How to make crochet socks

Crochet Socks Step 1: the ankle

This is crocheted as a rectangle that is later folded in half and sewn together to form the top of the sock.  Chain as many stitches as you need to get the length of the sock from your angle upwards.  Then crochet back and forwards until the rectangle wraps around your ankle.  The key is to keep your crochet neat and square.  My first attempt was not a rectangle, so I had to unravel and try again, otherwise it won't sew up neatly.  The pattern says to sew the seam together at the end, but I hate sewing things at the end, it seemed quicker and easier to just crochet it up when I was ready, I used single crochets to join the seam.  It does for a bulky seam, but these are bed socks, so it doesn't matter, then the seam is done and you can keep going without cutting the yarn or having to come back to it later.

Start with a chain as long as the sock ankle needs to be

try to form a neat rectangle

sew the ends together when it fits around your ankle

like this

Crochet Socks Step 2: the heel flap

For this part you start working around the sock in each of the gaps left between stitches in the ankle.   I think this part is easier if you've already sewed up your seam.  When sewing around you are supposed to do a chain at the end of the row to step up to the next row, but I always forget where my rows are, its much easier to just keep going around and for a sock it does't really matter.  The pattern says to go around twice, I think I went around a few more times, the main thing is to remember what you did one the first sock if you want the second sock to look the same (mine are different!).

When you've gone around enough times you want to start crocheting a flap at the back of the sock.  Assuming you want that seam at the back, I just fold it in half with the seam at the back and judge where the flap needs to start, then instead of going around, you crochet back and forth for a while.  The pattern says 12 rows, but I always lose count, so best to try on the sock and make sure that the flap reaches the length of your heel.

starting the heel flap

the heel flap

Crochet Socks Step 3: Turning the heel

turning the heel

Crochet Socks Step 4: The gusset and foot

Crochet Socks Step 5: Toe shaping

one completed ugly sock

What do you think?  Have you ever crocheted a sock?  Did you think it was easier than knitting?  Are you going to give it a try?

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