All

Get Free Patterns Grab 2 free custom machine knitting patterns


A sock being knitted on a flatbed knitting machine, showing the work in progress with visible short row shaping for the heel area

Tips for Knitting Socks on Your Knitting Machine

Knitting socks on a flatbed knitting machine shouldn't be intimidating.
Master short row shaping and you can knit lots of variations.
Toe up, cuff down, yoga socks, socks for kids and adults .. the sky's the limit!

patterns socks

Plan Your Cast-On for Seamless Socks

  • When casting on, leave a long tail. This tail can be used for seaming your sock, avoiding the need for extra yarn later.
  • Think ahead about yarn colors and heel construction to minimize extra yarn ends.

Working the Heel Without Extra Yarn Ends

When your heel is the same color as the sock body and you are instructed to knit the heel on the opposite side from the carriage, note that your working yarn won’t be in position. Rather than cutting the yarn, try this:

  • Un-knit one row on the needles that will be put into hold.
  • Position the working yarn next to the heel area, ready to knit.
  • This allows you to knit the heel without creating an extra yarn end.

Knitting a Contrast Color Heel

  • Remove the main color yarn and secure it.
  • Do a free pass across to the heel side with all needles in working position, using slip setting.
  • Put needles into hold as instructed and thread the contrast color for heel shaping.
  • Use your thumb or a weight to keep stitches in place while short-rowing.
  • When the heel is complete, free pass again to position the carriage next to the working yarn and continue knitting.

You can knit socks!
Knitting socks on a knitting machine is a fast, fun project that allows for lots of creativity. Keep someone's toes warm with your own designs.
They aren't hard and don't have to be intimidating.

Socks on a knitting machine
Classroom: Socks


Knit it Now Sock patterns
Any yarn, any gauge, any machine

Preventing Holes During Short-Row Shaping

  • Manual wrapping: When short-rowing, wrap the working yarn around the needle next to the last stitch before putting it into hold. This prevents holes from forming.
  • Automatic wrapping: Put the needle next to the carriage into hold position. This achieves the same wrap automatically without manual intervention.

Managing Sloppy Edge Stitches

  • At the end of heel shaping, pick up the heel of the first stitch from the row below and hang it on the needle. This tightens up loose edge stitches and improves the look of your sock.

Final Notes

  • Use weights and your fingers as needed to keep stitches forming properly, especially in the center area where knitting builds up during heels and toes.
  • When all needles are back in work, continue knitting, ensuring all stitches are even and neat for a finished sock you'll be proud of!
6 Tips for Knitting Socks

Frequently Asked Questions

When knitting a contrast color heel, why do I need to free pass before starting?

Free passing positions the carriage correctly next to your working yarn. It ensures you don’t accidentally knit with the wrong color while setting up the heel section.

How do I avoid extra yarn tails when working the heel?

By un-knitting one row and repositioning the working yarn, you avoid breaking the yarn and creating unnecessary ends. This keeps your sock cleaner and reduces finishing work.

What’s the difference between manual and automatic wrapping during short rows?

Manual wrapping means physically wrapping the yarn around the needle. Automatic wrapping happens when you place the needle into hold position next to the carriage—it naturally wraps without extra steps.

What can I do about sloppy edge stitches after knitting the heel?

Pick up the heel of the stitch from the row below and hang it on the needle. This tightens the edge, creating a neat, professional finish.

Why use weights while knitting heels and toes?

The fabric builds up in the middle during short-row shaping, causing stitches to jump off or form unevenly. Using weights or manually holding stitches helps keep tension consistent.


Machine Knit-Able Sock Inspiration

Jelly Roll Socks

Fun, colorful socks with a twist. Added texture and color instead of ribbing.
more...

Learn More

RICO DESIGN SUPERBA HOTTEST SOCKS EVER

Looking to make a statement? Rico Design’s Superba Hottest Socks Ever has you covered.
With an eclectic palette of stripes, marls, and variegated colors, the fun never ends. Plus, the color-ways are designed so that the leg and foot reverse themselves on each sock. Start on the inside or outside
more...

Learn More

Zesty Sock

This vibrant and stretchy yarn makes for a beautiful, fun pair of socks. Color without lots of ends to work in!
more...

Learn More

Ankle Socks

Beautiful and sweet, lace socks with a fun ruffle is sure to please the girl in your life.
more...

Learn More

Maze Socks

The graphic qualities of the mosaic maze pattern are softened with the yarn’s variations in color. This is a fun pair of socks to get lost in, happily knitting while watching the different colors work their magic.

The peasant heel is constructed after the main sock is complete, allowing
more...

Learn More

Teenage Kicks Socks

This simple pattern is perfect for those wanting to practice their sock making skills and show self-striping yarns to their fullest advantage! Colorful with plenty of punky attitude, you'll soon have a new pair of stripey socks to get your kicks right through the night.

It's your choice:
more...

Learn More
Login You must be logged in to add your comments
1 COMMENT
Deborah L
 Aug 2, 2025
I think I will try the socks. I never knitted a pair before by hand, maybe by machine will be what I need to get going. I have been busy with the summer camp program at the church. Tomorrow is my last day. Time for me.

All