Looking for the perfect free ankle sock pattern? Check out my sock pattern page for more—plus, THIS pattern is at the bottom!
I’m so excited to dive into today’s knitting adventure with you! Socks have always had a special place in my knitting heart, and today I’m sharing my favorite free ankle sock pattern: the Ethan Ankle Socks. If you’re a sock-knitting enthusiast—or even if you’re just curious about sock knitting—you’re in the right place! You’ll find THIS cozy pattern waiting for you at the bottom of this post, but first, I highly recommend hopping over to my sock pattern page, where you’ll discover even more fun free ankle sock patterns to inspire your knitting adventures.
Now, let’s talk about why I absolutely love the Ethan Ankle Socks, shall we?
Why You’ll Adore This Free Ankle Sock Pattern
I designed this particular free ankle sock pattern with comfort, style, and practicality in mind. Ethan means strong, firm, and safe—qualities perfectly embodied by these socks. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love a pair of socks that feel like a gentle hug on your feet? Whether you’re knitting socks for yourself or gifting them to someone special, these ankle socks hit all the right notes.
One of the highlights of the Ethan socks is how perfect they are for warmer weather. Using fingering weight yarn, these socks offer breathability, comfort, and just the right amount of stretch. You’ll soon see why this free ankle sock pattern has become a favorite in my knitting basket!
Yarn Selection for the Ethan Ankle Socks
Choosing the right yarn is crucial when knitting socks. Trust me, your toes will thank you! Fingering weight yarn is ideal for knitting socks because it’s delicate, breathable, and versatile enough to show off your beautiful stitch work.
My absolute go-to yarn for this free ankle sock pattern is KnitPicks Stroll (affiliate link). It has the perfect combination of soft wool and durable nylon, ensuring comfort and longevity. KnitPicks Stroll (affiliate link) makes these socks feel cozy but still sturdy enough for everyday wear. Once you’ve knit with this yarn, you’ll know exactly why I keep reaching for it again and again.
Reinforced Comfort: Because Your Feet Deserve the Best!
One of my favorite details in this free ankle sock pattern is the reinforced construction. I made sure the Ethan socks have reinforced heels and balls of the feet, ensuring they stay comfy and resilient even with frequent use. These thoughtful reinforcements mean you’ll enjoy your socks for seasons to come—no thinning out or uncomfortable spots here!
So, whether you’re planning long walks or just cozy evenings at home, this free ankle sock pattern guarantees that your socks remain supportive and durable.
Why Fingering Weight Yarn Is Perfect for Your Free Ankle Sock Pattern
If you haven’t experienced the magic of fingering weight yarn yet, let me fill you in. This yarn weight is ideal for sock knitting because it provides breathability, allowing your feet to stay comfy without overheating. Plus, it lets you incorporate lovely, intricate stitches into your design. If you’re looking for a sock pattern that’s both stylish and practical, this free ankle sock pattern is the perfect choice.
With fingering weight yarn, your Ethan socks can easily slip into shoes, slippers, or sneakers without bulkiness. I promise, once you experience the comfort of this yarn in your handmade socks, you’ll be hooked for life!
Socks: The Perfect Portable Project
One of the many reasons I adore knitting this free ankle sock pattern is its portability. Socks are small, manageable, and perfect for knitting on the go! Whether you’re waiting in line, commuting, or just enjoying a relaxing day at the park, the Ethan Ankle Socks are easy to tuck into your bag. Soon, you’ll have finished socks practically without noticing!
There’s truly nothing better than wearing socks you’ve knitted yourself. Trust me, once you put on your handmade ankle socks, store-bought ones just won’t feel the same.
Gift-Giving Made Personal with a Free Ankle Sock Pattern
I absolutely love giving knitted gifts, and socks top my list every time. The Ethan Ankle Socks make the perfect heartfelt gift. Imagine gifting your loved ones a pair of cozy, handmade socks crafted just for them. It’s a personal touch that everyone appreciates, making this free ankle sock pattern a must-have in your knitting repertoire.
Try knitting these socks in multiple colors to create a stash of thoughtful gifts ready for any occasion—from birthdays to holidays, or just to brighten someone’s day!
Join the Knitting Fun on Social Media!
One thing I love about knitting is the amazing community. If you knit this free ankle sock pattern, I’d be thrilled to see your beautiful creations! Share your progress, finished projects, and creative twists on social media. Use hashtags like #EthanAnkleSocks and #SockKnitting so we can all celebrate your work together.
Connecting with fellow knitters is one of the most rewarding parts of the craft. Don’t be shy—show off those gorgeous ankle socks!
Wrapping Up This Free Ankle Sock Pattern Adventure
The Ethan Ankle Socks truly blend all my favorite knitting qualities: creativity, comfort, durability, and style. This free ankle sock pattern has brought joy to my knitting journey, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much.
With the perfect blend of softness and strength from KnitPicks Stroll (affiliate link), reinforced heels, and a versatile design, these ankle socks offer both practicality and charm. And remember, you’ll find this specific free ankle sock pattern at the bottom of this post, while even more fantastic sock patterns await you at my sock pattern page.
So grab your knitting needles and yarn—I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations!
Happy knitting, friends!
Materials and Info
Materials:
Yarn: 1 (1, 1) 2, 2 (2, 2) skeins of Knitpicks Stroll (50g/231yd)
Needles: US #1 / 2.25mm DPNs (or circular for magic loop)
Notions: stitch markers, needle
Gauge: 8sts x 11rows per inch
sizing:
baby (toddler, child,) lg child, adult S, (M, L)
Finished measurements (unstretched):
Foot Length (adjustable): 4 (6, 7.25), 8, 9, (10, 11.25)”
Ethan Ankle Socks are a simple ankle sock with reinforced back and bottom of heel and a reinforced ball of the foot to add cushion for comfort but also make the places where socks where most, stronger.
Abbreviations
k – knit
P – purl
sm – slip maker
pm – place marker
bor – beginning of round
st – stich
sts – stitches
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, place stitches back onto left needle, knit both slipped sts together
w&t – wrap the yarn around the next stitch, turn work
Ethan Ankle Socks Pattern
Cuff
Cast on 40 (44, 52) 56, 60, (64, 72) sts, join for working in the round.
Separate stitches on your dpn as follows:
1st needle 20 (22, 26) 28, 30 (32, 36) sts
2nd and 3rd needle 10 (11, 13) 14, 15 (16, 18) sts each needle
Work in Stockinette for 4 (5, 5) 5, 5, (5, 6) rounds.
Short rows:
Row 1 – Work across 1st needle to 1 st remaining on needle, W&T.
Row 2 – Work across to 1 st remaining on the needle, W&T.
Row 3 – Work across to 1 st before last wrap, W&T.
Row 4 – Work across to 1 st before last wrap, W&T.
Repeat rounds 3 & 4: 1 (1, 2) 2, 2 (2, 3) times.
Next round: Work across cuff in stockinette, picking up wraps and working them together with the sts they wrap as you complete this round.
Work in 1×1 rib (k1, p1) for 4 (5, 5) 5, 5, (5, 6) rounds.
Next Round: Fold the cast on edge into the sock, lining up the cast on edge with the current working sts. *Pick up the cast on stitch directly above the current stitch, k2tog, rep from * to the end of the rnd, the stitch count will not change.
Heel Flap
Next round: You will work the heel flap on the next 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), sts. Place the remaining 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), sts on hold.
Row 1 (RS): (sl1, k1) across, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): sl1, purl to end, turn work.
Repeat rows 1-2 a total of 8 (10, 12), 13, 14, (16, 18) times.
This is a total of 16 (20, 24), 26, 28, (32, 36) rows.
Heel Turn
Row 1 (RS): sl1, keeping in pattern work 12 (12, 14), 15, 16, (18, 20), ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): sl1, p7 (5, 5) 5, 5, (7, 7), p2tog, p1, turn work.
Row 3: sl1, work in pattern to 1 st before the gap, ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 4: sl1, purl to 1 st before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn work.
Repeat rows 3-4 until all stitches have been worked: 14 (14, 16), 16, 18, (20, 22) sts remain.
Work across these heel stitches in pattern, pm.
Gusset
Pick up and knit 9 (11, 13), 14, 15, (17, 19) sts along the edge of heel flap, pm
Knit 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), pm
Pick up and knit 9 (11, 13), 14, 15, (17, 19) sts along heel flap, pm
k7 (7, 8) 8, 9, (10, 11) sts, mark the new BOR (located at the bottom of the foot).
[52 (58, 68) 72, 78, (86, 96) sts]
Round 1: work in sl1, k1 pattern marker, knit across to https://shrsl.com/3usf5 he 3rd marker, work in sl1, k1 pattern
Round 2: work in sl1, k1 pattern to marker, sm, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, sm, knit to next marker, sm, k1, ssk, knit to end, sm, work in s1, k1 pattern to bor marker [2 sts dec]
Work rounds 1-2 a total of 6 (7, 8) 8, 9, (11, 12) times. [40 (44, 52) 56, 60, (64, 72) sts]
Foot
Shift beginning of round (BOR) remove marker as follows: remove marker, k10 (11, 13) 14, 15, (16, 18), place marker – this is the new BOR, located at the side of the foot.
Continue working in the round, the piece measures 2 (3.5, 4.5) 5, 5, (6, 7)” from back of heel, or 2 (2.5, 3) 2.25, 4, (4, 4.25)” short of desired foot length.
Work across top of foot stitches, pm, work in s1, k1 pattern for 1 (1.5, 1.5) 1.5, 2 (2, 2) ins on bottom of foot.
Toe
Round 1: k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k2, ssk, knit to 3 sts before end of round, k2tog, k1 [4 sts dec]
Round 2: knit
Work rounds 1-2 a total of 5 (6, 7) 8, 9, (9, 10) times. until 16 (16, 20) 20, 20, (24, 24) sts remain.
Cut yarn leaving a 12” tail, then graft toe using Kitchener stitch.
Weave in all ends
Kitchener stitch:
Place half the stitches on one needle, half the stitches on the other needle, (top and bottom NOT side to side)
Cut yarn (leaving a long yarn tail) and thread through a blunt needle.
Set-up steps: Insert needle purlwise (back to front) through the first st on front needle, leaving the st on the needle. Then insert needle knitwise (front to back) through the first st on the back needle, leaving the st on the needle.
Step 1: Insert needle knitwise through first st on front needle, then slip this st off the needle.
Step 2: Insert needle purlwise through the second st on front needle, leaving the st on the needle.
Step 3: Insert needle purlwise through first st on back needle, then drop this stitch off the needle.
Step 4: Insert needle knitwise through second st on back needle, leaving the st on the needle.
From this point to the end, repeat steps 1-4.
Kitchener stitch can be intimidating, but you get into a rhythm:
Front needle: knitwise drop off, purlwise leave on,
Back needle: purlwise drop off, knitwise leave on,
Repeat
At the end of the row, there is only 1 stitch left on each needle.
Work steps 1 and 3 once more.
Ethan Ankle Socks PDF
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