Socks are my favorite thing to knit. They are portable, use relatively small amounts of yarn and are a good way to experiment with a new stitch pattern.
If you've never worn a pair of handknit socks, I'm sorry! If you have worn handknit socks you know just how special a pair of socks that are made just for your feet in yummy yarn can feel. Even better if they are also handspun from wool that you've lovingly processed and spun up yourself.
The patterns on this page are suitable for an Adventurous Beginning Knitter. The instructions are chatty and (unless noted) feature easy-to-read charts. Since not everyone is comfortable knitting from charts, written instructions will be provided upon request and incorporated into the next issue of the pattern. A chart reading tutorial is provided on the Tutorials page - see sidebar to the left.
All patterns are available in PDF format via instant download after payment. If you encounter a problem or wish to order patterns in hard copy format, please send an e-mail to catmccall at gmail dot com. Wholesale orders are always welcome! Patterns may also be purchased on Ravelry from catmccall. All sock patterns are $4.00 US.
Many of these sock patterns use standard Worsted Weight wool yarn. Please feel free to substitute another yarn that works up at the same Gauge for your own interpretation of these designs. I always appreciate .jpg pictures of finished projects that use my patterns and post them in the Customer Gallery.
All of my patterns come with full technical support. If you have any questions or comments (good or bad - I can take it!) please drop me a note.
Twilled Stripe Socks
Sample socks knit by Jane in NC
First up in an example of a simple textured pattern that looks fabulous. Worked in worsted weight wool, they knit up fast too.
Sized for a woman's medium foot Twilled Stripes feature a textured cuff and instep with a plain foot and wedge toe.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line repeat instructions.
Skill level: Adventurous Beginner/Intermediate - you should be willing to try a simple pattern from knitting charts.
Yarn: Nature Spun Worsted, worsted weight 100% wool in a natural gray color - 2 skeins or about 480 yards of worsted weight yarn.
Gauge: 6 stitches and 8 rows per inch
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Sailors Rib Socks
Sample socks knit by Jane in NC
Another simple textured pattern for fast and easy knitting are these Sailors Rib Socks. If you need a pair of socks in a hurry, this pattern will fit the bill.Sized for a woman's medium foot, they feature a textured cuff and instep with a plain foot and wedge toe.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line repeat instructions.
Skill level: Adventurous Beginner/Intermediate - you should be willing to try a simple pattern from knitting charts.
Yarn: Nature Spun Worsted, worsted weight 100% wool in a natural brown color, or about 480 yards of worsted weight wool.
Gauge: 6 stitches and 8 rows per inch
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Wickerwork Socks
Sample socks knit by W & F
Wickerwork is a basic all-over texture pattern - not really cables, but the stitches do cross over one another. This is an easy pattern to work, so if you're interested in trying a cabled design, jump right in!
Sized for a woman's medium foot, they feature a textured cuff and instep with a plain foot and wedge toe.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line motif instructions. The repeat is small and easily memorized.
Skill level: Adventurous Beginner/Intermediate - you should be willing to try working simple travelling from knitting charts.
Yarn: 2 skeins Parfait Solids from Knit One, Crochet Too worsted weight 100% wool in a deep shade of purple, or about 480 yards of worsted weight yarn.
Gauge: 6 stitches per inch
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Chainlink Cables Socks
Sample socks knit by Kelly in VA
Chainlink Cables is an easy pattern to work and makes a good introduction to cabled designs as much of the knitting is simple Knit & Purl.
Sized for a man's medium foot these socks feature a cabled cuff and instep with a plain foot and wedge toe.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line motif instructions.
Skill level: Adventurous Beginner/Intermediate - you should be willing to try working cables from knitting charts.
Yarn: 2 skeins Nature Spun worsted weight 100% wool in a wonderful shade of gray or about 490 yards worsted weight yarn.
Gauge: 7 stitches per inch
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Serpentine Cables Socks
Sample Socks knit by Kelly in VA
Another cabled pattern for your knitting pleasure! This pattern is called Serpentine Cables and is fairly easy to work.
Sized for a man's medium foot Serpentine Cables feature a cabled cuff and instep with a plain foot and wedge toe.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line motif instructions.
Skill level: Intermediate/Advanced - you should be familiar with working cables from knitting charts.
Yarn: 2 skeins Nature Spun worsted weight 100% wool in a wonderful shade of gray, or 490 yards of worsted weight yarn.
Gauge: 7 stitches per inch.
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Toe-Up Cabled Socks
Sample socks knit by Kelly in VA
Not for the total beginner, these toe-up, short-row heel, cabled socks are a bit of a challenge. Work them in light, natural colors to really make the cables pop!
Sized for a woman's medium foot Toe-Up Cables feature a cabled cuff and instep with a plain foot, short-row heel and wedge toe.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line motif instructions.
Skill level: Intermediate - you should be familiar with working cables from knitting charts.
Yarn: 2 skeins Knittaly worsted weight 100% wool in natural, or 390 meters worsted weight yarn.
Gauge: 6 stitches per inch
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Elliptical Cables Socks
Sample socks knit by Ginny in OK
Want something a little different in a cable? This pattern fits the bill! These eccentric cables have a distinct shape while being no harder to work than a traditional, symmetrical cable.
Sized for a woman's medium foot, they feature a cabled cuff and instep with a plain foot and wedge toe.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line motif instructions.
Skill level: Intermediate - you should be familiar with working cables from knitting charts.
Yarn: 2 skeins Nature Spun worsted weight 100% wool in a fabulous blue called "Catblue" or 490 yards worsted weight yarn. These socks won 4th place at the 2004 Oklahoma State Fair! Congrats, Ginny!
Gauge: 6 stitches per inch
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Square Knot Socks for Women
Sample socks knit by Kelly in VA
Square Knot Socks for Women is a perfect pattern for the knitter who wants a challenge. Intricate cables and shaping will keep you interested from start to finish!
Sized for a woman's medium foot, they feature a cabled cuff and instep with a plain foot and wedge toe.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line motif instructions. There are notes on shaping the ankle area for those who like larger or smaller dimensions than found in most "standard" patterns.
Skill level: Advanced - you should be familiar with working cables from knitting charts.
Yarn: 1.5 skeins Cascade 220 worsted weight 100% wool in a soft pink color for these socks, or approx. 330 yards worsted weight yarn.
Gauge: 7 stitches per inch
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Square Knot Socks for Men
Sample socks knit by Kelly in VA
Here is the men's version of the pattern above. Intricate cables and shaping will keep you interested from start to finish! This motif works perfectly for an extra-long sock. Kilt hose, anyone?
Sized for a man's medium foot Square Knot Socks feature a cabled cuff and instep with a plain foot and wedge toe.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line motif instructions.
Skill level: Advanced - you should be familiar with working cables from knitting charts.
Yarn: 2 skeins Cascade 220 worsted weight 100% wool in a wonderful natural shade or 440 yards worsted weith yarn.
Gauge: 7 stitches per inch
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Holiday Peerie Socks
Sample socks knit by Cheri in CA
These socks are sized for a woman's medium/large foot and feature small Fair Isle designs called Peeries. There were so many to choose from that I had a hard time deciding, so this pattern comes with charts to make two very different socks, and the peerie patterns can be mixed and matched to suit your whim. Of course, they needn't be knit in Holiday colors ;-)
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line motif instructions.
Skill level: Adventurous Beginner - you should be familiar with knit charts and be able to knit, purl and be comfortable with two-color knitting. If you would like to purchace this pattern but are unsure of your knitting level, send me a note and I can include more detailed instructions. This would be a good first color pattern for someone who is familiar with sock construction.
Yarn: 3 skeins Nature Spun - 100% wool in worsted weight - different colors as you choose
Gauge: 5.5 stitches per inch
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Gansey Socks
Sample socks knit by Cheri in CA
These socks are sized for a woman's medium foot and feature Gansy-type purl designs on a knit background. You can add a cable down the center front, or not, as you choose.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line motif instructions.
Skill level: Adventurous Beginner - you should be familiar with knit charts and be able to knit, purl and make a cable. If you would like to purchace this pattern but are unsure of your knitting level, send me a note and I can include more detailed instructions.
Yarn: 2 skeins of Knitaly 100% Super Wash wool by Colorado Yarns or about 350 yards worsted weight yarn
Gauge: 5 stitches per inch
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern
Morgan's Socks
These socks were knit for my friend, Morgan, in Portland, Oregon. They are sized for a woman's large foot or a man's medium.
This pattern features a Framed Cable all the way down the front and Aran Braids and Plait Cables on either side of the center pattern.
This pattern is fully charted with written instructions for shaping, but no line-by-line motif instructions.
Skill level: Intermediate. You should be familiar with charted designs and Aran-type patterns.
Yarn: 3 skeins of Filatura Di Crosa 501 100% worsted weight superwash wool in color 246, or approx. 375 meters of worsted weight yarn.
Gauge: 20 stitches - 3.25"
$4.00 for .pdf file pattern