Winwick Mum Sockalong 11th birthday
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Sockalong,
Happy birthday to you!
Well, here we are into the second decade of the Sockalong tutorials – it’s the Winwick Mum Sockalong 11th birthday! Wow, I can hardly believe that I’m writing that!
This year sees 11 years of the Winwick Mum Sockalong tutorials helping beginner sock knitters get to grips with their first pair … and who knows where that will take them? These tutorials have helped family sock knitters, gift knitters, charity knitters, even future sock designers get started, boosting well-being with every stitch and, of course, having the best dressed feet around! I’ve always joked that I’m taking over the world one sock at a time with my Sockalong tutorials, but last year I said I’m going to go one better and say that between us, we’re IMPROVING the world one sock at a time and I’m absolutely sticking to that, because who doesn’t benefit from wearing hand knitted socks knitted with fabulous yarns, lots of love and the odd swear word? 🙂 Now, that’s something we can all celebrate!
If you’re new to the blog and sock knitting, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Nowadays, it’s really easy to find online tutorials and videos to help people learn to knit socks and many local yarn shops offer regular classes, but back in 2015 when the Sockalong tutorials were first published, it wasn’t quite as simple. We forget how technology has moved on!
I knitted my first pair of socks in my teens, wrestling with DPNs and a pattern that seemed to be inordinately complicated for a new knitter (you can read my story about that here), only returning to socks when not so small daughter was a baby. Even then, I probably wouldn’t have done so had it not been for three things:
1 Balls of stripy Kaffe Fassett sock yarn on the yarn shop counter – I used to knit Kaffe Fassett colourwork jumper samples for my local yarn shop as a teenager and as nobody ever told me I couldn’t do it, they taught me to be a fearless knitter and I really love his colour choices – this yarn was hard to resist!;
2 My husband is not a woolly jumper kind of husband but I thought he might wear socks if I made them for him (and he does – they’re his “proper” socks!);
3 The pattern was free.
There was absolutely no reason not to cast on!
Fast forward to 2015 when, after yet another person had told me that knitting socks was far too hard and why would you bother anyway, a chance conversation at a knit n natter group had me throwing my hands up in air and saying “But socks aren’t hard to knit!”
Before I knew it, I had announced to the world that I would be writing some beginner sock knitting tutorials for the blog to go with the free Basic 4ply Socks pattern that I had released the year before. The Winwick Mum Sockalong tutorials would also be free because by the time I wrote them, I’d knitted many pairs of socks and I knew that the well-being resulting from sock knitting was so important that I didn’t want anybody to be stopped from experiencing this for themselves – and I never thought about charging for the pattern because I had really appreciated a free pattern myself when I got back into sock knitting. It’s nice to pay it forward!
The idea was that anybody who wanted to knit socks would be able to follow the Sockalong tutorials and discover the joy of hand knit socks that many of us already appreciated. I would write them as if we were sitting together because it’s always nicer to knit with a friend, and there would be lots of photos to go with those words – this does mean my tutorials are more wordy than some, but I like to think that we’re chatting and we’ve got a lot to say!
And that’s how it all started. I love that I’m still chatting to people about socks eleven years later, and it truly makes my heart sing every time I think of how many people have benefitted from bringing sock knitting into their lives.
And as you can probably imagine, I’ve not stopped in those eleven years!
In the same year as the tutorials were written and published on the blog, I turned them into paperback form as Super Socks for those who couldn’t or didn’t want to be online all the time, and also e-book form for those who prefer that format. I started the Winwick Mum Sockalong Facebook group so that people could ask questions in real time and that’s been amazing – there are thousands of people from all over the world in this group and thanks to the magic of time zones and people’s generosity in helping others to learn, this really is a group that works in real time – whatever the time! There’s also the Winwick Mum Knit n Natter group on Facebook which came about as those who were knitting socks also wanted to chat, to share other project pictures and to just connect with other people. The Facebook groups have been wonderful places to see not just socks started and finished as people have decided that now is the right time for them to be learning to knit socks., but also see progress as knitting confidence has developed (it’s amazing what you can do when you’re cheered on by like-minded friends!) – and more than a few on and offline friendships start too!
What else? Well, a bit later on I wrote More Super Socks for people who had knitted their first basic pairs and wanted to move onto a different pattern, but still felt that other patterns were a step too far. It contains four of my in-depth tutorials (with videos!) and four exclusive patterns which are more wordy than many you will find, but those extra steps have made it easier for people to step out of their comfort zones and to branch out with their knitting.
In 2023, I created a new notebook called Project Super Socks so that knitters both new and experienced could keep all of their sock knitting notes together, and have a copy of the Basic 4ply Socks and the Basic 8ply (DK) Socks patterns (a chunkier version of the Basic 4ply Socks) at hand in their project bags. I’m delighted to tell you that it’s been a huge hit and even I am wondering how I ever managed without my own copy!
I’ve also won a few awards now and I’m very proud of them, I’ve been delighted to be invited to write articles and design socks for magazines, yarn shops and of course, my favourite yarn company, West Yorkshire Spinners! I’ve been designing for them since 2017 and together we’ve produced a number of pattern books. I have been very proud to have been asked to design the sock patterns to go with their special Christmas yarns for the last seven years, and even more delighted to see those patterns being used all year round, not just with the Christmas yarn!
What I never could have imagined when I first started writing Winwick Mum, never mind the Sockalong tutorials, and best of all is that I’ve got my very own Signature 4ply Winwick Mum yarn designed in collaboration with my lovely friends at West Yorkshire Spinners. Goodness, I could hardly contain myself when the first samples arrived in the post! Not only did I get to design the yarn, but I got to design the patterns to go with it and you can see those on my patterns page here. I have loved seeing the yarn being knitted up, knowing that people have enjoyed using it and have been able to support their local yarn shops by buying it. And let’s not forget all the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made along the way too … it truly has been an incredible time!
I have a lot to be thankful for, from that day in the yarn shop when I couldn’t leave that stripy Kaffe Fassett yarn on the counter! I don’t ever take for granted the incredible times that I have had over the last eleven years – seeing people discover that sock knitting really isn’t as hard as they might have thought, and all of the good things that have come from it. I have been very blessed, and I never forget that how much of that is down to you … thank you for knitting the socks, for sharing the tutorials with others who want to learn, for giving your time to help others once you have learnt yourself, for buying my books and my yarn … thank you! xx
So what happens now? Well, as far as the Winwick Mum Sockalong goes, nothing is changing. The Sockalong tutorials are staying on the blog and they are still free – I have always said that if someone has the money to buy the yarn and needles or buy the book then I would much rather than they bought the yarn and got started – so there’s no change there. Super Socks is still available for anybody who wants to buy a paperback or ebook version. More Super Socks, the follow-on book with more techniques and patterns, is also still available in paperback and e-book versions. Project Super Socks continues to save the day when we need to know what we did on the last pair of socks we knitted for someone and can’t quite remember how many rounds we worked for the foot … 😉 West Yorkshire Spinners are still producing Winwick Mum yarn which is available from WYS stockists worldwide and there are two collections, so that’s eight colourways to choose from. There are also videos on my YouTube channel, and I’ve got plans for more later this year.
I’d really love you to be part of the Winwick Mum Sockalong 11th birthday celebrations, so here’s what I’ve got planned for this year!
Winwick Mum Sockalong birthday giveaway
Every year, I get to do this to share my good fortune in having something I love be such a important part of my life, and every year I think how fortunate I am to be able to even think about it!
There are two prizes full of all kinds of sock-knitting goodness – let me tell you a bit more about what’s here!
💜 First of all, and because this is the Sockalong birthday, I’ve got two signed copies of Super Socks, the paperback version of the online Sockalong tutorials …
The book contains the same information as the online tutorials but is set out by needle type rather than across sock sections as the online tutorials are. It’s a good big size to prop open with your brew and there are pages at the back to make notes, which is a useful thing to do, especially if you’re going to adjust the pattern for yourself or knit for other people (and you don’t have a copy of Project Super Socks yet 😉 ).
There is just one sock pattern in there – the Basic 4ply Socks pattern – given in both 4ply and 6ply versions, and this is because this is a book for beginners. The point of the book is that it’s a tutorial, the best way I could think of for you and I to sit together and knit a pair of socks without confusing everything by trying to cram lots of other patterns in there as well. You can go and find other patterns at any time, but my intention with Super Socks and the Sockalong tutorials is to help you knit your first pair so that you understand what you are doing and you feel like a sock knitting superstar when you put them on your feet!
If you want to see inside the book, take a look at this post here as it shows you what’s in there and how the book was put together. If you want to see the online tutorials as well so that you can compare, and check out my writing style if you’re a Winwick Mum newbie, you can find those here.
💜 I’ve got some amazing treats from Emma Ball, perfect for storing needles and accessories … goodness, she has been generous to us! I’ve got two project bags, big enough for lots of pairs of socks, two cute stitch marker tins (I’ve put some bulb pins in too) and two packets of sticky notes.
💜 I’ve got some yarn from my lovely friends from Wool Warehouse – their merino sock yarn makes a fabulous pair of socks …
What else?
💜 there’s a tape measure (perfect for checking your tension 😉 ), an exclusive Winwick Mum bookmark and Winwick Mum Sockalong pin badge for each winner. This enamelled purple badge is ideal for project bags and also for wearing to festivals so that you can spot other Sockalongers.
I really love being able to put these giveaways together each year to say thank you for being part of the Winwick Mum Sockalong, and I am always very thankful to have such generous yarny friends to help me!
There’s one more thing …
It’s the Sockalong birthday and I’m encouraging everyone to start a new pair of Basic 4ply Socks!
Oh, let’s just do it! Let’s cast on en masse and fill the world with fabulous sock knitting energy!
If it’s your first pair, you can check out the Winwick Mum Sockalong tutorials for help with choosing yarn and needles to start with, then working out your size and knitting the socks all the way down to the seam-free toes. If it’s not your first pair, join in anyway! You know I always encourage everyone to have a sock on the go for emergency situations (never be caught without your sock in your bag just in case!), and it’s the perfect time to cast on. It’s always the perfect time to cast on … I am unapologetically biased and want everyone to knit socks! 🤣
You might be needing a lie down after all this never mind a brew, so let me get on and tell you how to enter the giveaway!
For the last ten years, I’ve been asking you to tell me how many pairs of Sockalong socks you knitted since the last Sockalong birthday. I’ll never know for sure how many pairs of socks have actually been knitted using the Basic 4ply Socks pattern and tutorials, of course, but I have so enjoyed keeping a rough count over the years – plus I hope that it shows those teetering on the edge of their own sock adventures that it really is possible! – so this year I will be continuing the tradition of the Annual Sock Count.
So far, the running total through the blog stands at 23,173 pairs, which is absolutely unbelievable and never something I ever expected on that January afternoon when I announced I’d be writing sock tutorials! I wonder how many more have been knitted this year?! It’s not a competition with previous years, it’s just a bit of fun (and might also tell me how close we are to really taking over the world with hand-knit socks 🙂 )
To enter the giveaway, please comment how many pairs of Basic 4ply Socks (not other patterns, please) you have knitted since May 2025. Don’t worry if you’re still making your first pair or are about to cast on, just write that information and your comment will count too. And then, because I would love to know how far our sock connections reach, please tell me where you are in the world! (Please do remember not to post any personal details, just a general idea of where you are is great so that we can see where everyone is.)
Only comments on this post will be entered into the draw, and please only comment once!
The giveaway will be open until 8pm BST on Friday 8 May 2026 and I’ll announce the winners on the blog over the weekend. I’ll also send the winners an email so do check your emails and spam folders next weekend. If no response is received within 14 days, the prize will be forfeited and a new winner will be selected. No alternatives to the prizes as shown are available.
I am happy to post the prizes anywhere in the world, so don’t feel that you can’t be part of this because you don’t live in the UK. I think you can choose to leave your comment as “anonymous” if you don’t have a WordPress account, but don’t forget to put your name in the comment so that when I post the winners I’ll be able to identify you! And finally, don’t worry that your comment doesn’t show straight away – the comments are set for me to check them before they upload to the blog to make sure that no spam gets through so they are all safely stored in my blog messages until I’ve seen them. I’ll make sure they’re all uploaded on time!
Happy birthday Sockalong, here’s to many more years of socking all over the world!
Thank you, I learnt to knit socks from the basic sock pattern during last year’s sockalong so, its happy 1 year to me! Over the last year I’ve knitted 6 pairs of socks, I have another three at different stages of completion …… they truly are travel project but I can’t yet turn a heel if I’m likely to be distracted. Happy Birthday !!!!
I started my first ever pair of basic socks on Easter Sunday this year (5th April) and I have just completed my second pair.
I’ve knitted 2 whole pairs and have 2 other pairs in progress, plus, as challenged, I’ll cast on another pair this afternoon……’start-itis’ that’s me!
4 and a half to today (2 May)
First of all Thank You for all the patterns, advice and the fantastic Facebook pages.
I’ve knit 5 pairs of your basic socks and another pair on the needles.
Hi so far I have knitted 11 pairs this last year all gifted for birthdays and presents the 12 th pair are on my needles for husband for our anniversary 16/5/26 it’s such an addiction 🤣
I’m on pair number 5 at the moment. Love knitting them, still refer to my Sock Along book which is always by my side lol. Thank you for taking away the nerves of sock knitting.
I have done 4 pairs of the basic socks as well as some of your other patterns. I absolutely love my hand-knitted socks. My Super Socks book is a treasured possession. Thanks so much for getting me hooked on the joy of sock knitting!
I am on north coast of Ireland 💚🧶
5 basic pairs plus some of your other patterns
Just 2 this year!
Only 3 pairs basic 4ply this year. I love your patterns so have been making a lot of the other ones.
I am fairly new to sock knitting. Trying different patterns to find my ‘go to’. Have enjoyed knitting 1 pair (so far) from your pattern. Thank you for your kindness in sharing your knowledge, the patterns and the videos.
I’ve knitted five pairs this year, mostly for family who have discovered that hand knitted socks are great and now keep me busy with orders. Thank you for the inspiration and the patterns.
I’m on pair no 6 … I love this pattern and its simplicity.
Since May last year I’ve completed exactly 10 pairs of the basic 4-ply Winwick socks. I’ve loved learning and improving using this pattern and am so much more confident now ☺️
Happy 11th birthday! I’ve knitted just 5 pairs this year, baby knitting for my new granddaughter took over. Can’t wait to see the total number this year 😊
After my mum died in 2022, I knew I had to learn to knit socks to keep me and my husband in the comfortable and colourful socks we were accustomed to. I tried a couple of so called simple patterns and failed dismally and then came across Christine’s basic 4ply pattern. Our sock drawers are full and I’m addicted to sock knitting. This year I’ve made a number of sweaters and baby blankets, but I’ve still made 14 pairs of the basic 4ply socks. And they are as good as my mum’s! Thank you Christine.
Well only 1/2 a pair in the last year… but I’m about to retire and some of the 18 pairs I’ve knitted over the last 10 years since discovering ‘you’ are starting to wear out and need replacing… so this year for stats is 0.5 but next year will no doubt be many more!!!
Happy birthday!!! That is amazing, you must feel so proud. I am planing to finally make my 1. socks. Greetings from Serbia. 🤗
I have made 13 pairs of basic socks since learning from your book in October 2025. I am addicted to knitting socks now 😆
I have knitted 3 more pairs of the Basic 4 Ply sock since May last year… this brings my grand total to 11 pairs ! And a fresh pair getting started today ☺️I am not a fast nor a technical knitter so the Basic is just perfect for me. Thank you 🤗
Hi Christine. I’m in Devon, currently knitting my first ever basic socks, and they won’t be the last. Thank you for your patterns and tutorials and congratulations on your 11th birthday!
1 pair complete and another started (toes and a second sock to go). Realising on the second pair that my husbands feet are much larger than mine, so it’s taking a lot longer!
I’ve managed 2 pairs of plain socks and a couple of others (lace & mosaic). Just about to start another pair of plain socks as a gift for a friend – once I’m heading to the airport I shall cast on.
I knit on average 20-30 pairs of 4ply socks ever year for birthday and Christmas presents. Also occasionally I knit socks for my daughter and myself.
Using a basic 4 ply knitting pattern.
Hi Christine I’ve followed you for nearly 11 years and you transformed my knitting. Now the family and friends all have knitted socks made by me. Since May 2025 I have been lazy and 3 pairs knitted with a sock on my dpns ( its partner is finished) so no records broken I’m afraid. I must get my knitting mojo back cos I have a huge stash of sock wool.
I’ve been a sock knitter for ten years thanks to your posts and patterns. This year I’ve made eight pairs, mostly as gifts for friends, and I started a new pair for me just now. Here’s to celebrating the next adventure in sock making, and thank you so much. I’m in Derbyshire, UK
Since May 2025 I have knitted 23 pairs of the WM basic sock pattern, 43 pairs in total, with 2 more pairs on my needles! I absolutely LOVE this pattern and recommend it to anyone who says ‘I’d like to knit socks but don’t know where to start’ – i immediately direct them to the sock-along blog and FB group ❤️🦋
Just two this year as I’ve been concentrating on jumpers.
I’m on my very first sock and just finished the ribbing. I’m in Central West of New South Wales in Australia 🇦🇺
I finished pair #9 last night! I had tried for 35(!!) years to knit socks, but no luck until I found YOU! Now 137 pairs finished! This happy sock knitter lives in Ohio, USA.
Well I’ve lost count of how many I’ve made since last years Sockalong! I’ve gifted at least four pairs, and have just counted 14 pairs in my sock drawer… some are shorties of the basic pattern. All in a rough number probs about 15 pairs, 20 if you include shorties, two pairs on the needles of course! 22ish?!? Yours is the only pattern I use, and learnt here, last year on how to knit socks!! I’m am truely so thankful to you and all your help. And for giving me a new addiction!
Happy Birthday
I think I’ve knitted 7 pairs in the last 12 months
I have knit 14 pairs since last May with pairs 15 and 16 on the needles. Sock knitting is my go to and I can’t imagine not having it in my life. I am in Nova Scotia Canada. Here’s to another decade!
I received the Super sock book for Christmas 2025 and am on my 5th pair now.
I’m Thelma from New Delhi. I love your generous spirit of offering your Basic 4 ply Socks pattern freely given from your heart. I knitted 9 pairs of socks using your guidance. I knit for Old Age Homes whose inhabitants bless you too! Thanks for your patterns and your blog. Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 🎊 on your 11th Blog Anniversary 💖 May you be blessed 10,000 fold and overflowing!
I’ve knitted 8 pairs since last May and have another pair on the needles!
I haven’t knit any using your pattern but I’ve someone in mind who I admire greatly who runs an addiction recovery house in my region .I ready now to turn from the sweater I was knitting to start a pair especially to bless and surprise him.So when you send along the pattern I’m keen to give them a go.❤️👣🇨🇦
Thank you for your tutorials and the beautiful patterns. Since I learnt to knit socks 3 – 4 years ago the basic 4ply socks is my go to mindless and relaxing knitting and quick gift. Since last May I have knitted 12 pairs of basic socks here in Athens (Greece) and gifted half of them to my daughter, son in law and his parents in Glasgow.
Thank you for the sockalong. I knitted my first pair using it a few months ago, and have completed 5 pairs since then. I always have a pair on the needles now!
Only 3 pairs this year. Need to cast on another pair!
Happy 11th Sockalong anniversary Christine, time is surely whipping by. I haven’t been so prolific this year with four and a half (still one sock to go for your last sockalong 😬) completed. Love from downunder. Xx ❤️🌺
My best estimate is about 8 pairs in the last 12 months: Its often hard to remember! Thank you for your amazing generosity, and lovely blogs and stories.
Just finished my first pair of socks. I’m in Stdney, 🇦🇺
Love the winwick mum pattern. Have made 9 pairs of the ply and lots of the DK pattern too. Always look forward to the new patterns you design x
Happy 11th Birthday Sockalong Christine🥳I have finished 6pair and currently another on my needles. I’m addicted to the basic sock pattern and with all the beautiful socks yarn available they all look different.💚
Love from Mornington Peninsula Victoria Australia
First pair of basic 4ply socks, one sock finished, second on the needles. It fits perfectly! Thank you for such a wonderful pattern.
I’ve knitted two pairs for my Sons within that timescale, I have a pair of shorties on the needles now.
Happy 11th Birthday, and thank you for introducing me to sock knitting, something I didn’t think I was capable of, I’ve now made many pairs and am now dabbling in colourwork socks! get me! but it started with you, thank you 🧶💜
I’ve knitted 3 pairs of your socks in the last 12months. they’re perfect for me to take on the train commute. your sock knitting help inspired me to move onto other knitting patterns. I was fearful of knitting for far too long. thank you
since last May I’ve knitted two pairs. But over the years I’ve lost count how many. Such a super pattern with endless possibilities
Hi all. I’m from Glasgow in Scotland. So my main focus has been DK socks this year, with lots of colourwork…anything to get socks as thick as possible for the incredibly bad weather we get up here in Scotland! But I have managed to knit 2 pairs of basic 4 plys…a lot less than most years, so I think I’ll be casting another pair on this weekend. Thanks for all the free tutorials!
I’m on my 4th pair. I always thought it’d be difficult but thanks to you I’m getting there 😊😊😊
I learned to knit socks using your Basic 4 ply pattern and have knitted 2 pairs in the last year.
I am also using your flutter pattern to knit socks using the purple emperor yarn. Thank you for all your patterns and useful info!
I only discovered you in around Sept 2025 wanting to learn how to knit socks and since then have knitted 3 pairs of the basic pattern. I have also knitted 5 other pairs from your patterns but I know they do not count! I currently have a pair started which will be shorties as I have a selection of yarn to use up.
Thank you Christine for showing me how.
Manchester here! thank you Christine for giving me the confidence to try socks. I only started a couple of weeks ago but I will finish my 3rd pair today. My other half isnt as happy about it as we have sock yarn arriving daily but he will get over it!
Started my first pair in May 2025 and now I have knitted 11 pairs. I live in Essex. Thank you Christine for the inspiration and for such an easy to follow pattern/tutorial. I always thought socks were way beyond my skill level so I have really surprised myself!
Just one pair of basic 4 plys for me. But that gave me the confidence to make several other pairs of patterned socks and a few pairs of shorties.
I’m off on holiday shortly and plan to take my needles and do another basic pair while I’m away.
Have finished 4 pairs this year with 2 more pars on the needles and as requested will cast on another pair later today.
Have also used the pattern to teach 4 friends to knit socks and between them there are 1 complete pair and 5 on the needles.
Thank you so much for creating the Sockalong! I knit 4 pairs, plus two of your other sock patterns, and I live in Mississippi, United States. I know your pattern helped me become the confident sock knitter I am today!
4 pairs so far, I always start the next pair straight away, always looking forward to the next pair! Thank you so much!
I only started to knit socks this past year so I knit 1 pair. This is how I learned to knit socks! Thanks for starting my sock knitting journey.
Only two I’m afraid – baby crochet blankets took precedent! Here in ‘sunny’? Jersey – currently raining and thunderstorm 🙄. Perfect weather for sock knitting!
Started this year and on my 2nd pair – just in time for the Australian winter
I have knit 2 pairs.
Just beginning my sock journey after having a couple of knitting lessons and searching your tutorials.
Thank you for creating them from sunny Kent.
7 pairs, everyone got socks for Christmas. Same basic pattern but yarn choice carefully curated for their individual personalities!
Happy Birthday 🥳 thank you for sharing the pattern and tutorials.
I have knitted 3 pairs.
I’ve just discovered you and your fabulous blog and patterns. Casting on my first pair, which will not be my last!
It’s 11 pairs for me! Mostly basic pattern….
Happy Birthday, thank you for the inspiration, patterns and blogs, from Hampshire
Since May 2025 I’ve made 6 pairs of the basic 4 ply socks, plus 3 pairs of the DK version to use up leftover yarn from blanket projects. Thank you for a pattern that gave me the confidence to give socks a go – the recipients have all loved them and asked for more pairs.
ik ben nu aan het vierde paar sokken bezig. ik ben begonnen in december 2025. en ze lukken steeds beter.
1, I’ve used a few other patterns too. I’m in Herefordshire. I love making socks and my family love receiving them!
I’ve so far knitted 2.5 pairs of socks! It’s taken a year so far, and I’d not tried to knit anything since I was 7 (I’m 43 now) so I’m very, very proud of the way all the tutorials helped me soldier through, sometimes with very gritted teeth, but I’m reaching the bit where I look forward to picking up my needles now 🙂 Happy birthday, and thank you for the gift of learning to knit socks!
I live in the Highlands of Scotland and have completed 3 pairs for my husband, currently working on 4th.
I would be lost without your patterns, thank you! I’ve knitted 11 pairs, very apt indeed! 😊
I’m in my first pair with this pattern and can’t wait to wear it 😃
I’ve made at least 17 pairs of socks since May ‘25 😀
I’ve not kept a record of how many pairs of socks I’ve knitted, but I can hazard a guess at 15, made some as gifts and several for myself.
Sockalong is the best! When anyone asks me about the socks I’m knitting, I always direct them the Winwick Mum Sockalong!
Ive knit 3 pairs this year, one pair in progress and one in 6ply, if that counts? I’ll be starting a Birthday pair too.
Happy 11th Birthday Sockalong!
Thanks for all you do! I’m in Colorado USA working on first sock…. Vickie H.
I’ve knitted 8 pairs of socks since I bought your Super Socks book in September 2025. i’ve also helped a friend to start sock knitting using your fabulous basic pattern. I live in Derbyshire so not too far from Cheshire xx
Hi Christine. I’ve lost count of how many pairs in total but first this year alone I think it’s just 4 pairs – 3 were gifted and a new pair just for me. Always the basic pattern. I have tried patterns but it’s sometimes too much effort. I like to knit and watch TV and that’s when patterns go awry. Thanks for getting me started. A pair of socks is my go to when I feel a finger twitch coming on. I’m not one for idle hands.
Four pairs as I take a sock to my weekly knit club which involves a lot of chit chat, coffee and cake as well as knitting. Hubby has just announced two pairs of his have developed holes. One pair are so felted repairing them is not an option and the other pair need a new toe and can be rescued. I guess I will be casting on a 72 stitch sock next to replace the ones I can’t rescue. Learnt socks many years ago with the Winwick pattern and it’s still my go to pattern. Mid Devon, UK.
Dear Christine,
Happy Birthday to the Sockalong! Knitting socks is an important part of my life and I would not miss it for the world! It brightens my days and keeps me sane – well halfway sane anyway.
I knittid eight pairs of socks during this last year and one pair of Stockings which I developed from your basic pattern for 6 ply socks.
Keep on knitting,
Julia
Four pairs of socks since last May. Another pair waiting this week- the first pair for myself as the previous pairs were for my sister in law and my daughter.
I’m halfway done with my first sock started 2 weeks ago- so, 0.25 pairs. Thank you for keeping this free!
I’ve made three pairs of basic socks since May of 2025.
I’m about to start my first pair with your tutorial – in Sydney Australia
I only started knitting socks last year and successfully did 2 pairs with different sizes of needles but always with DPNs. I’ve knitted other sock patterns too but when it comes to the heel and toe I come back to these instructions! Thank you for the detailed instructions and making them free.
Hi! So happy to have found you! I’ve only knitted 3 pairs this year but loads more over the past years! Thank you! D
I’ve made 6 pairs in the last year. loved the basic pattern. it’s my staple happy place pattern
happy birthday. 3 basic pairs this year.
I am now experimenting with a lace pattern top and front. hand knit socks are the best thing ever.
Happy 11th Birthday. I’ve knitted six pairs during the last year & live in wonderful Wales xx
Happy birthday. I have made 10 pairs this year & some were actually for me – I have a list of requests from other peopl
Thanks for your patterns and online support. I’ve only ever knitted socks from your basic pattern, 4 ply and DK, and always have a pair on my needles. They’re a great grab and go project.
This year I’ve completed 5 pairs 😊
Amazing achievement….Happy Birthday ! And thanks for all you do to help not just me, but all the new sock knitters make beautiful socks. Just 2 basic pairs from me this year !
I’ve knit two pairs of socks using your Bssic Sock Pattern. I’m working on my third. I’ve discovered the joy of knitting socks. I love seeing all the socks in the Facebook group. I’m knitting in my little log cabin on Kootenay Lake in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
Happy Birthday! Love what you do. Knitted 12 pairs, all given away. To women relatives & friends. Writing from RI, USA. Resist.Persist.
Happy 11th birthday 🎂. I’ve only just started to knit socks after over 60 years of knitting. So far, I have knitted and completed 6 pairs of socks from your basic sock pattern. I’m now a bit obsessed!!!
Hi. I juzt finished my first pair of socks yesterday! So now the sock along anniversary is my anniversary too! I though knitting socks would be hard but your weekly posts were so helpful!
I’m on my first pair, very exciting.
I’m trying to do two together using magic loop which would be impossible without the wonderful ‘taat’ tutorial. https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/2019/11/two-at-time-taat-socks-free-tutorial.html.
Thank you.
I’ve finished 3 pairs but have also made lots of baby blankets this year too!
Happy birthday I’ve knitted six pairs of basic socks my husband loves them he says their the most comfortable and warmest socks he’s ever had
Hi Christine I started knitting your basic 4ply socks back in lockdown and never looked back. In 2025 i have knitted 5 pairs. Now about to start 6th 😀
Hi Christine, happy Sockalong birthday! I’ve knitted six pairs of socks since 2025. They’ve all been based on your tutorial which I’ve been using since I learned to knit socks. Giving someone the gift of a pair of socks is the best. Thank you!
Happy Birthday. I have a family of men 3 sons and a husband enabler. I always wanted to make socks and came across your brilliant tutorials, which helped load’s, especially with sizing. I’m on my third pair this year, and still learning.
Hi. I have bought the wool, the needles and have the pattern, but I am yet to cast on my first pair of socks. I have been following you since COVID, I am an experienced knitter of 60 or so years, but sadly knitted no socks. I sincerely want to participate in the sock along with you this year. So I’m hoping to report on how many pairs I’ve made next year. Happy Birthday, Happy Sock-along
I was thrilled to find your pattern and tutorial, thank you. My knitting now has a new lease of life and I’m even knitting a pair for my eight year-old grandson at his request
Since May last year I have knitted four pairs and I’m currently knitting the pair for my grandson.
And yes, happy happy birthday! 🎉🎂
Just 1 pair of basic 4 ply socks this year.
I have knitted 7 pairs of basic socks this year but some a scrappy socks using your pattern and weaving in tips. I have also knitted 3 other fancy pairs but would never have made them if I didnt learn your basics. The best thing is I made my first pair for the old chap. He said they are no different to bought socks. 😕 The next day he wore a pair of bought socks ah ha suddenly the hand knit socks were the best thing ever!!! He now has about 15 pairs of socks. Socks are also much requested from friends who say they are so cosy and a comfort wear. As you say transportable so never without a pair on the go. Its a big thank you from me and I think the old chap and 3 friends!!!
only 4 pairs this year…but plenty of grandchildren in not very sunny Cornwall today!
Happy birthday/anniversary to sockalong. I have knitted one pair of your basic children’s socks since last year, they were scrappy ones for my grandson, can’t start them off too young. All the scraps were Winwick Mum yarn. (I have knitted other socks as well.)
Happy birthday and thanks for the competition!
I’ve made 8 pairs of basic pattern socks since May 2025.
I live by the beautiful Morecambe Bay in Lancashire. x
started sock knitting during COVID. Done lots of pairs since, and started doing different patterns – just finished a cable pair in double knitting.
since last sockalong I’ve done 3 basic 4 ply pairs. 🙂
About to try for the first time having been unhappy with 2 previous attempts with other patterns. Wish me luck
I live in the Netherlands, and I´ve finished 2 pairs of the basic socks, and am working on the third! Thank you so much for your patterns. They are easy to follow…even if English is not your first language!
I only managed to finish one pair this year sadly, I lost my knitting mojo for a while, but have got it back again so next year will be better! thank you for your blog and the Facebook group, it really keeps me going!!
I have knit so many pairs,,,
gosh ,,will say 15 pairs,,,,
such a great pattern ,,,
congratulations 🎉🎉🎉
I’ve knitted my first pair last winter and so far that’s the only one. But I am very thankful for your cheerful and precise instructions. So thank you very much! I live in the Netherlands.
From Long Island, NY I’ve knit Christmas stockings but never people sized socks. Reading your story and looking at your site has given me the push to try it!
Hi! Happy Anniversary! I’ve knitted two pairs of socks and I love them.
I’m from Birmingham, Alabama,USA
Happy 11th birthday to the Sockalong. I must have commented on a different version of the blog post, as I don’t see my comment here. I apologize if this is a second post! Due to work being crazy busy this year and other knitting projects going on, I only managed one pair of basic socks this year, and they were baby-sized. Your birthday giveaways are always generous and lovely, and this year is no exception! Thanks very much – I’m so glad I found the Winwick Mum Facebook groups back in 2017!
I am knitting my third pair. Thanks for the great pattern! Love the Facebookpage, so many colorful socks.
Happy 11th birthday. The day I found your Winwick Mum Sockalong was a turning point in my life. With shelf and drawers filled with Aran jackets, dk jumpers and dk cardigans and waistcoats,not counting the teddy bears wild animals (complete with clothes and shoes) I was so pleased to have found something to knit that didn’t need- sewing up, buttons stitched on, or having to stuff it. I learned to knit at school at 7 years old (74 years ago) making a pair of mittens and have never really stopped. Now I not only love wool but also knitting which not only passes the time but is productive and the socks are loved by family and friends. In fact I say that “Socks are a Hug for the feet” and if I know of someone who is going through a bad time I gift them A Hug For Their Feet. Anyway this year Christine I have knit 55 pairs of your socks. Not as many as last year but as you may remember I had a problem with arthritis in my ring finger and with your invaluable help,and exercises from a physio I am back knitting but taking it slower. Many many thanks for your help and your patterns I don’t know what I would have done without you.
Very happy birthday.! I have knitted 7 pairs, nearly 8 of the basic sock using WYS.
I always have a pair of basic 4 ply socks on the go! There are so many beautiful self patterning yarns out there to choose from to make them with. Various family and friends have been gifted a pair at some point in the last year and of course I’ve made some for myself and hubby. Eight pairs in all and more to come.
Just realised I’ve done 3 pairs – a pair of shorties and the Abacus ones in Nigel yarn for my brother Nigel’s birthday and a pair for my daughter for Christmas
New to socks but not knitting – and love doing them. My other efforts in DK don’t count towards the sock along count
Happy birthday! I’m on my second pair since May 2025. This time I have tackled two at a time socks!
Happy birthday. I have knitted socks using multiple needles and gave up. I retired 3 years ago and as a gift a friend gave me a small circular needle ,some yarn and a paper pattern for your socks. I was hooked and I now take my socks and your pattern wherever I go. To date I have made 24 socks. The last year 6 pairs. My favourite place to knit socks is when I volunteer at Chirk Castle in North Wales. Visitors ask what I am doing….I always tell them that Winwick Mum is the only place for sock tutorials and advice. I never know if they have looked you up and taken up sock knitting but why wouldn’t they….thank you for the socks.
Well done with all your efforts to keep us on track with sock knitting and so many beautiful patterns. I’ve knitted 3 basic pairs this year and one on the needles. From Norfolk England.
Congratulations Christine on another happy socky year. I have made 4 pairs of the basic 4ply socks and another is underway. Thank you very much – it’s the pattern that never fails.xx
Knitted 4 pairs here in the Netherlands – might have been 5 if the call came a week later 🙂 still my go to pattern for self-patterning yarn!
Discovered the Sockalong at the end of October last year. Thank you! It’s been brilliant and has got me back into knitting. Since November 2025 I have completed 5 basic 4 ply pairs of socks and 1 basic 8 ply. Also some more fancy socks but those don’t count for the Sockalong. Can’t decide if to make a pair of shortie basic 4 ply next or knit the Kaleidoscope pattern I recently purchased. Thanks again 😊
Hi Christine, in the last twelve months I’ve knitted four or five pair of socks. I have learn to knit other things, but I have always a pair of socks in my needles. Thank you for this giveaway and your tutorials
Since May 2025 I have knit 4 pairs of basic sock along socks .. they are always my go to ‘on the go ‘ project
Thank you for your guidance and inspiration! I’m in the UK and I’ve knitted your basic socks several years ago and in the past year I’ve knitted two pairs of your shortie socks and your basic DK socks. I’ve just bought some new 4ply wool so I can cast on another pair of basic socks.
I’ve got 4 basic 4 ply socks almost done, not two pairs. I’m trying to teach two ladies at our all ages cafe to knit socks using your book. So the last one I casted on is the teaching sock I’m doing along with them
Welcome to your next decade of fabulous sock designing! Strange to say that it was my husband who started me on sock knitting several years ago. He gave up wearing shopbought socks because they scrunched his little toe. So I got the dpns and the 4 ply then looked for help having never knitted a sock in my life. That’s when I discovered Winwick Mum Sockalong and I have never used another basic sock guide since. My husband now has half a dozen pairs which he loves. They are so comfy. Since May I have knitted 6 pairs, 4 for my brothers, 1 for daughter and 1 for hubby. I don’t know if this counts but I also knitted my first patterned pair, Winwick Mum Abacus, which I absolutely adore!
6 basic pairs plus I think 5 or 6 other pairs
Happy birthday! I have knitted half a pair this year, about to crack on with the other half! Yarn I was given at Christmas:) I’m in Bridlington. We have a lovely statue on the harbour here of the Gansey girl. She is knitting. A mural artist is creating a version of her crocheting in Bridlington Old town. Easy to find with a search…. Learning long tail cast on really helped my socks (obviously!). Thanks.
Hello, I learned to make socks from the basic pattern back in 2017. My LYS directed me to your pattern and I haven’t stopped since. I use several of your patterns with plain yarns but make more basic sock pattern each year with variegated yarn. I’ve made 7 pairs since May 2025. I live in the UK near Cambridge.
Happy birthday to all the colourful feet. I’ve managed 5 pairs and have another on my needles. I taking it to the next level for my next pair and going to have a go at the easy lace socks. Wish me luck. 🤣
Hmmm I always have to have a pair of basic socks on the go and if I can’t find anyone else to knit for I make another pair for hubby or me – he loves them and won’t wear anything else now 💕
In the last year I’ve made a total of 11 – 2 for friends in Scotland, 3 for hubby and 6 for me! Seems he’s lagging behind me so guess the next pair had better be for him 😂
Hi! Your videos and blog posts have been AMAZING for learning to knit socks. I’m at the heel of my first pair! Never would have been able to get there without reading your blog first! Thank you so much for such an incredible resource!
Happy 11th Birthday ! I have made 2 pairs and am on the second sock of the third pair since the the start of this year. I made my first pair of socks during lockdown using double pointed needles and struggled. Earlier this year I taught myself to knit on short circular needles. I found your posts and was so encouraged to start my first pair of socks using your pattern. I also bought the book and found it to be such a help.
Thank you for your inspiration and for keeping all our needles clicking !
i have knitted 4 basic socks. love the WYS sock yarn, and Laughing Hens Super sock yarn.
always have a pair on the go, i’m in West Sussex.
Hi – Happy 11th Birthday. I found your sockalong 6 years ago and have been knitting socks ever since. I love the project book – so much better than all my scraps of paper. This year I’ve knitted 8 pairs of basic socks and have 2 pairs on the go at the moment.
🥳 Happy Birthday dear Sockalong! I‘ve knitted six pair of 4ply socks since May 2025 for charity projects. It helped me over a hard time in my life when I was diagnosed with depression. I like your lovely blog.
Greetings from the south of Germany, Silvia
Happy birthday! I’ve knitted 12 pairs of socks in the last 12 months for myself, my husband, my sister and a cousin. Thank you for your inspiration and enthusiasm. 🧦🧶
Hi Christine.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I couldn’t master socks at all until I bought your book so in my eyes you are the sock guru!
I’ve knitted so many pairs nowthat I’ve lost count, but average at about a pair a week, so let’s say 40 since May last year on the safe side.
They’re all I knit now!
Have a peaceful bank holiday and thankyou for all you do. From a fellow socker down south.
Thank you for inspiring me to have a go, and to take my first steps in sock-knitting, following your basic 4ply pattern and tutorials. Now I can’t stop! I have knitted socks for several years now, and am on my fifth pair since May 2025. I am a C of E clergy woman, and mostly knit them to give away…..my own ‘thank you’ for the wonderful ministry I have been given xx My happy sock knitting happens in Devon, where home and heart is☺️
This will be my first pair of basic socks although I have knit many other pairs.
I am in Canada.
I only learnt to knit socks about 6 months ago, tried some patterned ones but have knitted 4 of the basic 4 ply ones (just finished the 4th and will be starting my 5th tonight). Have got absolutely hooked on knitting socks!
I have knitted 4 pairs since last May. Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🧶🧶
Happy Birthday to the nicest possible group on Facebook – such lovely people and socks are just the greatest thing to knit – and I have been knitting them now for 68 years now since learning how to knit them on five super thin metal DpNs as a ten year old!
I think the basic 4ply pattern is just wonderful and have the stitch and row counts all memorised – for me, for my husband and for my sister etc but have also annotated my Winwick Mum Super Socks books too and become a huge mini circular needles fan.
This year I have had some bigger projects on the go so have only knitted 6 pairs as I tend to knit socks “in between” other things. Super relaxing and useful TV knitting.
And all that hand dyed wool to tempt you – and now Yarnsmiths as well as WYS – too much choice and my stash is a bit bigger than it should be.
I buy sock wool on holidays and always remember where and when I got it.
So thank you Christine for the past eleven years and the many friends I have made on here (love this blog) and in the FB groups – the inspiration for many things socky and non socky.
This last 12 months I have managed two thirds of one sock! It’s a helical sock that, for whatever reason, is coming up extra large. It will be fine as an oversock. Since I made my OH 18 pairs a few years ago and a few more than that for me I haven’t needed to make any others – just a few repairs here and there.
I have knitted one pair of basic socks since last year, but I basically use this pattern as a blue print when knitting pretty much all socks (not that I have knitted that many). I am going back to basics and about to cast on another pair as struggling with brain fog and energy so keeping it simple will be perfect whilst still giving me my knitting fix and I love the supportive community on Facebook with this group as well.
I’m a newbie – four rows in to my very first pair having done a tension square and matched my wool for the very first time. Can’t wait to be commenting with a number next year!
I have made two pair of basic socks for my other half this year, one pair scrappy socks, to use up left over yarn.
I live in Cambridgeshire, and diversified into patterned socks this last year, knitting one pair of plain!
12 pairs since May 25 after discovering the winwick mum basic sock pattern!Love it 🥰Happy birthday
Antrim
Happy 11th Sockalong birthday! It’s wonderful to read all the amazing stories posted here from fellow sock knitters 😊I’ve only knitted 5 pairs of Basic 4 ply since last May because I branched out and tried my hand at several of your other patterns. However they were for family and friends, so I’ve decided it’s time to knit myself a new pair – using Seascape as I live near the coast in West Sussex.
Can’t believe I’ve made 12 pairs over the past 12 months!!! Just casting on pair 13 here in slightly overcast Somerset, UK.
ooh I’ve had to work out our but I reckon it’s been 8, because I’ve also done DK and some of your special patterns but I’m not including them. I’ve also sent several people on your direction 🤓. thank you for all that you do, for me and for others!
2 pairs completed, but having visited the Summer Wool Festival Ampthill, in July last year, and been tempted into every yarn shop I have chanced upon in my travels, I have a pair on my needles and 2 pairs waiting in the wings! I have tried to be quite disciplined by finishing off other projects, which can be quite satisfying.
I’m in Nottingham, UK.
I’ve done 7 this year! From Halloween presents, to Christmas presents, to ooooh that’s lovely yarn. I’ve also branched out this year into other patterns on the blog and I even self drafted one of my own.
I started in 2021 because I needed wool socks and to buy them is expensive. I’ve carried on as it’s brought me so much joy and peace.
Thank you Christine!
I’m from Lorn, NSW Australia
I’ve knitted 2 pairs
Hi. An addiction I never expected…..I love knitting socks now I have the “wee circular “ .
I have gifted a few pairs of basic socks this last year ….my count is 6 with a pair on the pin just now . Thank you for simplifying sock knitting 🥰
Hi Christine I’m determined to complete my first pair of socks this year after a few failed attempts, from Pembrokeshire
My total since last May is THREE pairs – I blow hot and cold on knitting, but with regular commuting down to London it’s about to pick up a whole lot more.
I’m in Merseyside, UK.
Thank you so much, your help has been so useful to me and the book.
Buckinghamshire
I have made one pair of basic socks this year and half a pair of basic shorty socks!
I had to restart a few times but I’m so proud of myself finally finishing a whole pair. Here’s to many more Winwick socks!
I’m so grateful for your basic sock pattern.
I think I’ve made 2 pairs in the last few months and I’ve signposted several people to it. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Christine. I have knitted five pairs of basic socks since our tenth birthday and have another pair on my needles here in North Yorkshire, UK.
I must have knitted at least 10 pairs and probably nearer 15. Socks are my go to portable project !
Norfolk . UK
4 pairs this year & still going strong, lost without at least one pair on the go!
Happy birthday Sockalong, and thank you Christine for all the sock knowledge. Can I add 4 finished pairs of my own, and one pair still on the needles, plus a starter sock that’s coming along nicely – I am helping a colleague to become a sock knitter too! 🙂 🙂 Cheers, Elaine, N. London xx
I have knitted about 5 pairs of socks from your basic socks pattern and have your first sock book on my kindle. I also have knitted 2 pairs of your twisty tube socks. Right now I am still working on the 1st abacus sock from the winter Kal does that count as joining this sockalong.
I can only knit at night when I finally sit down to rest after the day and watch telly. Right now the baseball is on so I am knitting a little faster.
I am ashamed to admit that I haven’t knitted any socks for some years. I used to knit them for my mother, but since she died I haven’t had the heart to knit any. That is going to change. You have really inspired me and I intend to cast on a pair tonight. Thank you for helping me back into the wonderful world of sock knitting.
Just two for me this year as the arthritis in my hands is painful. Thank you for all you do. l am in Kettering, Northamptonshire.
I have knitted at least 7 pairs of basic socks this year and have just started another pair. I live in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset and would be lost without a pair of socks on the go. Thank you for your inspiration.
Hi Christine
Happy 11th birthday Sockalong! 🥳
I ALWAYS have a pair of socks on the go as they are the perfect portable project. There’s so much fabulous self striping yarn out there that I rarely knit anything other than the basic sock pattern (although I do also knit various scarves/shawls, jumpers, cardigans and baby clothes too). This year I have completed 6 pairs of basic socks – with another that’s ¾ of the way finished but they will go into next year’s total. I obsessively keep a notebook with all of my projects in as it’s great to be able to refer back to them. I’ve encouraged a few of my knitting buddies to have a go at socks using your tutorials as they’re so well written and easy to follow. And I’m even going to be taking part in a local history day at our library later this month to showcase that these skills are still alive … I’ll be knitting socks of course! I’m in Wiltshire x
Julie
Five pairs one pair on my needle s Lincolnshire
Thank you for your patterns. I’ve completed one pair, have almost finished a second and have wool ready for a third. Looking forward to making many more. 🙂
I started knitting socks in Feb this year after a friend bought me a beautiful ball of wool as a present. I have officially caught the bug and have made 2 and a half pairs of socks (currently halfway through my third pair) using the 4ply pattern. thank you so much for your amazing tutorial which has helped me gain a new skill.
I’m from Kent in the UK and currently on my 10th pair of Winwick mum socks since last May. I very proudly sent my son off to uni in Leeds with a couple of pairs last year and have been sending him a new pair every few weeks. He’s studying geology and only wears his mum made socks on his field trips, he’s off to the Isle of Skye in August so the socks will be well travelled! Thank you for teaching me to knit, I hadn’t knitted anything at all when I found your pattern 🙂
Happy Birthday 🥳 I’ve made 2 pairs using the sockalong pattern this year. I’m also working on another pair while travelling just now, they’re an ideal travel project as I can’t lose the pattern! I love your WYS Christmas socks too.
I have knitted another 3 pairs of Basic socks during the last year – I can’t stop knitting them now, I’m addicted!
Happy Birthday! I’ve knitted 3 pairs and in the middle of 4th pair since last year, thanks to your pattern. Always have a pair on the go now even if takes a while as other knits on the go too.👍🏻😍 (Stockport, England)
I cast on my first ever sock using the tutorials on Tuesday! After some battling with the heel I’m now done with the gusset and really enjoying myself. I’m using the West Yorkshire spinners purple emperor and it’s so beautiful. Thanks so much for the help! And I’m from the northwest 🙂
Hello from Derbyshire, UK and thank you for your brilliant basic sock pattern. I knitted 11 pairs of basic socks this year. I have the second of a pair on my small circular needle at the moment, destined for my beautiful daughter-in-law’s birthday gift.
Keep up the good work!
I’ve knitted 7 pairs of socks this year and still not got any of my own! Lots of happy recipients, however. I love the pattern; it just works. 🥰
I always have a pair on the go.
This last year there have been 7 pairs
My bestie got me into sock knitting in June 2025 and I knitted my first pair of socks with yarn bought at my first ever visit to a yarn show! Since then I have knitted 8 pairs of basic socks for myself – experimenting with self striping, self patterning yarn and using contrast colours for heels and toes using Winwick mum tutorials! I knitted 2 pairs of socks for my dad and 5 pairs of socks as Christmas presents.( all based on colours of the family pets – cats, rabbits and rats). Plus one pair of “comedy ugly socks” for my line manager. I also put together a sock knitting starter kit for my sister’s birthday on 30th December. She also loves winwick mum tutorials. My bestie and I go to work early on day each week to sit and chat and sock together and you will never find either of us without our craft bag. My cast on today is a pair of socks for a colleague leaving gift. I want to say thank you for being my support and inspiration in my socking journey and long may it continue!
So that’s a total of 15 pairs of basic socks since June 2025 made in South Yorkshire, UK.
A quick run round the house has found 18 pairs of the basic socks knitted in the last 12 months. They are my passion and I would love to meet you in person one day Christine and thank you properly. Do you ever go to Yarndale these days ( have my accommodation booked for this year)?
Happy Birthday!
Since last May, I have knitted 26 pairs of socks. The basic pattern is my go to, maybe with a few rows of colourwork at the top now I’ve learnt to do it properly, but mostly with variegated yarn for interest. its so easy to knit in front of the tv or while reading my kindle when knitting your basic pattern as I know it by heart now. I have knitted a few pairs with cables or fancy stitches but you cant watch tv while you’re counting stitches 😀
I blame you for my growing sock yarn stash! 😀
where would we be without you xxx
I have made one pair of since May 2025, however I made my first Winwick Mum pair in February 2024 and my second pair in September 2024. Those were never counted as I hadn’t recorded them at the time.
I found you through Attic 24 and took the leap to knitting socks from Lucy’s posts.
Thank you for sharing your love of sock making! It has been a blessing to many!!
Only one pair of Basic 4-ply this year. I’ve been busy with baby cardigans, a baby hat, a baby blanket and Treasure socks, too. I’m in Wales, U.K. Thank you for all that you do.
Happy Birthday Sockalong! I love knitting socks. I knit socks for for all my family. For my husband, our two daughters, for our parents, cousins and aunties. I believe handknit socks are the most comfortable to wear. Actually it is my first time knitting Basic 4ply Socks with you! Also my colleague at work got inspired by my sock knitting stories and is now learning to knit her own socks! I am so happy to share knitting love with others! Liga. North London, UK.
I’ve started 3 times and frogged each time as the variegated yarn i had was not matching the sock pattern I wanted to follow – now doing the Neat Ripple and it’s a perfect harmony!
I’ve knit around 6 pairs. The heel is definitely the most difficult part for me.
I just dove back into socks because I found the sock-a-long tutorial!! I’ve been obsessed since December 2025!! Thank you thank you for writing it!! I’ve knit 4 pairs using the basic pattern (2 kids and 2 adults) and have since advanced from there (currently really enjoying the beforethought heel). Loving your blog and have used the stitch calculator on almost every pair I’ve knit (crazy how tensions change with every kind of 4-ply sock yarn!!). I’m in Denver Colorado area.
I taught myself to knit and bought Super Socks in December 2017 – only managing one sock and an IOU for my other half’s Christmas present 😂 Only 2 pairs this year so need to up my game…
I am sorry to report that I have not knitted any socks using your basic sock pattern since May 2025. However I have knitted other socks using patterns from your website and purchased patterns in preparation for the future. Thank you for your inspiration. I live in York UK
Only made one pair of socks but plan to do more
I’ve only made 1 pair of socks this year but plan to make during my long flight to and from Australia in the summer. I’ve used other pattern before but love your 4ply pattern so easy to follow and a perfect result.
6 pairs – you got me through the beginner struggles and I am now able to help others here and there. Knitting socks has helped me with my mental health which is something I will always be grateful for- and my feet love their new sockies xCx
I started my first sockalong sock ever yesterday! I’m here in Alaska knitting away!
Happy birthday. Without the tutorials I wouldn’t have completed the two pairs I have since last year. I’m halfway through a third pair, but that won’t count.
Thank you so much for the clear tutorials. It made the whole process so much easier!
I couldn’t have done them without the help!
I’m planning on branching out with the 8 ply ones next.
As I’m new to your page I have to say that my total is zero. I’m just about to start my first pair of the basic 4ply sock pattern. Happy birthday 🎂
4 pairs knitted since November (my first venture into socks). Just waiting on a yarn delivery before starting some more. The sock-a-long has been so helpful, thank you!
I’ve only managed two pairs, but I have wool for another pair, well several other pairs, um make that quite a lot of pairs! I’m still trying to decide which of all the lovely yarns I have I should use next. One of the Christmas ones perhaps?
I knitted my first pair of socks in the mid 1960’s using a double knitting pattern from Pins & Needles. Who still remembers that magazine? None of the double pointed needles for me, especially as they had to be thick as my hubby went through a pair every couple of weeks during the winter when he had to wear wellies around the farm. These days a pair of 4ply socks lasts him years. I think I have only thrown out two pairs of double knitting socks since he took early retirement in 1990.
Happy birthday and thanks to this wonderful sockalong I am a third of my way through the second sock of my first pair. I have tried other patterns and given up…this one is brilliant
Finished my first pair of socks using your basic pattern and videos. Could not have done it without your tutorials. Just cast on my second pair!
4 pairs of basic but many more ofyour other patterns and your wool is my go to yarn!
Hi Christine, Happy Birthday and thank you for this wonderful blog! Since last May I finished 3 pairs of basic 4ply socks (and a few others also). Greetings from southern Germany.
A Big Happy Birthday to you , this is my second year knitting socks 😬and I’ve done 6 pairs so far including 2 pairs of men’s socks woop woop . Thanks so much for all your help , totally addicted Sandra Andrews🙌🧶
I have made 9 pair since the last birthday, which brings my total to 36 pair. I LOVE making your socks, here in Minnesota, USA. Knitting them has gotten me through a LOT of tough times!❤️
Not so productive lately. However I believe I’ve made 3 pairs of basic socks to add to total 🙂
Only one pair of the basic pattern here in Herefordshire – your other patterns are too enticing!
I’ve knitted four pairs of 4ply socks and one pair of Dk socks using the Winwick Mum patterns since May 2025!
Happy birthday 🎈 I love what you do.
I have just counted my socks and I have knitted 16 pairs – I can’t believe it!
Sock knitting is so addictive.
I was introduced to you by the lovely Helen at my local craft shop: Burbage Wool and Crafts LE10.
I have successfully knitted 2 pairs of 4ply basic socks – never having attempted making socks before; the second pair had contrast cuffs, heels and toes. From your pattern library, I have made a Couthie Shawl and am currently creating a pair of Split Mittens. Keep up the inspiring work; wishing you well.
I’m getting ready to start my first pair. I live in the Seattle Washington area.
Happy Birthday! I discovered the Supersocks book a few years ago and have been using the same pattern ever since. The last 12 months I’ve knitted 5 pairs of socks using the same basic pattern. I now prefer to watch your videos or refer to the Basic 4 ply socks pattern I’ve downloaded. I’m going to try the ‘Impressive socks’ next.😃
I had attempted to make socks before but never succeeded until I found Winwick Mum. Since May 2025 I have made 4 pairs of basic 4 ply socks and my Daughter and Grandson think I am marvellous. I live in St Helens, Merseyside, so just down the road. Thank you so much.
Happy Birthday! I love your patterns! Thanks for all you do to make knitting easier …and fun too.
I’m about to cast on to make a basic pair and I also plan to make a basic pair out of a cotton blend for summer wear ( yarn on it’s way). So that’s another 2 pair to add.
Also…I enjoy your recipes.
Thank you for your amazing patterns and blogs that drop into my message box.
I’ve made 7 pairs of basic 4ply socks as well as 5 pairs of other patterns from you in between knitting hats for my local premature baby unit as these have all got me through my cancer journey.
I have finished 3 pairs of Basic Socks. One pair was delivered to New Zealand for Christmas and are now being appreciated as winter approaches down there. Another pair was started in New Zealand so holds a few memories of time with the family.
Really enjoy teh weekly blog. Always cheers me up.
2 pair finished, 1 pair on the needles. Happy Birthday!
I have knitted 36 pairs of socks in the last year. I sell them in a cooperative . My Grandma taught me to knit at 4 and when I was 6 she taught me to knit on 4 needles.
I’ve knitted 6 pairs, and all have been given away as gifts.
Julie- East Midlands
Happy Birthday & Congratulations from Kilburn, London. I thought I would never be able to knit socks until I found your Sockalong – it really was like having an extra Mum sitting beside me!
This year’s total Basic 4-ply is only two for me (although there have brother pairs which don’t qualify), but I hope to do better next year!
I’ve not knit one pair yet; I bought the needles, yarn, everything – I’m just nervous to start – I”m hoping to begin with your newsletter. I live in Florida USA.
I’ve done three pairs, plus two pairs where I did a rib stitch all the way through. So pleased I managed this and can call myself a sock knitter! I only learned to knit socks last year and couldn’t only do very basic knitting when I started. And of course I do have another pair on my needles.
1 1/2 pairs mostly knitted during church and school trips, such a handy size to pop in my bag and it’s always amazing who is interested. The burliest of teenage boys are often fascinated that a sock can be knitted. Some even occasionally have a go.
None yet, I’m going to start now
9 pairs for me this year – summer is when my sock knitting ramps up with road tripping and being a passenger princess all the way. Congratulations Christine and cheers to the next 11 years.
6 since May last year. I learnt to knot socks with your YouTube videos, one stitch at a time! Once I had mastered the first sock I was away. I always have an emergency sock on the needles, just in case!
If the Sockalong is 11 years old this year, I must have been knitting socks for 11 years because it was your Sockalong that helped me knit my first pair and got me addicted to sock knitting. From that came the knitting group that started in my sun room with some of my fellow church choir members learning to knit socks. That developed into the Knitwits knitting group, continued through the pandemic via WhatsApp and then moved into the Cathedral Hall in Enniskillen as lock down came to an end. We are now the St Macartin’s Cathedral Knitting and Stitching Group and donate money to local charities each year. We held a craft sale and coffee morning in 2024 and raised over £3000 for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and assisted in hosting The Longest Yarn in January/February 2025. We also made a panel for The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War (panel 59) showing the first US soldiers arriving in the UK – at Belfast docks. All this came about because of your Sockalong which prompted my ongoing love for sock knitting. I always use your basic 4ply sock pattern to teach others how to knit socks because it is so easy to follow. Of course, by now, I have knitted many pairs of socks using lots of different patterns – many of them yours – so working out how many basic socks I have knitted is impossible to measure accurately. So my guesstimate is about 50. Keep up the good work. xx
Here in Liverpool, UK, I’ve knitted 5 pairs of your socks since last year.
Your socks are the only ones I’ll knit. As I learnt from your book and videos, I don’t feel it would be right for me to go elsewhere.
Thank you for all that you do Christine. I feel so fortunate to have mastered this art, with your help.
Hi from North Lakes near Brisbane, Australia! Have had my needles and yarn ready to go for a while now, but trying to get a few other projects finished first. This will be my first attempt at socks, 4 pairs needed, for my daughter, son in law and 2 grandchildren to wear in England when they visit their Yorkshire family at Christmas
Your basic sock pattern is still my favourite for knitting socks. It’s certainly responsible for enabling me to knit socks at all. I’ve recommended it to everyone who admires my socks, most recently at the chatty crafters group I’ve joined. Since May last year, I’ve managed 3 pairs of basic socks. I recently also made a pair of shorties and now I think there will be a few more pairs in the pipeline. Thanks for making the patterns so freely available.
6 pairs since last May and another pair currently on my needles. You’re my go to pattern! I live in Co Down Northern Ireland. Happy birthday sock-along! xx
Congratulatios Christine! Since May I’ve knitted 9 pairs, and one is on the needles now too. I live in Strathalbyn in South Australia.
Happy Birthday 🎂. Thankyou so much Christine.Since May 25 I have knitted 5 pairs no 6 is on the go. I live in Sydney Australia.
I’m just about to start decreasing for toes on my 6th pair of basic 4ply socks since last May. I’m in North Yorkshire, England. I knitted my first pair of socks on DPNs almost exactly 20 years ago now using Regia yarn and I still have them and wear them. They’ve never shrunk or bobbled. Their yarn is tricky to find now. Currently also have on the go a pair of DK socks in your soundwaves pattern and the butterfly ones in Red Admiral..I know your basic pattern off by heart now though and now use short circulars which are so easy for on the go knitting!
I am just finishing my first ever sock thanks to your wonderful tutorials, I would never have managed without it. I am in Lincolnshire UK
Hi Christine, congratulations on another successful year of people learning sock knitting from your tutorials. My tally of basic 4ply socks since last May is 10 pairs with two others in various stages of complition.
Since 2020 I have made 6 pairs of your socks – I make that one a year 😉. It was your basic sock pattern that gave me confidence to try other, more complex patterns. I still, to this day, use your Kitchener Stitch toe tutorial as it is so easy to follow.
Happy Birthday and Thank You xx
Hi Christine, thank you so much for the tutorials. They Alpine have enabled me to knit at least 12 pairs of socks. They make such great presents. I’m in Victoria, Australia.
Since May last year I have knitted 4 pairs of socks, all beautiful in their own unique way. So many colours and stripes to choose from! I love catching up with your blog Christine, it makes me feel that I’m not knitting solo way over here in Australia 🙂
Hi Christine thank you and Happy Birthday Sockalong. Since May 2025 I have knitted 3 shorties and I have a pair in progress.
Thrilled to have completed 2 pairs of 4 ply basic socks this year!
I’m hooked 😊
Patricia Lawson
Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada
Happy Sockalong Birthday, Christine! and thankyou for all your help and inspiration over the years. I’ve knit 4 pairs of basic 4ply in the last year x
This year I have knit 6 pairs of Winwick mum socks
Did some serious time sock knitting today so managed to finish second sock, so now can say I have knitted three pairs since the last Winwick mum birthday sock 🎉 🧶🧦
I’ve made at lease one pair since may last year, tried another pattern which came with the yarn, but didn’t love it so went back to yours – tried and true – I’ve made several pairs so far! (Tasmania, Australia.)
Happy birthday 🥳.
I learned to knit socks using both your books and tutorials during covid and haven’t looked back. Thank you for keeping me sane Christine.
I make to sell at markets and for friends and family. There are always a WIP pair on the go. I probably average 4 -5 pairs a month. So my fairly accurate guesstimate is 53 pairs for the 25/26 year
1 pair this year. I find them great to knit on trips and didn’t go far this year. I’m about to cast on again for an upcoming trip to the UK. I’m in Tucson, AZ. Your blog and patterns have been an inspiration since the pandemic and I love that you’re in the UK, so a connection to the my home country.
Thank you for your lovely patterns! I’ve made two basic 4 ply in the last year.
I have knit 5 pairs of Basic 4 Ply Socks since this time last year. I have knit a few other patterns of yours too.
Christine, you were my inspiration to start knitting socks. Since I discovered 9″/10″ little Circular Needles, I can knit without my hands hurting.
My Irish Gran taught me to knit when I was 5, that was over 67 yrs ago. She passed away 30 years ago, I miss her so much.
I live in Selkirk, ON Canada on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie.
Happy Birthday Christine!
How is it even possible that it’s been 11 years?! I’ve been knitting along with you since the very beginning. I always have a pair of your socks on the go! Your pattern is my go to sock pattern. I love how accessible your patterns are and so easy to follow.
This year I have only made 4 basic socks as I have made a few different and patterned socks along the way.
I’m in South Australia 🥰🎂🧦
I’m from Sydney, Australia and I’m halfway through my first pair of socks from your pattern. Thank you!
I have learnt so much from all your tutorials – thank you! I have knitted two pairs of the basic socks and am about to start my third. I’m from Tasmania, Australia.
I’ve only ever knitted socks using your Winwick Mum 4ply pattern, recommending it to oh so many fellow knitters. I’ve made 3 full pairs and have 2 half completed as I like to knit a couple of different colour ways side by side for fun. Countless others since you shared the pattern!
Two pairs of basic and lots of your other patterns too. Thank you so much! Sock knitting is my favourite thing to do x
I’m a sock newbie. Managed to knit one pair so far which I love. First sock of second pair completed , just trying to find time to knit the second in between other crochet projects as this is my main hobby. Maybe socks will take over one day.
Hi Christine, happy birthday, what an amazing achievement. I discovered your pattern and tutorial in October 2025 and was hooked. Since October I’ve knitted 14 pairs of basic 4ply socks. I’ve managed to make them in sizes fit for my twin 3 year old granddaughters to a pair for their father. It’s become my go to birthday present for everyone.
So, thank you for this wonderful pattern. I’m in the Netherlands, though often in France and sometimes in Scotland.
Hi, I’ve just finished my 18th pair this year. This is my most favourite thing to do these days, all thank to you!
I’m in Westby near Blackpool.
Happy Birthday Sock a Long I made my first ever pair of socks with your basic pattern in 2024 and always have a pair of socks on my needles now Since May 2025 I have made 2 pairs of basic 4ply socks as felt brave enough to try more of your patterns Thank u for helping me stay sane Im in SW England
Hi Christine, I knitted my first pair of socks at the beginning of last year after a friend recommended your pattern. She did warn me it would be addictive, and she’s was right – I’ve made 35 pairs of your basic socks since May last year! Many of them have been birthday & Christmas gifts for friends & family so there are lots feet wearing your lovely socks 😁
Basic sock pattern is my most used pattern ever I think, .Made the first pair ever for my hubbie- extra long ones for winter . And another pair for me. One pair on the go in the camper – always my go to travel knitting xx Nottingham UK
This year i have knitted 6 pairs of your basic pattern. So glad i found you tutorial 7 years go, as i just love sock knitting, so thank you for that. im in south wales
i have made 4 lovely pairs of socks, using the winwick mum basic sock pattern. All given as gifts, and the recipients at are wearing the socks. I call that a win!
Love your socks – have knitted 3 pairs in this last year. Pattern so easy to follow (had never knitted a pair of socks before) that I have given the URL or posted on the emails to countless other people. Thank you!
Hi, I have just managed to complete my first sock with this pattern and am half way through my second sock so I hopefully will soon have a pair of lovely hand knitted socks. I am so proud of the first sock that I wear it while I am knitting the second one lol!. I am from the county of Hertfordshire in the East of England.
I only found your site this Wednesday, but I’ve just finished my first ever sock. I’m so grateful you guided me brilliantly through the heel turn and it all worked perfectly. Thank you from Hampshire!
Think I started during lockdown or not long after. And I was struggling. Then a friend pointed me in this direction and that’s where my sock journey began. Fast forward to the last two years where sock knitting had brought a friend and I closer because our dads was poorly and we just needed some mindless knitting. Fast forward to today and sadly both our dads are no longer with us but we are still knitting socks. Due to eye issues, I haven’t knitted many socks this year. Around I think 4 pairs. Currently waiting to see what happens next with the eye and when I can go and get new glasses. I now in Hampshire.
Phew, what a lot of comments and what a lot of Sockalongas! I’m still chugging through my first actual sock! Thanks to you Christine! All the best, Anthony
I’ve done 5 but adapted one using same process and tension methods but used a chunky yarn. So maybe 6 pairs.
You are my go to pattern for all things socks.
Thank you and happy birthday x
6 & 1/2 since last May. I’m a little bit addicted!!
Thankyou so much for all your ‘sockspiration’. You started me off on my sock journey & I just can’t stop. X
(South Yorkshire)
I have managed 5 pairs all the way at the bottom of the world in New Zealand and also helped a friend knit her first pair
15 pairs for me. I always have a pair on my needles. I often think if I was only allowed to knit using one pattern for ever more, I would choose vanilla / basic 4ply socks.
I love knitting socks and last year made 3 pairs in the basic pattern – 1 for me, 1 for a friend and 1 for my grandson who is the only member of the family who likes home made socks!! I like the basic sock pattern because some wools have such lovely colours/patterns in them you need to see it. However I have a very soft spot for Eye of Partridge heels!! I am from the East Midlands.
Hi Christine from a wet and dreary Leeds.
I’ve just got back into knitting socks. always use your basic sock pattern, usually with self striping yarn. I’ve made 3 pairs in the last year in between other WIPs. maybe 2026/7 count will be even higher?
2 this year as I’ve now built the knitting confidence to make bigger projects too, but always have socks on the go for out and about knitting
Hi, this year I have had a jumper on the go for seemingly ever, so have had to put socks on the back burner, then started a pair using up bits and bobs from my stash, but annoyingly, don’t think I have enough stash wool! But I am about to go on a train journey from Newbury to Stockholm and so will be casting on a basic pair and treating myself to some new wool. Can’t wait! Your patterns and tutorials are so clear and although I have tried others, they are just not as good, or reliable, and don’t come with your helpful and encouraging hints. I always point other people in your direction and my daughter has now made socks using your pattern. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I live in Somerset.
Hi Christine from a wet and wintery Cape Town, South Africa! I have knitted 1 pair this year so far. I knitted my first pair of socks during your original Sockalong all those years ago and have been knitting lovely socks with your patterns ever since.
Happy Birthday!
Thank you for all your sock knitting support- 7 pairs completed and some half pairs on the needles 😉. Need to keep better count in one of your project books 📚 🧦
Hello and Happy Birthday! I have completed 2 pairs of sock using your wonderful patterns. Also I love the WYS sock yarn, its a delight to see how they turn out. I have your books and use them all the time. Great instructions makes knitting socks so easy.
I have done 7 and my crew mate has done 9 so far xx happy birthday 🎂
Happy sock birthday! I’m really glad a friend introduced me to your book and got me sock knitting, this year though I’ve only done a couple of pairs – the 2nd one ‘black sheep’ took me a while for some reason. But, I also introduced my Granddaughter to sock knitting at Christmas, she made the bold leap from her first go at a scarf straight into socks, she’s doing well considering she’s also had her 2nd year college projects to complete too. I have a stash of sock yarn queued up ready…..
Your weekly blog is also a ‘good read’ better than any magazine!!
Congratulations, you must be so proud! First i’d like to say a big thankyou for all you’re hard work that makes knitting socks so easy & enjoyable for everyone. So hooked on it now & forever!
After knitting for years, i started my first pair of socks during Covid for the paramedic’s ( they gave me the tip to follow your pattern) lots more followed for my husband sons and myself.
I’ve made 4 pair basic last year and 7 baby buddy socks (that are so cute!) While enjoying lots of big projects there’s always a sock on the go to come back to😉 I live in the Netherlands.
Thanks & best wishes Tracey x
Forgot to say live in the Netherlands, Tracey x
Happy birthday socks!
I’ve made five pairs in the last year and have three pairs in the making – a child’s pair, some shorties and a standard pair. I’ve recently started experimenting with mini self striping and different colour toes and heels. I’m based in Southern England near the sea in Hampshire
Four and a half pairs! The other half of a pair is hiding in the naughty corner and needs a stern talking to! x And I live in Northamptonshire x
Congratulations Christine!! I’m so pleased that I discovered your blog at the end of Sept 2025, and since then have knit 5 pairs of basic socks with another pair in progress. I live in the West Midlands xx
Happy birthday!
I’ve completed 3 pairs of the basic sock pattern with another pair currently on my needles, as usual.
I’m in Gloucestershire.
I discovered your website through a yarn shop recommendation in North Norfolk 3 weeks ago after a disastrous – sorry – unique attempt at my first pair of socks from a kit my husband bought for me. I have just started my first pair using your basic 4 ply pattern and they already look better – May 4th 2026
I finished my first pair of Basic Socks 1st May 2025 and have knitted 8 more pairs since. Never knitted a sock prior to these and am hooked! Huge thanks ho to Christine. I’m in Herefordshire.
Happy birthday sockalong! I started knitting socks in about 2015, and Still like to always have a sock on the needles! Between May 2025 and now I made 4 pairs of winwick mum basic socks, and a few from other patterns too!
Five and another one started! I mean five pairs!
I knitted my first pair this year after a gap of several years and felt like a complete novice, though I have knitted about ten pairs in time gone by – all since discovering Christine’s pattern and wonderful easy-to-follow instructions. I’m halfway through knitting my second pair after a request from my daughter. I’ve just realised that the socks I knitted around five years ago are still in regular use October to April (in chilly Scotland) and only one pair (of scrappy socks) has been relegated to bed socks! Thank you, Christine for your generous gift to so many of us all around the world.
2 basic pairs this year, and lots of other socky goodness too! Many thanks as always x
Happy 11th birthday! I’m on my second ever pair of socks, though I’ve knitted practically everything else you can knit. My canny son gave me some glorious socks yarn for Christmas, and with help from the sockalong I’m halfway there. I’m in Bristol UK.
I went to a during workshop last year and dyed 2 sick blanks and fabulous multicolours. I had never knitted socks before, so used your basic pattern to create 2 pairs. I’m in Cirencester in the Cotswolds.
I love the basic sock pattern💕. I have made 4 pairs since May 2025
I have the yarn snd needles and plan to knit my first pair of Winwick Mum basic socks this year (in Oregon, USA, but very close to the Idaho border).
I am working on my first sock. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I live in Georgetown, Kentucky- USA
I’ve knit 1 pair this past year as a gift for my mom, who prefers the fit of a heel flap and gussett. I prefer a shadow wrap heel myself, so the other 14 pairs I knit swapped the heel. Hand knit socks rock!
I’m in upstate NY.
Happy 11th birthday from southeast Cornwall! I’ve knitted 2 pairs of shortie socks and 1 normal length since last May, so 3 in total. Thank you for demystifying sock knitting
Only 2 pairs this year but another pair are on the needles – dpn’s by the way. Like you Christine, I’m in Cheshire.
It was my resolution to learn how to make socks at New Year and since January I have knitted 2 pairs of super socks. Thank you for the inspiration.
Happy Birthday!!! Thank you for your patterns and books. I always have a pair of socks on the go thanks to you 🙂 I never thought I would knit socks until I found your blog.
I have knitted 3 pairs of your basic sock pattern this year.
Jan from Warwickshire
Just one pair this past year but very thankful for your detailed instructions which has made it possible to learn to knit socks. Happy Birthday from Canada’s capital.
1 pair
I have made five pairs and just started my 6th. I am in the USA in Minnesota.
I have knitted 5 pairs using your basic sock pattern since your last sock birthday. I’m knitting away in Hastings, East Sussex.
I have knitted 13 fabulous pairs of basic socks . I love the pattern, it works so well and with the wondrous variety of yarns they all look different 😊
I have knit one pair and I’m about to cast on my second! Thank you for all of your help with the pattern!
Just the one pair of basic socks this year xx
I completed the Goldilocks set.
1 pair was too large
1 pair was too small, so gifted
& 1 pair was just right, thanks to my knitting Oracle 🪽
so 3 pairs.
it will take me a while to revisit her advice. but I have it now.
thank you
Happy sockalong birthday. I’m always surprised when I count up the socks at the end of the year. I’ve knotted 18 pairs this year, many for presents and some helical scrappy pairs to the most of the yarn
I love your basic sock pattern. Its so easy to follow and I’ve yet to fail to make a pair for someone that gey haven’t love or haven’t fitted.
Since May 2025 I’ve made 17 pairs of basic socks
Thank you again
3 pairs of 4 ply and 2 pairs of 6ply this year 😊 (all completed between Christmas and Easter!). One pair was also a prize winning pair – in the local horticultural show.
4 pairs and 1 in progress
Happy birthday
Happy Sockalong Birthday. Just 6 basic pairs as I’ve been knitting other patterns, particularly easy lace and well travelled.
Happy 11th birthday from south Gloucestershire. I have knitted 4 and a half pairs this year and enjoyed every minute
Just two pairs and one on the needles. This year, I have started an emergency sock to the car. Thank you for this idea. Sometimes, I get very little done on it but other times much more. It is great to have something useful to do when waiting.
I am on my fourth pair of your Basic Socks for this year but I’ve really lost count of my total since beginning in 2016 I think. Occasionally I will knit a different pattern for fun but I always return to my favourite basic pattern.
Today, my local craft shop gave me your website details when I bought her 9hand dyed wool to learn how to make socks. Life is surreal.
Just about to cast on my first pair of Basic Socks. I’ve made difficult sock patterns before but was looking for an easy knit. I’m reading from California, USA. Love what I’ve seen of your blog.
I have knit 4.5 pairs since last May…one pair is just past the heel turn on both socks. I knit “two at a time” but on two separate balls to make sure I keep on track with row count, etc. and so that I don’t end up with single sock syndrome! And I live in Canada!
I love a good basic sock. There are so many pretty yarns that don’t need a fancy stitch pattern to really shine. And knitted socks are so practical! I’ve made 1 pair of basic socks since last year but I’ve decided to cast on for the KAL and I’m in Missouri USA.
I only made two pairs of basic socks this time, but I’m so happy to say I’ve used other patterns of yours, which is amazing for me, because I have little confidence. Your patterns are wonderful. Thank you for so generously providing the instructions and guidance. I’ll be casting on some plain 4-ply soon!!
I am very proud to have completed 2 pairs of Basic 4-ply socks in the last year with a third pair on the needles as I write! No day is complete without adding a few more rows or connecting with the Facebook group for encouragement and inspiration whilst I sit in my favourite knitting space at home in Auckland, New Zealand. Finding West Yorkshire Spinners yarn through a numerous local stockists has been both a surprise and a nostalgia trip all in one as I am a Yorkshire lass. Guess what my Yorkshire family will receive from me this Christmas? 🧦🧦 Thanks again, Christine, for getting me started. 💐
I’m a regular reader of your blog and have cast on to make socks at least twice but have never progressed beyond the rib. I find it difficult holding such short circular needles. I’ll be seventy in just a few weeks so I’m determined that this is the year that I will finish my first pair! Thank you for your excellent tutorials. I live on the South coast opposite the Isle of Wight.
Christine, Happy 11th Sockalong Birthday! I have finished 4 pairs of Winwick Mum Basic 4ply Socks since May 2025. I cast on a new sock yesterday. I “found” you in 2017 and purchased Super Socks and because of your wonderful instructions I learnt how to knit socks. Knitting the Basic 4ply sock pattern is my happy place of calm! I live in Adelaide, South Australia.
Third attempt at leaving a reply. Here in Fife, Scotland I have knit 8 pairs of basic socks in the last 12 months in between other patterned pairs.
Hello – I’m Carole from Henley-on-Thames – I love knitting socks, my sock drawer is full and I still have a whole drawer of sock yarn to knit through ! – Since May 2025 I have knitted x5 Winwick Mum Basic 4ply Socks – I have tried a different pattern with shop purchased DK and failed and have returned to my favourite book Super Socks – HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY x
hi Christine. I’m astounded at all the comments you have, and all of them are so nice.
I am on my 8th pair of socks using your basic 4ply pattern. I love using WYS yarn and watching the patterns emerge as the sock grows.
Thank you for your wonderful enthusiasm. You are the reason my family wear great socks.
I’m in Herefordshire and have completed 8 pairs of basic socks this year, including my first pair of scrappy socks, which I love! Currently knitting myself a pair with WYS Owl on 2.25 circular with 68 stitch cast on. Good firm fabric, but I think I’ll go back to 2.5 – easier and quicker…
Happy 11th Sockalong Birthday! I’m so glad to have your brilliant tutorials and I look forward to the weekly emails and any other catch ups, they’re a highlight of the week for me! This is the Year of Socks for me, family and friends are all having a pair of hand knitted socks for Christmas. I’ve done 3 and a half pairs so far, another 4 to go and then I’ve a feeling my immediate family will also be getting some scrappy socks to use up the leftovers! Love from Becky in East Anglia
Hi, I’ve knitted 3 pair since the last Sockalong. I’m currently trying to decide which sock yarn I’ll cast on for this years WM Sockalong.
I’m from the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, Australia.
We are coming into our winter months and it’s a perfect time to get cosy and knit another pair of socks.
I have knitted 7 pairs all for me! My husband is a keen photographer, so I have many moments to fill whilst he takes his next shot. I always keep a pair of socks on the go in my bag, so I can pull them out and find a comfortable spot to do some rows, whilst I wait. I get to enjoy the location (yes, even in the winter) and I have had many chats with people about crafting, as they can’t resist asking what I am doing. People often ask why I bother knitting socks, my answer is they are comfortable and keep my feet at a good temperature what ever the weather. I am so glad I stumbled upon this blog in 2016 and have knitted many many socks in that time. I also always have another pair by the settee, so I can do a few rows whilst having the first coffee of the morning. I truly love this pattern. Happy Birthday.
Always grateful that I found the Winwick Mum Basic Sock pattern and although I’ve made several other of your patterns this year, I’ve also made 3 of the Basic Sock. Always a go to when I want to knit while travelling.
My count is 20 – that is counting some socks for babies, but discounting any socks that had a short row heel or were not 4 ply. I hope long socks count, otherwise you will have to minus 1! I have another pair on the needles as well! I am joining from Australia 🙂
Happy birthday, Christine, from the Basque Country!! This year I have only knitted 5 pairs of Basic Socks but I have another one on the needles that go with me everywhere. Family and friends love your socks and one of my colleagues is learning to knit them. She doesn’t speak English, so I’m helping her with the translation. I hope she’ll be able to finish them very soon.
Thank you very much for your patterns 😉
Irune
Since May 2025 I’ve knitted 5 pairs using your Basic 4 ply Sock pattern. This is my go to pattern for my socks.
Hi Christine, I have completed 4 pairs of basic 4ply socks. Love making them. I live in Argyll. Thank you for all your encouragement and inspiration.
Happy birthday and Happy Cinco de Mayo!
I have made only 1 pair of Basic socks!!! However- I made 1 Trailblazer socks for myself and hope to make more for the friends who work in the barn taking care of the horses! I am in the middle of the Kaleidoscope socks and think it’s pretty cool!😎
Thx Christine for answering my questions. Happy Spring
Happy Birthday from New Zealand! Well done you, what an achievement! I have knitted 2 pairs of Basic 4ply socks since last May a gift for my very best friend and currently have a pair for myself on the go at the moment with plans for another 2 pairs. I recently bought some new boots and find that home made socks feel so much nicer in them. My only regret is not having local access to the selection of sock yarn available though I can get WYS online, but half the fun is feeling the yarn before you choose!
I’ve knitted 2 pairs of 4 ply and hoping to do a 6 ply pair next.
I think it’s 12 pairs in various sizes! My go to pattern for all sorts of pretty sock wool.
Happy Birthday. I am from Manchester and on my second pair of socks.
I have been knitting socks for 8 years and lost count of the number I have knitted. However my total since May 25 is 12. Thank you for all the inspiration Christine.
Only 2 completed pairs this year, from New Zealand. But they’ve been fun. I have to thank you so much for introducing me to sock knitting ten years ago! I revisit your tutorial every single time for the kitchener grafting. (Well, for the whole thing really, but the grafting I still have to follow step by step).
Thank you for your ongoing lovely blogs and generosity with your knowledge and titbits.
I’ve been knitting basic socks for decades, I also started with a free basic pattern for socks. Using wooden needles I’ve knitted on long and short flights, trains and buses. I’ve knitted 15 pairs since November due to being housebound for a few weeks. I like to also like to knit a bag in the round to put the socks in when they are a gift. The postman was a regular as he delivered the next ball of yarn.
I’ve made 10 pairs of your basic 4 ply patter and two pairs in dk yarn. I have cast on a pair for my husband in WYS Mallard, he has nearly all the bird socks now. Thank you for all the posts and lovely patterns. I live in Chingford.
One pair made with ‘Jingle Bells’ colour mix (Yorkshire?) and one lone sock made with Aldi blue stripy sock yarn with United Socks merino cuff heel & toe contrast (getting adventurous). Hoping to finish the other one before the end of the year! Cambridge area … and I hadn’t made any before! That 3rd sock is important!
I am just starting my first pair of socks.
I have an ever growing folder of your lovely sock patterns, that i am working my way through, don’t very often make the basic 4ply just two pairs. really enjoy knitting your socks. thank you. somewhere in Hampshire.
I’ve knitted four (4) pairs so far. A new yarn shop opened in Steyning, West Sussex, and I’ve bought two lots of yarn for my next socks. I’ve mentioned you to the knit & group I attend so hopefully you will gain more followers. Happy birthday. 🎂
I thank my lucky stars for finding such a great and helpful site! I have knitted for many years but I had a total meltdown at work about 15 years ago and in my recovery I discovered socks! I knitted several pairs of badly fitted socks but the process of knitting helped calm my mind. Eventually I came across your site and everything made sense. I learned about tension and adjusting stitches to different sizes and the rest is history! Last year wasn’t my best for 4ply basic socks, I have only completed 6pairs (I have also made 8 pairs of 6ply which I love knitting) I have great plans for the coming year as I have retired and now have a dedicated room of my own for sewing and knitting. I have taken inspiration from “The knitting circle” by Ann Hood , “you knit to save your life” it sounds dramatic but the repetitive focus of knitting has made such a difference to me when things outside of my control are overwhelming and the action of knitting is so grounding. I always have a sock or two on the go to grab when I go out (just in case of along wait wherever, traffic jam ,hospital waiting etc.) Thank you for such a great source of inspiration and advice
A very happy Sockalong birthday to you, what a special day for you and just to say how wonderful it is to have you to help us with our sock knitting .
I’ve knitted 3 pairs of your basic sock last May and another three of your patterns as well. Enjoyed every minute and I’ve ‘introduced’ two other sock knitters to your socks. They are so pleased and knit socks all the time.
Hello from Australia, love your wonderful site and ramblings. Eight pairs for me this time!
Greetings from East Yorkshire and Happy Sockalong Birthday! I have been making your socks for a few years now. I have made 5 pairs since last May, that includes 2 Christmas gift ones for family, 2 for my husband and 1 for me. They are addictive, thank you for your catching sock enthusiasm.
Okay, I’m in. I started a pair of Basic Socks this morning, 64 sts, in WYS Signature, cornflower blue. I have done about 20 pairs of socks in the past year, many in Winwick Mum patterns, but this is the first pair of Basics this year.
Happy knitting! xxxx
Best of luck,
Happy birthday to Sockalong! I was so lucky to get to know you in my local yarn shop. The pattern was well written. I knitted a pair of sock, which I never thought I could do. Thank you.
Only one pair this year due to time limitations & brain fog from treatment, but many pairs in the past. And I’ve taught at least one newer knitter how to knit socks with your pattern. Keep up the great work and positivity. Paying it forward across the pond in Southern California.
I’m so glad I found your sock pattern.
Since May last year I have knitted 5 pairs of 4 ply socks. Most of them in WYS as the yarns are shown off so well
Happy sockalong birthday.
I have knitted my first two pairs of socks. I bought sock wool and a pattern years ago but was so scared of the instructions and DPN’s that it lay untouched for years. I went to a wool show just before Christmas given another pattern and encouraged to try. I am now addicted.The socks are not particularly professional but they are mine and I love them. There will be more and I am looking forward to improving with your help. I am from Shrophire UK
I have made 4 pairs of socks since last May and love your instructions and tutorials. My husband, granddaughter, friend were all recipients of the socks (one pair was for me!). My next sock project is going to be your shorty socks. I am located on the lovely west coast of British Columbia, Canada.
Heard about winwick mum about 3 years ago when a lady popped into my local craft group to pass the time before an appointment. Been knitting socks ever since and over the last year have made 6 pairs, all for family and friends. They love them.
Hi Christine, love the simple sock pattern, really relaxing and I enjoy a slower pace of knitting – another 5 pairs of socks knitted this year by me to add to the total. I’ve also chopped worn toes off another 4 pairs, picked up the stitches and knitted new toes! Happy sockalong birthday and here’s to knitting more socks!
My mum found your blog a few years ago and having knit her first pair of socks encouraged me to have a go. Thanks to your blog (and circular sock needles) I am now knitting socks regularly and have set myself the goal of a pair a month for this year (lots of unsuspecting family are going to get socky gifts this year 🤣). Happy Birthday to the sockalong, I have cast on!
I have knitted one and a half pairs of socks this year! I very much enjoy reading your blog, it is very calming.
Greetings Christine, I have not made any of your socks this year as I’ve not been well, but am about to embark on two pairs for Christmas gifts this year. I have made several pairs of your patterned socks in the past and at present at least 6 pairs in my sock drawer. My daughter first put me onto your sock patterns and I haven’t looked back since, you certainly are a star for sock makers everywhere, I am near Hadleigh in Suffolk…..not the Essex one!
I am totally hooked on making socks and have made 9 pairs so far with 2 pairs still on the needles. You have been incredibly helpful when I first started and answered all my questions. Thank You
Happy Birthday and thank you for the fabulous patterns, your kind words and inspiration. This year I have knit 8 1/2 pairs of socks; one pair for myself using 2 different balls of Regia Kaffe Fassett (they were similar) and 7 1/2 pairs for friends’ zero birthdays. I love to encourage people to try socks as I agree, they are not too difficult. Thank you again Ali xo
Happy birthday! An extra 4 pairs from me this year keeping feet warm in County Durham
Thank you I learnt to knit socks with your blog. I’ve made 8 pairs of simple
Socks now since starting just before Christmas.
Congratulations on your upcoming birthday. I’ve been following you virtually since you started your journey. I’ve knit, I would say at least 6 pairs of your socks, and countless others.
Am getting my needles, pattern and yarn together ready to knit my first pair of socks on my LONG flight over to Seattle next week to then board an Alaska bucket list cruise. I live on Nottingham/Derby border. Happy Birthday 🥳
Big Happy birthday 🎂🥳. I have been a knitter forever but like many always thought socks would be too hard. A few years ago I found you and never looked back..The majority of my socks go to my eldest child who adores them and wears them with crocs working in hospital theatres. However also wears them everywhere like in the garden so I’m learning to repair. Since last May I have only knit 4 pairs but have 3 pairs on needles currently. I am Irish living in Suffolk and knit my socks on small circular needles x
Many happy returns Christine and thankyou souch for all your help with easy tutorials .I have two of your gorgeous books and quite a few balls of yorkshire spinners yarns wich I love so much ive bought needles and everything I will.need to start my first pair of socks ive just nearly come to the end of my cross stitch projects and my embroidery which were all on my bucket list so the next projects for me will be sock making and crochet so thankyou so much for the opportunity 😀 x
I am on pair five and totally addicted. Thankyou for your clear instructions and to all those that have answered my daft questions
Happy birthday!🥳
I’ve just rushed round to grabbed some sock 4ply and some little circular knitting needles, this is going to be my first try, wish me luck 🤞
I finished my first pair in January, and I’m about to start a second for my brother! I’m in Northern Illinois, US 🙂
I’ve just started learning to make socks and already knitted 2 pairs of basic socks.
7 pairs (I think!) of the 4ply basic ones this year, plus just about to finish another 🧦
I have finished 1 pair of 4ply socks and started a second. Your blog helped me turn my first heel and inspired me to keep going 😄
This year I’ve knit one pair of socks and currently on the second pair but it’s going very slowly. I’m about on the foot part of the first sock, so I can’t even put it down to second sock syndrome! They will get finished because I love the yarn, King Cole Zig Zag plum wine !
I have a sock and a half so far and this is my first ever knit project. I’m in Farmington, NM USA.
I started knitting your socks in 2016. I have knitted hundreds of pairs since then, always using your patterns, Christine. I always have at least 1 pair on my needles which I take with me everywhere.
Thank you for such an amazing community
Oops, it looks like I missed the contest this year! But thank you so much for teaching me how to knit socks! I made one pair of your Treasure Socks this past year.
Id love to be entered
I’m still trying to get a pair of socks that fit my feet but at last I’ve got the idea of anatomy of the sock Thankyou
I have just ordered yarn and a needle for my first pair of socks after reading this post, I’m a bit nervous but think the sock a long looks manageable. Thank you
Woohoo! That’s wonderful! Everybody is a bit nervous when they start something new, but I’ll help you at all the sock stages and I’m sure it won’t be long before you’re wearing your new socks 🙂 xx