Tag: cuff down socks

Simple DK sock knitting pattern. DK Boot socks.
This is a free sock knitting pattern for a pair of DK socks.
Knit these really simple cuff-down bed socks with DK yarn and your chosen method of knitting in the round.
In this pattern, I’ve used circular knitting needles to create a magic loop, but you could also try knitting with DPNs and two pairs of circular needles.
What’s more, this DK sock knitting pattern includes a square heel (also referred to as the Dutch heel) and it is an efficient, short row heel that doesn’t involve any picking up of stitches.
Find the handy tutorial below if you’d like to see how the short row heel is made.
If you’d prefer this pattern without ads you can find the basic DK sock knitting pattern PDF on Ravelry or Ko-Fi.
Ravelry Pattern
Ko-fi Pattern
In this sock knitting pattern, we’ll cover:
- Casting on in the round.
- Knitting in the round.
- Shaping a square heel.
- Turning a sock heel.
- Decreasing stitches and toe shaping.
- Grafting stitches to form a seamless toe.
Here’s what you’ll need to knit these simple DK boot socks:
- 100g (150g, 200g) of DK yarn such as Stylecraft Batik [80% acrylic, 20% wool, 130m per 50g]. I used Indigo.
- 3mm needle or size needed to obtain correct gauge. 80cm-long circular for magic loop, DPNs or two sets of circular needles.
- 4 stitch markers
- Darning needle
Glossary for this knitting pattern.
K: Knit
K2tog: Knit two stitches together. (1 stitch decreased)
M1L: Pick up the bar between the stitch you have just knitted and the next stitch, bringing the needle from the front to the back. Knit into the back. (1 stitch increased)
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. (1 stitch increased)
P: Purl
P2tog: Purl two stitches together. (1 stitch decreased)
PM: Place marker
PSSO: Pass slipped stitch over
Rnd(s): Round(s)
RS: Right side of work
SKP: Slip one knitwise, knit one, pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch. (1 stitch decreased)
SL: Slip stitch purlwise
SM: Slip marker
St(s): Stitch(es)
TBL: Through the back loops
WS: Wrong side of work
Always check the tension (gauge) of your yarn and stitches to ensure that the fit is correct.
Gauge:
24 sts and 36 rows to 10cm/4 inches in stocking stitch
Finished leg/foot circumference of your DK socks:
Size 1: 17cm/6.75 inches
Size 2: 20cm/8 inches
Size 3: 23.5cm/9.25 inches
Cuff
Loosely cast on 40 (48, 56) sts.
You can use either of these two videos below to knit using DPNs or knit your socks with circular needles for magic loop.

Set-up row: [K1tbl, 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 markers as you come to them.
Continue in 1×1 twisted rib for 5cm/2”.
Leg
K all rounds until leg measures 18.5cm/7.25” from cast-on edge.
Heel
Rnd 1: M1R, PM (marker 1), SL1, K 18 (22, 26), SL1, PM (marker 2), M1L, K to end of round. (2 sts increased)
Rnd 2: K all stitches in round.
Rnd 3: K to marker 1, M1R, SM, SL1, K 18 (22, 26), SL1, SM (marker 2), M1L, K to end of round. (2 sts increased)

Repeat rounds 2 and 3 another 5 (6, 8) times until you have created 14 (16, 20) sts.
Turn heel:
Working only with the first 34 (40, 48) sts continue as follows:
Short row 1: (RS) K to marker 1, SM, K 12 (15, 17), SKP. Turn work to WS.
Short row 2: (WS) P 5 (7, 7), P2tog. Turn.
Short row 3: (RS) K to 1 stitch before the gap which has formed. SKP. Turn.
Short row 4: (WS) P to 1 stitch before gap. P2tog. Turn.
If you need more help with turning this sock heel, here’s a video:

Repeat rows 3 and 4 another 5 (6, 8) times until there are 20 (24, 28) heel sts remaining. This was the amount that you started with and your work should be right side facing with marker 1 on your right-hand needle. 40 (48, 56) sts in total.
Set up in the round:
Rnd 1:
Remove marker 1. Insert needle as though making a M1R and slip the bar onto the right-hand needle, K1 and PSSO. K to marker 2, remove marker, insert needle as though making a M1L but slip the twisted stitch onto the left-hand needle and K2tog. K to end.
Foot
K all rounds until foot measures 2.5 (2.5, 3)cm/1 (1, 1.25)” less than desired length.
BOR marker and halfway marker are referred to below.
Toe
Rnd 1: [SKP, K to 2 sts before marker K2tog] twice. (4 sts decreased)
Rnd 2: K to end of round.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 another 3 (2, 3) times until you have 24 (36, 40) sts in total.
THEN, repeat round 1 another 2 (4, 4) times until you have 16 (20, 24) sts in total.
Finishing:
Using grafted toe method, graft the heel stitches to the instep stitches to close the toe. Graft the gap in the cuff closed. Weave in ends.
Help: If you’re not sure how to graft your sock toes closed, here’s a free grafting tutorial.
If you enjoyed this free DK sock knitting pattern, please share it on social media, save it as a project on Ravelry or save this pin below for safe keeping!
Scroll down to find more free sock knitting patterns to try.
Other sock knitting patterns to try:
Flock socks knitting pattern
Mini sock knitting pattern
Flat knit sock on two needles
Andalusian stitch sock knitting pattern
October 7, 2025

Free sock pattern: Advent mini sock knitting pattern.

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.

Mini sock knitting pattern for beginners. Free sock knitting pattern. Advent socks. knit a mini socs. Easy sock knitting tutorials for beginners. Learn to make socks. Easy, quick knitting for Christmas. Leftover yarn projects for knitting. What to knit with my yarn leftovers.

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.

Ko-Fi Pattern

Ravelry

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

How to knit with DPNs

How to knit in the round

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.

Square Heel Tutorial

‘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.

Kitchener Stitch Tutorial

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:

Minis sock knitting pattern tutorial. Sock knitting pattern for beginners free. Easy sock knitting pattern tutorial. Learn to knit socks for free. Cuff down mini sock step by step tutorial.

October 4, 2025

Simple cuff-down sock knitting pattern. Sock knitting for beginners.
This is a free sock knitting pattern for simple, cuff down socks with a square heel and shaped toe. This sock knitting pattern was designed by Hanna Gough in 2020, and it remains one of the most popular patterns for knitting socks with 4ply yarn.
If you’d prefer an ad-free PDF of this pattern, you can find one here.
This sock pattern is perfect for beginners who want to knit their first pair of socks in the round. You will need to be able to:
- Knit in the round.
- Decrease and increase stitches.
- Graft sock toes.
If you’re not yet feeling confident with knitting in the round I do have a flat knit sock pattern here. Everyone can enjoy knitting socks!
This is one of my best-known sock knitting patterns, and is perfect for those of you who know how to knit, but want to try knitting socks in the round. Knit your first pair of socks with this simple Basic 4ply Socks pattern and photo tutorial. I also have some helpful videos on youtube to help you understand the major points in the pattern such as casting on, shaping the heel and turning the heel.

Scroll down to find my simple, cuff down beginner sock knitting pattern. It’s free to read, but if you’d prefer a handy PDF, there’s one here.
This article contains some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy anything I have recommended here, I do earn a small commission.
For this sock knitting pattern, I recommend needles such as addi aluminium DPNs , Knitpro or addi circular needles for knitting in the round.
How to use this sock knitting pattern.
Read through the pattern first, and then look at the glossary. When you’ve had a read through the pattern and understand what you will need and what skills are required, begin. Consult the pattern as often as you need to and take your time! Your socks will take as long as they take. Just enjoy the process.
You will need:
100g of 4ply sock yarn (400m per 100g) such as WYS signature 4ply (main photo is Bright Side)
Darning needle
4 Stitch markers
2.5mm circular (80cm cable for magic loop) or DPNs or size needed for gauge.
Gauge:
35 sts / 10cm (4”)
A note on construction
You can knit these socks using DPNs or circulars. I have written the pattern with circulars in mind. If you need a bit more help when it comes to choosing needles, and want to know how to knit with double pointed needles, I have a helpful post here. If you want to know how to knit with magic loop, I have post here.
Leg/foot circumference:
Size 1: 7 in/17cm
Size 2: 8 in/20cm
Size 3: 9 in/23cm
Cuff
Loosely cast on 56 (64 72) sts, join to work in the round.
Work in 1×1 twisted rib for 2 in/5cm
Leg
Place a marker after the first 28 (32 36) sts to establish halfway point. K all rounds until piece measures 7.25” 18cm from cast on.
Heel
Rnd 1:
M1R, PM (marker 2) and knit 28 (32, 36) stitches, PM (marker 3) and M1L. SM (marker 1). K to end of round.
Rnd 2:
K all stitches in round slipping markers as you come to them.
Rnd 3:
K to marker 2 , M1R, SM, K 28 (32, 36) sts, SM and M1L. SM. K 28 (32, 36) sts to end of round.
Repeat rounds 2 and 3 until you have created 20 (22, 24) stitches.
Turn heel:
Working only with the first 48 (54, 60) sts cont as follows:
Short row 1: (RS) K to marker, SM, K 17 (20, 23) sts, S1, K1 PSSO. This will now be referred to as SKP. Turn the work around.
Short row 2: (WS) P 7 (9, 11) sts, P2tog. Turn.
Short row 3: (RS) K to 1 stitch before the gap which has formed. SKP. Turn.
Short row 4: (WS) P until 1 stitch before gap. P2tog. Turn.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until there are 28 (32,36) sts between the beginning of the round and the halfway marker (marker 1). This was the amount that you started with and your work should be right side facing with marker 2 on your right hand needle. 56 (64, 72) sts in total.
Set up in the round:
Rnd 1:
Remove marker 2. Insert needle as though making a M1R but instead of knitting, slip the twisted stitch on to right hand needle. K1 and PSSO. K to marker 3, remove marker 3, insert needle as though making a M1L but slip the twisted stitch onto left hand needle and K2tog. SM, K to end.
Foot:
K all rounds until foot measures 1 in/2.5cm less than desired length.
Toe
Rnd 1: *SKP, K 26 (28, 34) ( K2tog* Repeat* until end of round. (4 sts decreased in total)
Rnd 2:: K to end of round.
Rnd 3: *SKP, K to 2 sts before marker, K2tog* repeat to end.
Repeat round 1 and 2 until you have 36 (36, 40) sts in total.
THEN, decrease on every round until you have 20 (20, 24) sts in total. Remove marker 1.
Finishing:
Using kitchener method, graft the remaining stitches together to close the toe. Weave in ends.
Glossary:
K1 P1 twisted rib: Knit through the back loop, purl as normal.
BOR: Beginning of round.
PM: Place Marker
SM: Slip marker.
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.
M1L: Pick up the bar between the stitch you have just knitted and the one you are about to knit bringing the needle from the front to the back. Knit into the back of the stitch.
SL: Slip stitch
PSSO: Pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.
P2tog: Purl two stitches together.
SKP: Slip one, knit one, PSSO.
K2tog: Knit two stitches together.
Other sock knitting patterns to try.
Andalusian stitch socks.
The Flock socks.
Thank you for reading this sock knitting pattern. If you’ve made a pair, why not share a photo in the comments? Let others know what yarn you used and start the discussion! Sock knitting brings lots of people together and can be really handy when you want a quick, satisfying project but don’t have a lot of time.
June 16, 2025

Tag: cuff down socks

Simple DK sock knitting pattern. DK Boot socks.

This is a free sock knitting pattern for a pair of DK socks.

Knit these really simple cuff-down bed socks with DK yarn and your chosen method of knitting in the round.

In this sock knitting pattern, we’ll cover:

Here’s what you’ll need to knit these simple DK boot socks:

Glossary for this knitting pattern.

Always check the tension (gauge) of your yarn and stitches to ensure that the fit is correct.

Finished leg/foot circumference of your DK socks:

You can use either of these two videos below to knit using DPNs or knit your socks with circular needles for magic loop.

If you need more help with turning this sock heel, here’s a video:

Other sock knitting patterns to try: