke knitting pattern now from Etsy
3. Beginner sock knitting pattern
Here's the best sock knitting pattern if you're a complete newbie – as you're just the person these socks are designed for! As well as being a fully explained beginner pattern, you also get access to a complete tutorial video, explaining the techniques and the circular knitting technique. Be empowered to create socks with this pattern, all for around £4 for the download!
- Buy the beginner sock knitting pattern on Etsy
4. Sock Knitting Master Class by Ann Budd
We love the abundance of creative patterns on offer in this book from sock knitting designer extraordinaire Ann Budd. Although this is an American publication, it's simple for UK knitters to get the most from it – you just need to understand that American yarn weights and needle sizes are described a bit differently (we can help with that in Gathered's yarn weight conversion guide). It comes with a tutorial DVD too, which shows off the basic techniques and stitches you need to work all the patterns in the collection. Be aware that this is a region 1 coded DVD, so you'll need to play region 1 DVDs to be able to get the most from this publication – but there's plenty of sock joy to be had from it if you can.
- Buy Sock Knitting Master Class by Ann Budd now from Amazon
5. Free toe-up sock knitting pattern
Here's a brilliant free pattern you'll find right here on Gathered. Clare Devine's toe-up sock knitting pattern is great for sporty styling and even works wonderfully to do sport in, too. We love a toe-up design as you get to try it on as you're knitting to get the perfect fit.
6. Socks From the Toe Up by Wendy Knits
If we've sold you on toe-up sock knitting patterns with the free design on Gathered, get your hands on more patterns that use this great technique in this book from Wendy Knits. With designs progressing in difficulty from beginner to more complicated and decorative, this is a lovely and comprehensive collection of advice and patterns that will let you work your way to toe-up sock expertise.
- Buy Socks From the Toe Up by Wendy Knits now from Amazon
7. Giraffe sock knitting pattern
We often complain that children get the best clothing options, and why can't their styles come in adult sizes? Well, we have nothing to complain about here as this fun pattern from Sandra Jäger comes in European shoe sizes 38 and 39, equivalent to British sizes 5 and 6, so grownups can adorn their feet with cute colourwork giraffes! Note that detailed instructions are not given for the heel so you can choose which method you use. Find out how to knit afterthought sock heels and how to knit short-row sock heels with Gathered's guides.
- Buy the giraffe sock knitting pattern from LoveCrafts
8. Cable sock knitting pattern
Here's another fab pattern to be found on Gathered! The lovely cable pattern on these socks by Faye Perriam-Reed uses wraps and slipped stitches, so it’s best for intermediate knitters. If you’ve made socks before and you’re confident with the basics of cabling, why not give it a go? Grab your favourite 4ply yarn and download the free cable socks knitting pattern.
9. Beginner's sock knitting kit
Rather than being purely a sock knitting pattern, this design from Sitting Knitting comes with a pattern, yarn and circular needle, as well as a bag to carry your project in. The kit makes a great gift for knitting friends – or an especially lovely treat for you to progress in your sock journey, too. How thoughtful of you!
- Buy the beginner's toe up sock kit now from Etsy
10. Men's sock knitting pattern
Rhian Drinkwater created this sock knitting pattern with men in mind – but we say this sock works wonderfully for everyone! With its simple cable braid it's a relaxing knit and would look great in both solid and variegated yarns. Find the free men's sock knitting pattern on Gathered.
11. Sock pattern for straight needles
Here's a cool idea if you're not a fan of DPNs or knitting in the round. Alice Curtis has come up with 20 sock knitting patterns that can be worked using standard straight needles. The tube is then completed when making up, using a simple crochet chain. We've not seen this done before, and it's great if you want to avoid adding more needles to your stash by investing in all those sizes again as circulars. The designs in this book are lovely too. USA yarn weights are used, but that won't be a problem for UK knitters as you can use our yarn weight conversion article to decode your stash. As is common with knitting books there is errata for these patterns – you can find it here.
- Buy Knit your Socks on Straight now from Amazon
12. Magic toadstool pattern
Leave it to Etsy to come up with a design that blows everything we've seen before right out of the water – magical toadstool socks, anyone? Yes, we want to cast on this brilliant sock knitting pattern, which is available as a digital download from StoneKnits, too. It's worked from the cuff down, with a classic slip-stitched heel and an easy colourwork section in chart form. Sizing is based on foot circumference and easily works for both child and adult size – hooray!
- Buy the Magic Toadstool sock pattern now from Etsy
13. Norwegian sock knitting pattern
If you're looking to add a bit more Sarah Lund-style chic to your sock drawer, how about this sensational pattern from FjordFibres on Etsy? You can get the Fleur Élise pattern as a digital download in either English or Norwegian. This stunning toe-up design features gorgeous colourwork using FjordFibres yarn, or you can substitute any fingering/4ply yarn if you prefer. Colourwork socks like these benefit from blocking, so see Gathered's how to block socks guide to learn how it's done.
- Buy the Fleur Élise sock pattern now from Etsy
14. Vintage long cable sock
Here's an interesting design from GiftsFromCambridge on Etsy. Vintage knitting patterns that are in the public domain are scanned and supplied as high-quality digital reproductions. It means that delights like these long cable socks can be enjoyed by many more knitters than if just a second-hand paper pattern was sold. We do love this long and cosy sock knitting pattern, which is almost like wearing leg warmers with a foot attached!
- Buy the long cable socks knitting pattern now from Etsy
15. Georgia patterned socks
The cool tessellated pattern on these socks by That Metzbower Girl Designs is inspired by the sweet onions grown in Georgia, USA. Knitted in beautiful Malabrigo yarn, they come in three sizes to suit feet from US 5 to 9.5 and have plenty of detail to keep intermediate knitters entertained. Look out for the rest of the designer's USA-themed sock collection too – we love the colourful Hawaii and Kansas patterns!
- Buy the Georgia socks pattern from LoveCrafts
Find your next sock knitting pattern
Our list of the best sock knitting patterns includes something for everyone and will help you choose what to knit next. But before you make your decision take a quick look through our checklist to make sure you're getting the right pattern for you. Here are some things to think about:
- What yarn weight is it for? Most sock patterns use 4ply yarn, but you may also see DK or chunky
- Is the pattern written for circulars, DPNs, straights, or any of the above?
- If you're a beginner, is there a video tutorial or other detailed instructions?
- Is the sock worked toe-up or top down?
- What length is it – ankle, shin or knee?
- What techniques does it use – cables, lace, colourwork or other textures?
With these criteria in mind you'll be able to find a pattern that's a joy to knit – and that's what it's all about!
Choose the perfect sock yarn
Now you've found your ideal sock knitting pattern, you want a yarn to go with it. Don't go shopping without checking out Gathered's guide to the best sock yarns. We'll explain what sock yarn is and why you need it, as well as revealing our pick of the best.
