Are you ready to knit socks? This pattern is the one that will help you!
Now used to knit over 23,700 pairs of socks*, this basic sock pattern is easy to adapt to any shoe size and foot shape, and if you need help, the Winwick Mum Sockalong tutorials will talk you through every step of the way. Written for short circular, long circular and double pointed needles, you can choose the needle style that suits you best, and then sit with me as we discuss sock anatomy and work our way from casting on for the cuff all the way down to seam-free toes.
Don’t need tutorials? You can cast on straight away as the pattern is easy to follow and if you need to make adjustments, advice and links are given to help.
This is a cuff down sock pattern with a heel flap and gusset. The heel flap is worked in heel stitch for a comfy, cushioned heel, and the toes are grafted with Kitchener stitch.
These will be the best socks you’ll ever wear!
Useful to know
Size
To fit ball of foot circumference 8 inches; 20 cm
Advice is given on how to adjust the pattern and how to calculate the right number to cast on for the perfect fit.
Yarn
1 x 100g ball or 2 x 50g balls of 4ply yarn of your choice.
There’s information in the Sockalong tutorials about choosing yarn – I recommend a good quality yarn such as West Yorkshire Spinners, Regia or Opal as it will be more forgiving if you make mistakes!
For WYS yarn stockists, click here.
Materials
2.5mm needles – short circular needle, DPNs (double pointed needles) or 80cm circular for magic loop
1 set DPNs size 3.0mm (optional for a looser cuff)
1 set DPNs size 2.5mm (not required for magic loop)
Stitch holder (optional)
Stitch markers
Wool needle
Tension
30 sts to 10 cm (4 ins) in stocking stitch (worked in the round) on 2.5mm needles.
This pattern is for:
- Knitters who can confidently cast on, knit and purl. (I’ll help you with the rest!)
- Knitters who want to knit socks but have always thought they were too hard (they’re not!).
- People who know that hand-knitted socks are the BEST socks you’ll ever wear!
Printing info:
The pattern is 6 pages long.
- 4 pages of pattern including information on how to adjust sizing
- 2 pages of additional information at the end
You can find the Winwick Mum Sockalong tutorials here, and if you’d prefer them in book form, I’ve got that too! You can find Super Socks, the paperback version of the Sockalong tutorials here, and e-book versions on Amazon, Nook and Kobo.
Want to stay in touch? Click the link below to join the Winwick Mum mailing list to hear about the latest blog posts, pattern updates, tutorials and more … but no spam, I promise!
* It’s true! I have a fun count up of pairs of socks knitted on the Sockalong birthday every year and in 2025, there were 23,713 pairs of Basic 4ply Socks knitted – and they’re just the ones I know about! Knit these socks and you’ll be in good company!
Kind Words
“I’m so proud! I absolutely loved making these, fabulous pattern, it came highly recommended and did not disappoint and can’t wait to make more! Thanks again!” Rachel @thefrenchseams, Instagram
“I just love making socks with Winwick Mums basic sock pattern. It is so much a part of me. I make a pair and immediately start another one. It is the best, it makes a day, and keeps me happy. Love giving them away because I feel it comes from a part of my life to them.” Veronica, Facebook
