If you’ve ever wanted to make your own socks but you don’t knit, you’re in luck! Today we’re sharing 22 great sewing patterns for socks, including 7 free options. You’ll find a wide variety of sock styles and all the information you need about each like sizing, design details, required fabric, pattern format, and whether they suit beginners. We also cover the best fabric choices, the easiest patterns, sewing tips, and free pattern options in our Q&A section at the end.
Contents list:
- Basic socks
- Long thigh or knee-high socks
- Fleece socks
- No-show anklet socks
- Socks for babies, toddlers & kids
- Toe socks
- Quick Q&A’s
Basic socks:
“Sew It Forward” basic knit socks (+ Video)
Download now from Ellie and Mac – FREE
- Sizes: US shoe sizes:
- Kids: 9-10 / 4 – 5.
- Women: 6 – 7.5 / 14 – 15.
- Men: 4.5 – 6 / 12.5 – 13.5.
- Design: Basic socks. Comfortable seam placement. Ankle / mid-calf length.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with 50% four way stretch. For example, cotton, viscose, bamboo, or rayon jersey.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Projector files are included. Illustrated instructions are included in the download. A YouTube video tutorial is also available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great pattern for an adventurous beginner to try. The socks are very simple in design, and the instructions and YouTube video are clear and helpful. Scraps of fabric can be used since the pattern pieces are very small so these would be a great way to practice your skills sewing with knit fabrics.
“Cozy Toes” sock pattern with length options and animal appliques (+ Video)
Buy now from Peek a Boo Pattern Shop – $7.95
- Sizes: XS – 3XL. Foot length: 8.5” – 12″ (21.5 – 30.5 cm). A separate kids sock pattern is available here.
- Design: Basic sock with heel dart and side & top toe seams. Options for knee, ankle, or crew lengths. Option for slim, regular or plus widths. Eight optional animal appliqué designs included.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with 30% four way stretch and 5% lycra or spandex are recommended. Scraps of knit fabrics can be used for the animal appliqués.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are included. Illustrated instructions are included in the download. A YouTube video tutorial for the children’s socks is also available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, Ithink this would be a great pattern for an adventurous beginner to practice sewing with knit and stretchy fabrics. Scraps of fabric can be used if they have the correct amount of stretch, and since they are socks a more relaxed approach can be taken. There are also thorough instructions included and an additional YouTube video to help you along.
“Just Sew It” simple socks for the whole family
Buy now from TheWolfAndTheTree on Etsy – $12
- Sizes: Child 2XS – Adult 2XL. (Newborn – US W14 / M13). Foot length: 3” -11 ¾” (8 – 30 cm).
- Design: Basic, simple socks. Option for mini crew, crew, knee high and over the knee lengths. Cuff band. One seam. Perfect for scrap busting.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with 50% four way stretch and good recovery, like cotton, viscose, bamboo or rayon jersey and spandex / lycra blends.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. These socks are a very simple sew with just one seam. Since the socks only require a small amount of fabric, they are great for practicing your skills in working with knits. A complete beginner might struggle with sewing the cuff in the round, but careful sewing and lots of pins will help. Use a stable cotton jersey for an easier sew.
“Crew” simple ankle socks with one pattern piece
Buy now from Tooth and Eye – $3
- Sizes: XS – L. US Women’s 5 -12.
- Design: Basic, simple ankle sock. Made from a single pattern piece. One seam on the inside of the leg. Elastic cuff.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with two or four way stretch like cotton, viscose, bamboo or rayon jersey and spandex / lycra blends. Mesh and stretch lace can also be used.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The socks are simple in style with minimal sewing involved. A complete beginner might struggle with sewing the elastic cuff since this is a small area that is sewn in the round. Taking your time and pinning lots or basting will help. Use a stable knit without a lot of drape to make the sewing process easier.
“90’s” simple socks with length variations
Buy now from Made for Mermaids – $9
- Sizes: Baby – Adult XL. Foot length: 4” – 12.5” (6 – 32 cm).
- Design: Basic sock pattern. Option for ankle, crew or knee high lengths. Side seam. Under foot gusset. Cuff.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics like cotton, viscose, bamboo or rayon jersey, or lycra blends. Scraps of old t-shirts can be used.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit an adventurous beginner with some sewing experience. A complete beginner might struggle with the shaping of the foot gusset since it’s sewn on a small, curved area. Since scrap fabrics are recommended to use, this pattern would be a great one to use for sock making practice and advancing your skills sewing with knit or jersey fabrics.
Unisex “Going Rogue” socks with length options
Buy now from TheWolfAndTheTree on Etsy – $12
- Sizes:
- Women: US 0-32. US Shoe sizes 4-13. Foot length: 8” – 11” (21 – 28 cm).
- Men: US Shoe sizes 8-17. Foot length: 10” – 13” (25 – 33 cm).
- Design: Basic tube sock pattern. Option for mini crew, bobby socks, crew, knee high and over the knee lengths. Top of toe seam. Side seam. Optional heel. Optional color blocked toes. French seam finish.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with two or four way stretch. For example, cotton, viscose, bamboo or rayon jersey, sheer jerseys, stretch chiffon, poly blends and stretch lace can also be used..
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are included. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit a confident beginner wanting to advance their skills sewing with knit fabrics. There are options with the pattern to make the sewing process easier, for example, leaving out the heel. There is also the option to use a stable knit fabric rather than a sheer fabric such as lace or chiffon which can be very tricky to work with.
Free, simple ankle length socks
Download now from Makebra – FREE
- Sizes: One size in EU 39-41 / UK 7-8. The pattern can be easily adapted to other sizes.
- Design: Basic simple sock. Two pattern pieces: upper and sole. Two seams: center back and around the foot. Ankle length.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with two or four way stretch. Sewing with fabric scraps or old clothing is suggested.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think a confident beginner with some sewing experience would enjoy sewing this pattern. The socks are simple in style with minimal seaming involved. Some of the seams could be tricky to sew for a complete beginner since they are curved and intricate. Since the socks can be sewn from scraps, these are a great way to practice and improve your skills.
Long thigh or knee-high socks:
“Rosalie” vintage inspired seamed stockings
Download now from The Dreamstress – FREE
- Sizes: One size in EU 39 / US W8.5. Foot length: 9.5” (24 cm). The pattern includes lines for adjusting the size.
- Design: 18th century inspired seamed stockings. Back seam. Pointed back heel detail. Darts for heel and ankle shaping. Seams around the side of the foot.
- Fabric: Light weight knit fabric with at least 30% stretch and good recovery, such as wool, silk, cotton or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate level sewist. The stocking pattern is complicated in design including delicate points and darts which will require precise, accurate sewing. The recommended fabrics are fine and difficult to work with, so some experience in sewing with lightweight knit fabrics would be helpful.
Adult cosplay stockings with center back seam and optional character styles
Buy now from TheWolfAndTheTree on Etsy – $12
- Sizes:
- Women: Leg sizes US 0-32. US Shoe sizes 4-13. Foot length: 8” – 11” (21 – 28 cm).
- Men: US Shoe sizes 6-17. Foot length: 9” – 13” (23 – 33 cm).
- Design: Adult cosplay socks. Center back seam. Optional color blocking or character details like shark, fish, dinosaur or dragon. Optional stripes.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 25% stretch and good recovery. For example, cotton, viscose or bamboo jersey, mesh, stretch chiffon or lycra.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate level sewist. The reviews suggest that the instructions for the stockings are difficult to follow and there are lots of small parts involved (depending on which version you make). Some previous experience sewing with stretchy knit fabrics would be an advantage. Using a more stable fabric would be helpful instead of mesh or chiffon.
Fleece socks:
“Stretch” thermal fleece socks with optional color blocking (+ Video)
Buy now from Jalie – $9.98 CAD (approx. $7)
- Sizes: 24 sizes included. US Shoe sizes:
- Babies: 0 – 13.
- Children: 1 – 6.
- Women: 5 – 12.
- Design: Thermal fleece socks. Knee length. Seamed around the sides and foot. Separate piece for under the foot. Option for color blocking.
- Fabric: Fleece fabric with at least 40% stretch in length and width.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are included. Instructions are included. A video tutorial can be found here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced, confident beginner could sew this pattern. Some previous sewing experience would be helpful for sewing the smaller curved areas, but fleece is a stable fabric that’s easy to sew and there’s a video tutorial included.
Fleece sock pattern with large cuff
Download now from Elizabeth Made This – FREE
- Sizes: One size in US Women’s 6, but there are instructions for adjusting the size.
- Design: Basic sock pattern. Upper and lower foot pieces. Separate toe piece. Large cuff. Ankle length.
- Fabric: Medium weight knit fabric. Fleece or lycra blend cotton jersey.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included in the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No, this pattern would better be suited for an intermediate sewist. The pattern is made up of 4 different pieces that need to be seamed accurately, particularly around the inset corner at the back of the heel.
“Shiver Me” fleece slipper socks
Download now from Patterns for Pirates – FREE
- Sizes: Baby – Adult XL. US Shoe sizes 2 – 15. Foot length: 4” – 12 ½” (10 – 32 cm).
- Design: Simple slipper socks. Center front and back seams. Separate sole. Fully lined. The top can be folded down for a contrasting cuff. Ankle length.
- Fabric: Stretchy fleece fabric, polar fleece, or sherpa. Light to medium weight knit fabric like cotton jersey for the lining.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Projector files are included. Instructions can be found in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced, confident beginner could sew these slippers. Some sewing experience would definitely be an advantage, since some of the pattern pieces are small and curved, making them fiddly to sew. The fabric could also get quite thick to work with as they are lined. However, since these are slippers, fit and finish does not need to be perfect so these would be a great way to practice and advance your sewing skills with different fabrics and shapes.
“Super socks” cozy, simple fleece socks
Buy now from Maria Denmark – $8
- Sizes: EU shoe sizes 26-46.
- Kids’ XS-L. Foot length: 6 ¼” – 8 ½”(16 – 22 cm).
- Women’s M-L. Foot length: 9 ½” – 10 ¼” (24 – 26 cm).
- Men’s M-L. Foot length: 11” – 12” (28 – 30 cm).
- Design: Simple, cozy fleece socks. Two pattern pieces: front and back. Shaped heel. Option for color blocking. Ankle / mid-calf length.
- Fabric: Fleece fabric or sweater knits with some stretch.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Projector files are included. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think a confident beginner would enjoy sewing this pattern. The design of the sock is simple with only two pattern pieces. The recommended fabrics are relatively easy to work with. Using scraps of fleece or old sweaters would be a great way to practice your skills in sewing with knits.
No-show anklet socks:
No-show socks and anklets pattern
Buy now from TheWolfAndTheTree on Etsy – $12
- Sizes: US shoe sizes:
- Little kids 10 – Big kids ½. Foot length: 6” – 8” (15 – 20 cm).
- Women’s 5-13 / Men’s 4 – 12. Foot length: 8 ½” – 11” (21.5 – 28 cm).
- Design: No show socks for wearing with ballet flats, mary janes, heels, or athletic shoes. Includes, anklet, regular rise and low rise. Elastic cuff.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with 40-50% stretch and good recovery. For example, cotton lycra, French terry, sweater knit, stretch lace, stretch chiffon, polyblend, or rayon spandex.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an advanced beginner to intermediate level sewist. Depending on which version you make, the socks are very small and include a lot of fiddly curved sewing. Attaching the band will be difficult for a complete beginner since this will require precise sewing. Some previous experience sewing with knit fabrics would be helpful.
“Gubbins” no-show ballet flat socks with very low rise (+ Video)
Download now from The Golden Thimble – FREE
- Sizes: One size. Exact measurements are not provided.
- Design: Lace ‘no show’ socks. Very low rise. Rolled hem finish.
- Fabric: Very light weight knit fabric scraps with at least 50% stretch, such as stretch lace or stretch chiffon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Written instructions and a video tutorial can be found in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Since this sock pattern is sewn from a very lightweight knit fabric, it will be difficult to sew neatly. The socks also have an elastic finish around the opening, which will require precise sewing. I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate level sewist.
Socks for babies, toddlers & kids:
“Sloane’s” basic knee-high socks with length options
Buy now from The Simple Life Co – $5
- Sizes: Ages 2T – 12. US shoe sizes: Toddler 8 – Youth 5. Foot length: 6 ¼” – 9 ¼” (16 – 23 cm).
- Design: Basic kids’ socks. Options for ankle, crew, or knee-high length. Leg cuffs. Side seams. Front, back and foot pattern pieces.
- Fabric: Scraps of knit fabrics with some stretch are suggested.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Projector files are included. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think a confident beginner would enjoy sewing this pattern. Some sewing experience would be helpful for sewing the curved parts of the sock as these can be fiddly and difficult to sew. However, since scrap fabric can be used, this pattern would be great for practicing your sock making skills and an opportunity to enhance your skills in sewing with knits.
Baby “Opal” tights and socks
Buy now from Petite Stitchery – $9.50
- Sizes: Newborn – 24 months.
- Design: Baby and toddler socks and tights. Options for thigh-high socks, knee-high socks, or full tights. Socks include fold over cuffs. Tights have an elasticated waist.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 60% four way stretch and good recovery. For example, cotton jersey, rib knits, or waffle knits.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are included. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great pattern for a confident beginner with some sewing experience to sew. The tights and socks are simple in style with minimal sewing since they are simple in design. Using a stable knit like a cotton jersey for an easier sew.
“Cozy Critter” sock pattern with different animal / character details (+ Video)
Buy now from Peek a Boo Pattern Shop – $9.95
- Sizes: Newborn – 12 years. Foot length. 3 – 9.75” / 7.5 – 24.75 cm
- Design: Fitted and shaped socks. Options for knee high, crew or ankle lengths. Includes eight appliqués for animal design knee highs. Heel darts. Seams along sides and toes. Seamless along the front of the toe for comfort.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 30% four way stretch and 5% lycra or spandex. For example, cotton jersey, wool knits, bamboo or viscose jersey with lycra / spandex content.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are included. Instructions are included. An additional video tutorial is also available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great pattern for a confident beginner with some sewing experience. There is a little more shaping involved in this pattern which could be tricky for a complete beginner. However, the video tutorial provided, along with the various style options make it a great pattern to practice with. Choose the basic sock version and use a cotton blend jersey or fabric scraps if you’re not feeling confident.
“Bobby’s” simple scrap busting socks with length options (+ Video)
Buy now from CKC Patterns – $10
- Sizes: Newborn – 18 years. Shoe size. 0 – Adult size 5.
- Design: Simple socks. Options for ankle, crew or knee length. Various band options including elastic or fabric band. Seams above toes.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch, such as cotton lycra blends. Perfect for using up scraps or old knit clothes.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are included. Instructions are included. An additional video tutorial is also included with purchase.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I don’t see why a confident beginner with some experience couldn’t have a go at this pattern. The style of the socks is simple and since they are small and can be sewn from fabric scraps, this pattern would be a great opportunity to practice your skills in sewing with knits.
Kids cosplay socks with style and character options
Buy now from TheWolfAndTheTree on Etsy – $10
- Sizes: Toddler 6/7 – Big kid 6/7. Foot length. 5.2 – 9.75” / 13.2 – 24.75 cm.
- Design: Kids’ cosplay socks. Options for knee-high or over the knee lengths. Character options included for mermaid, shark, fish, dinosaur and dragon details. Options for stripes or color blocking. Twist-around back seam. Under foot back seam.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 40-50% stretch like cotton jersey, wool knits, bamboo, or viscose jersey. Scraps would be perfect.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an advanced beginner to intermediate level sewist. Depending on which version of the sock you choose to sew, there is some fiddly sewing involved with the small parts of the character designs. Some experience sewing with knit fabrics would be helpful but since these are socks, the finish doesn’t need to be perfect so this would be a great way to practice and use up fabric scraps.
“Abby’s knock out” dressy knee length socks with various decorative finishes
Buy now from TheWolfAndTheTree on Etsy – $10
- Sizes: 2T – Age 14. Foot length: 6 ¼” – 10” (16 – 26 cm).
- Design: Simple knee-high socks. Option for elastic cuff or cuff band. Reversible / fully lined view. Option for double or triple ruffle, top tie, or lace ruched boot top or rose accent. Top of toe seam.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 25% stretch, such as cotton jersey, poly blends, bamboo or viscose jersey. Lace scraps can be used for the trims.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would best suit an advanced, confident beginner to intermediate level sewist. A confident beginner could tackle the simple style socks but more experience might be useful for sewing the lace trims and ruffles and more involved designs.
Toe socks:
Japanese style “tabi” toe socks tutorial
Read tutorial now on Angel Eden Blog Tutorial – FREE
- Sizes: Socks are sewn from an existing pair of socks, so you can choose whichever size you like.
- Design: Simple Japanese style “tabi” socks. Sewn from an existing pair of socks.
- Fabric: Old trainer socks are suggested.
- Format: Blog tutorial with illustrated instructions included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is a super simple sewing project and very quick and easy to do since it involves only two lines of stitching. You won’t need to purchase new fabric or sew any curved / shaped seams to create the actual socks.
Quick Q&A’s:
How much fabric is needed for socks?
Since socks are generally small, they can be sewn from as little as a half yard of fabric. A good thing about making socks is that scraps or fabric remnants from other dressmaking projects can be used. Another way of sewing socks is to use old clothing made from knit fabrics like t-shirts or leggings.
What fabric do you need to sew socks?
Since socks need to stretch around your feet and usually have a close fitting finish, most socks are sewn from knit fabrics with a range or 25 – 60% stretch and good recovery. Recovery means that although the garment is stretched out around your foot during wear, it will return to its original shape when removed. Cotton, bamboo, viscose and wool jerseys with around 5% lycra / spandex contents are perfect for most sock patterns.
Can you make socks with a sewing machine?
Yes. Sewing socks on a sewing machine is standard practice. You can also use an overlocker / serger but it’s not necessary, and you might not enjoy the feel of serged seams against your feet.
How easy is it to make socks?
Depending on the style of the sock, socks can be very simple to sew. Socks vary in style and some designs have more fitting and shaping involved than others. An example of a very simple sock pattern to sew would be the “Just Sew It” socks from TheWolfAndTheTree on Etsy.
Is it worth sewing socks?
I think this depends on your own viewpoint. Socks can be very cheap to buy from shops these days, but cheap socks will often wear down quickly and you’ll need to replace them quite often, leading to increased textile waste in landfills. By making your own socks you are able to choose a much higher quality fabric for cheaper, and reduce fabric wastage by using up scraps and old clothing articles.
How much does a sock cost to make?
Socks can be sewn from as little as $5 if buying the fabric new (based standard cost of a cotton jersey rib knit and co-ordinating thread at the time of writing). The price of the sock will depend on the type and quality of fabric you choose to purchase. You can even sew them for free if you use scraps or old clothing. Bamboo or wool jerseys will be a more expensive choice but will be softer and more comfortable to wear.
Which sock material lasts longest?
Merino wool is a good choice for long lasting socks as it’s one of nature’s highest performing materials. Merino wool is an expensive fabric to buy but overall value for money since it wears so well.
How do you sew a sock seam?
As socks will need to stretch around your foot, you’ll need to use a stretchy seam. If you’re using a regular sewing machine, you can use a lightning stitch / a stretch stitch or a narrow zigzag. Alternatively, you can use an overlocker / serger with produces stretchy seams.
Which sock patterns are free?
- Sew It Forward by Ellie and Mac
- Simple Sock Pattern by Makebra
- Seamed Stocking Tutorial by The Dreamstress
- Basic Fleece Sock by Elizabeth Made This
- Shiver Me Fleece Socks by Patterns for Pirates
- Gubbins ‘No Show’ Socks by The Golden Thimble
- Tabi Toe Socks by Angel Eden Blog
What to read next:
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This article was written by Sally Gauntlett, and edited by Nisan Aktürk.
Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…