Advent mini sock
If you’re just starting out with socks, you may find them mystifying. It doesn’t have to be that way! This mini sock knitting pattern helps you learn how a sock is made in a quick, simple way. This sock is knit from the cuff down and features an efficient square heel and a rounded toe.
In this mini sock knitting pattern, we’ll cover:
- Casting on in the round.
- Knitting in the round.
- Shaping the heel of a sock.
- Turning the heel of a sock.
- Knitting the foot of a sock.
- Decreasing stitches
- Seaming up a sock toe.
This is a great beginner pattern for knitters wanting to make socks.
You can knit as many of these as you like before venturing on to adult sized socks. Use up any leftovers you have, as the pattern only calls for 30g. Experiment with different colourways and stitch patterns as you grow more confident. Scroll down for the full pattern.
This is a free knitting pattern for a mini sock. This is a great pattern to use when learning to knit socks as you can study the shaping and knitting techniques without the commitment of a larger project. This pattern was originally published as part of the Advent Sock-Along KAL in 2023.
If you would prefer to access an ad-free PDF sock knitting pattern, you can find one on Ravelry or in my Ko-Fi shop on a pay-what-you-want basis.
There is also a Youtube video you can watch to help you with the stages below.
Below is the sock knitting tutorial with step by step instructions.
Knitted from the cuff down in DK yarn, these socks promise a quick project. The gusset heel is worked without the need to pick up stitches, and the sock is finished by grafting the toe stitches together using the kitchener method.
You will need
- 30g DK yarn (or hold 2 strands of leftover 4ply/fingering yarn)
- 3mm needles, or size needed to obtain correct tension
- (80cm-long circular for magic loop, DPNs, or two short circulars)
- Two stitch markers for heel shaping
- Two stitch markers for the round (optional)
- Darning needle
Tension
24 sts and 32 rounds to 10cm/4 inches in knit stitch.
Now, I always say to swatch but if no one will be wearing these, tension may not matter at this time. If you do care about how big the sock will be and whether you will be able to fit your favourite advent treats in it (ferrero rocher nom nom), then by all means, please go ahead and swatch!
Glossary
| K | Knit |
| K2tog | Knit two stitches together (1 stitch decreased) |
| M1L | Pick up the bar between the stitch you have just knit and the next stitch, bringing the needle from the front to the back. Knit into the back of this stitch (1 new stitch created). |
| M1R | Pick up the bar between the stitch you have just knitted and the next stitch, bringing the needle from the back to the front. Knit into the front of this stitch. It should seem a bit tight when you’re trying to get your needle in. (1 new stitch created) |
| P | Purl stitch |
| P2tog | Purl two stitches together (1 stitch decreased) |
| PM | Place marker |
| PSSO | Pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch |
| SKP | Slip one, knit one and pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch (1 stitch decreased) |
| SM | Slip marker |
| St(s) | Stitch(es) |
Cuff and leg
This is where a cuff-down sock knitting pattern starts. try your best to cast on loosely, as you will need the cuff to stretch. However, you won’t be wearing this sock (probably) so don’t panic if your tension is quite tight right now.
1. Loosely cast on 32 sts
Set-up row: [K1, P1] to end of row, join to work in the round.
Depending on your needles, you may want to place markers to indicate the start and centre of the round. The first half stitches are the heel, the second half the instep. Slip the markers when you come to them.
Continue in [K1, P1] rib pattern until cuff measures 2.5 cm / 1 in.
Knit all rounds until the leg measures 5cm / 2in from cast-on edge.
2. Increasing for heel:
Now we’re going to increase stitches for the heel. If you’re not familiar with M1L and M1R, I have a video tutorial below that you can use for reference. Take your time in this section, as you need to focus on your stitch count.
Round 1: M1R, PM (marker 1), K16, PM (marker 2), M1L, Knit to end of round. (2 sts increased)
Round 2: Knit all sts.
Round 3: Knit to marker 1, M1R, SM, Knit to marker 2, SM, M1L, Knit to end of round. (2 sts increased)
Repeat rounds 2 and 3 another 2 times, until 8 new stitches have been created.
You now have 24 sts for the heel, 16 sts for the instep and 40 sts in total.
3. Decreasing for the heel
Row 1: Knit to marker 1, SM, K11, SKP, turn, leaving the remaining stitches unworked.
Row 2: P7, P2tog. Turn.
Row 3: Knit to 1 stitch before gap, SKP. Turn.
Row 4: Purl to 1 stitch before gap, P2tog. Turn.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 another 2 times.
You have decreased back to the original stitch count: 16 sts for both the heel and the instep, and 32 sts in total. You should be right side facing, with marker 1 on your right-hand needle.
‘Fixing gaps’ round: Remove marker 1, insert needle into gap as if to make a M1R and slip the bar onto the right-hand needle, K1, PSSO, Knit to marker 2, remove marker, insert needle into gap as if to make a M1L and slip the twisted bar onto the right-hand needle, K1, PSSO, Knit to end of round.
4. Foot
Knit all sts until you reach 2.5cm/1 inch before desired length.
5. Shaping the Toe
Round 1: [SKP, K12, K2tog] twice. (4 sts decreased)
Round 2: Knit to end of round.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 another 2 times, until you have 20 sts in total.
Then repeat round 1 two more times, until you have 12 sts in total.
Finishing
Using a darning needle and kitchener method, graft the heel stitches to the instep stitches to close the toe. Use the long tail from the cast-on to graft the gap in the cuff closed. Weave in all ends.
Did you enjoy this mini sock knitting tutorial?
Let me know by leaving a comment, a like, or by sharing this free knitting pattern with others on social media!
Video Tutorial for a mini knitted sock.
If you enjoyed this pattern, here are some more sock knitting patterns to help you to develop your skills:
