How to Knit Socks

Step 1: Cast on Cast on 36 stitches –40 stitches if you’re doing men’s socks — on one needle.
TIP: Use three or four double-pointed needles, spreading out the stitches evenly between them, to avoid a seam.
Step 2: Knit and purl Knit two stitches, and then purl two stitches. Continue this across the first row, ending with purl two.
Step 3: Repeat Repeat, alternating knit two, purl two, for each row until the piece measures 15 to 18 inches, or 22 inches for a men’s sock.
Step 4: Decrease Decrease stitches in the next row by knitting two stitches together, then purling two stitches together for the entire row.
Step 5: Cut yarn Cut the yarn, leaving 36 inches to sew the seam. Thread through the yarn needle.
Step 6: Sew seam Insert the needle under each of the 18 stitches remaining on the needle. Draw the needle through the stitches a second time and pull the string tight. Then sew the seam together at the back of the sock.
Step 7: Repeat Repeat the steps for knitting the other sock, or knit both socks at the same time using a second set of needles and yarn to ensure they’re the same size.
FACT: Did you know? In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first all-professional baseball team. They traveled around the country playing any ball club that challenged them.

Lessons in this Guide