Simple sideways-knitted socks are quite easy to make. They do not require advanced skills and are suitable even for beginner knitters. The piece is worked as a single flat fabric in back-and-forth rows and then sewn together using a tapestry needle.
The sideways technique gives the socks a unique look, while self-striping or variegated yarn adds a decorative effect.
Designer Sisko Sälpäkivi
Sideways-Knitted Socks
These socks are knitted sideways using Novita 7 Veljestä Polaris or 7 Veljestä Polkka yarn. When knitting socks sideways, you begin by casting on stitches from the cuff toward the toe, then continue working across the foot.
Sizes and Measurements
Size(s): EU 38–39 (43–44)
Yarn and Accessories
- Yarn Requirement
Novita 7 Veljestä Polaris orange–blue: 100 (150) g or Novita 7 Veljestä Polkka blue–off-white: 100 (150) g. - Double-pointed needles size 3.5 mm (US 4), or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Tapestry needle.
Stitch Patterns
Stockinette stitch (RS):
Knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side.
Reverse stockinette stitch:
Purl on the right side, knit on the wrong side.
Gauge
19 stitches in stockinette stitch = 10 cm (4 inches)
Left Sideways-Knit Socks
Sole
Cast on 65 (75) stitches and work 1 WS row as follows:
Purl 10, place marker, purl 25 (30), place marker, purl 3, place marker, purl 2, place marker, purl 25 (30) = 65 (75) stitches.
Read the article to learn how to cast on stitches: Long-Tail Cast On Method (Classic Knitting Cast On).
Continue from Row 1 of Chart I:
- Work 25 (30) stitches across section A–B
- Work section B–C (= 2 stitches)
- Work section C–D (heel = 3 + 2 stitches)
- Work 25 (30) stitches across section D–E
- Work section E–F (= 10 stitches)
Repeat:
- Sections A–C and D–F: Rows 1–8, four times
- Section C–D (heel): Rows 1–32
For men’s socks, work one additional set of increases and decreases
(women: 7 repeats, men: 8 repeats).
Instep
Work as for the sole, but in section C–D knit the 3 stitches in stockinette stitch.
Leave stitches live on the needle and cut the yarn, leaving a tail long enough for grafting.
Right Sock Sideways-Knit Socks
Sole
Cast on 65 (75) stitches and work 1 WS row as follows:
Purl 25 (30), place marker, purl 2, place marker, purl 3, place marker, purl 25 (30), place marker, purl 10 = 65 (75) stitches.
Continue from Row 1 of Chart II:
- Work section A–B (= 10 stitches)
- Work 25 (30) stitches across section B–C
- Work section C–D (heel = 3 + 2 stitches)
- Work section D–E (= 2 stitches)
- Work 25 (30) stitches across section E–F
Repeat:
- Sections A–C and D–F: Rows 1–8, four times
- Section C–D (heel): Rows 1–32
Instep
Work as for the sole, but in section C–D knit the 3 stitches in stockinette stitch.
Finishing
- To finish the sideways-knitted socks, graft the live stitches to the cast-on edge using Kitchener stitch, or bind off and sew the seam.
- Sew the toe seam using alternating running stitches.
- Lightly steam the socks to finish.
The socks are now complete.
Conclusion
This article provides a detailed explanation of how to knit simple sideways socks. We hope that our step-by-step instructions will help you create a comfortable and warm pair of socks.
With this technique, you can easily experiment with different yarns, colors, and stitch patterns to create unique designs. Once you master the basics, you’ll be able to adapt the pattern to different sizes and styles, making it a versatile addition to your knitting skills.
Read our other articles on knitting socks on two needles:
