Free Sock Patterns to Get You Knitting
Plain Vanilla Socks
Picot Hem Socks (clear instructions; can substitute ribbed cuff): http://tinyurl.com/picotsocks
Two at Once Toe Up (on two circular needles): http://tinyurl.com/twoatoncetoeup
Toe Up Universal Sock Pattern (any yarn, any gauge): http://tinyurl.com/toeuprecipe or http://www.indigirl.com/sock–app/ for an auto-generated pattern customized for you.
Socks in DK or Worsted weight yarn:
Blueberry Waffle Socks (waffle rib): http://www.knitlist.com/98gift/blueberrysocks.htm
Tuscany Socks (slip stitch pattern good for colorful yarns): http://1870pearl.typepad.com/T3.pdf
Husbeast Socks (cables and ribbing): http://tinyurl.com/husbeast
Lace Socks
Diamondy Socks (one cute lace motif on the side): http://tinyurl.com/diamondsocks
Marigold Socks (toe up, medium complexity): http://tinyurl.com/marigoldsocks
Hourglass Socks (lace motif framed by twisted stitches): http://tinyurl.com/hourglasssocks
Cabled Socks
Earl Grey Socks (simple, tiny cables on the side): http://tinyurl.com/earlgreysocks
Boyfriend Socks (nice cables, more adventurous): http://tinyurl.com/boyfriendsocks
Cable Net (intricate cables, but not bulky): http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/PATTcablenet.html
Colorwork Socks
Winding Way Socks (easy first colorwork): http://tinyurl.com/windingwaysocks
Jack Sparrow’s Favorite Socks (toe up, skull and crossbones cuff): http://tinyurl.com/jsfsocks
Wollemeise Poppy Socks (adaptation of Persian Poppies): http://tinyurl.com/poppysocks
Unusual Socks
Sidewinders (garter stitch socks knit sideways instead of top to bottom or bottom to top): http://tinyurl.com/sidewayssocks
Extreme Socks (2 at once, one inside the other): http://tinyurl.com/extremesocks
Socks Donna Loves
Polly Jean (leafy lace, tiny cables, ribbing): http://www.exartstudent.net/60/polly–jean/
Azure Socks (faux cables, toe up with a heel flap): http://tinyurl.com/azuresocks
Vog On Anklets (lacy anklets, toe up or cuff down): http://tinyurl.com/vogonsocks
Sock Books You Might Like
Toe-Up: Patterns and Worksheets to Whip Your Sock Knitting Into Shape by Chrissy Gardiner: http://www.toeupsockbook.com/ – self-published, so it’s hard to get from the library, easy to purchase from online stores. Packed with clear explanations of various techniques, good photos, and many pretty patterns.
Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush: http://tinyurl.com/knitvintage – Nancy Bush is a traditional knitter (top-down, and she prefers double-pointed needles); here, she reinterprets vintage patterns from Weldon’s Needlework for modern yarns. Excellent section on heels and toes for those interested in technique, and patterns ranging from simple ribbing or texture to delicate lace.