Q&A for How to Knit Socks

It depends on your experience level, the size of the sock, and the complexity of the pattern you’re using. A pair of adult-sized socks might take 1-2 for an experienced knitter, but a lot longer for someone trying it for the first time.

Once you know the basics of knitting, it’s not too difficult. There’s a learning curve to any new knitting project, but you’ll get the hang of it with a little practice, trial, and error!

It really depends on who you ask. Crochet people will tell you that crochet is much faster and easier, while those who are used to knitting will say the opposite! However, knitting will give you a stretchier sock that’s easier to get onto your foot.

A well-stocked knitting, fabric, or arts and crafts store will carry them. You can also find them online.

You need five knitting needles and a 364-yard roll of yarn (you'll have extra). You can get the needles for about $10 on Amazon. The yarn you can get at Walmart for around $5.

You will get frustrated very quickly if you try to pull your stitches over the "button" on the end of your single-pointed needles. Wait until you can get double-points.

Make sure the yarn is wrapped tightly around the needles and begin stitching while holding the yarn tight where you cast on.

That depends on the size and length of the sock you are making. For example, you would need a lot more yarn to make a pair of socks for an adult than for a baby. In general, however, one ball of yarn should be enough to make a pair of socks; in some cases, you might need two balls of yarn.

Yes. You would just have to make it in parts and sew it together, or you could use the magic loop method on circular knitting needles.

Maybe. You can measure the sock as you knit it to ensure that it will fit your foot. Try holding it up against a sock that fits you or insert your foot into the sock to make sure you get the length right.

The one before the last.

Pull out your working yarn, which will undo the stitch you messed up on. Then, just redo it and keep going.

Yes, using the magic-loop method. Most circular needles are too large to make a sock if used in the standard manner.

Start with something small, and quick to knit, like a slipper-sock made of worsted weight yarn.

It depends on how fast you knit, plus the gauge, size, and complexity of the pattern. For me it is usually one to two months.

Probably, if they're long enough, but you would have to keep pulling the yarn over the non-pointed end, which may get VERY annoying, so I suggest you just wait and get double-pointed needles instead.

It depends on the type of yarn you're using since the type of yarn that store-bought socks use is often a blend involving elastic. However, if you want to size socks, or any other knitted project for that matter, write down the number of stitches you make in each row and test out a few sizes before you find the one corresponding to a store size that you want.

You can by circular needles from your local yarn shop, local craft store, or online through Amazon, Etsy, eBay or a more specific shop.

Yes, DK yarn can be used, although the result will be more like a slipper than a sock. You would need to change the amount of stitches to cast on (I recommend doing about 40-50 stitches, depending on how big you want the sock) so that the sock isn't massive, and use larger needles: either 3.5mm or 4mm.