How to Knit Socks in 7 Stages: Stage 1 - Cast On and Cuff, by Little Green Shed Creative on YouTube. 14 min 11 s.
- Video length
- 14 min 11 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Choose a 4 ply sock yarn and 2.25mm or 2.5mm needles. Most adult sock patterns cast on 60 to 64 stitches.
Check the tension stated in your pattern before you start. A small swatch in the round saves you from a cuff that will not stretch over your heel.
Leave a tail about three times the width of your cast on, then work a long tail cast on. Keep the stitches loose rather than tight.
Untwist the cast on edge before joining in the round. A twisted join cannot be fixed later without ripping the cuff out.
Join in the round and place a marker at the start of the round. Pull the first stitch firm so the join sits tight.
Work knit 2, purl 2 ribbing for 3 to 4 cm, about 1.5 inches, for a short cuff, or 7 to 10 cm for a longer one.
If you use two circular needles, put half the stitches on each needle. Work with one needle at a time and let the other rest.
Stretch the finished cuff gently over your hand to check the fit, then carry on with the leg in stage 2.
Tips and common mistakes
Second Sock Syndrome just means losing interest after the first sock. Knitting both cuffs straight away, or both socks in stages, keeps you going.
Cast on over a needle one size larger if your cast on edge feels tight.
Keep the yarn snug when you move between needles, otherwise you get a ladder of loose stitches down the side.
Ribbing pulls in, so a cuff that looks small when flat will still stretch over your foot.
Questions
How many stitches should I cast on for a sock?
For 4 ply yarn on 2.25mm to 2.5mm needles, most adult patterns use 60 to 64 stitches. Always check the pattern's tension and size guide rather than guessing.
Do I need two circular needles to knit socks?
No. Double pointed needles or one long circular needle for the magic loop method work just as well. Two circulars simply keep half the stitches on each needle, which some people find easier.
What is Second Sock Syndrome?
It is the habit of finishing one sock and never casting on its pair. Working both socks through the same stages, one after the other, stops the second sock sitting unfinished.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
