How to Knit Socks in 7 Stages - Stage 5 - Knitting the Foot, by Little Green Shed Creative on YouTube. 4 min 35 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 35 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Check your stitch count matches the pattern before you start. A standard adult 4 ply sock usually sits at 64 stitches, spread evenly over four needles.
Arrange the stitches so the needle holding the heel turn and gusset sits as the sole. Keep a marker at the start of the round so you do not lose your place.
Knit every stitch on every round. There is no shaping in this stage, so the foot is plain stocking stitch in the round.
Keep the same tension you used on the leg. Give the yarn a gentle tug after the first stitch of each needle so no loose column forms.
Measure from the back of the heel down the sole as you go. Stop knitting when the foot is about 5 cm (2 in) shorter than the wearer's foot.
Slip the sock onto the foot to test the length. The knitting should reach roughly the base of the big toe, ready for the toe decreases.
Note down how many rounds you knitted for the foot. You can then repeat the same length on the second sock without measuring again.
Tips and common mistakes
Measure from the back of the heel, not from the cast on edge, or the foot will come out too short.
Try the sock on regularly near the end, since knitted fabric stretches once it is worn.
Keep the first stitch of each needle snug to avoid a ladder of loose stitches down the side of the foot.
Questions
How long should the sock foot be before I start the toe?
Knit until the foot measures about 5 cm (2 in) less than the wearer's actual foot length. The toe decreases take up that remaining length.
Do I need to shape the foot while knitting it?
No. After the gusset decreases the foot is knitted straight in stocking stitch, with the same number of stitches on every round.
Can I knit the foot in a pattern stitch instead of plain?
Yes, as long as you keep the stitch count the same. Many knitters put a rib or cable panel on the top of the foot and keep the sole plain.
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.
