Looking for more free ankle sock knitting pattern? Check out my free sock pattern page for a quick, fun project perfect for summer!
Free Ankle Sock Knitting Pattern: A Summer-Friendly Solution
As the weather warms up, my kids have started asking me for socks that fit comfortably with their sneakers during the summer months. This led me to create a free ankle sock knitting pattern inspired by their favorite September Socks, which they wore nonstop during winter. It’s such a joy to see them loving and wearing handmade socks I’ve crafted just for them. But with the rising temperatures, it was time to design a shorter, ankle-friendly version of those beloved socks.
Choosing the Perfect Yarn for This Free Ankle Sock Knitting Pattern
For this project, I used a skein of KnitPicks Hawthorne (affiliate link) from my stash. My daughter was instantly drawn to its vibrant colors, saying it reminded her of sprinkles on a cake. Personally, I love KnitPicks Hawthorne (affiliate link) because it’s strong and holds up well to the wear and tear of active kids. Although it feels a bit coarse at first, it softens beautifully after washing while maintaining its durability. If you’re planning to make this free ankle sock knitting pattern, I highly recommend KnitPicks Hawthorne (affiliate link) for its strength and color vibrancy.
Adapting the September Socks for a Free Ankle Sock Knitting Pattern
The foot portion of this pattern is identical to the original September Socks. The primary difference lies in the ankle design. I opted for a 1×1 ribbed hem for a snug, comfortable fit around the ankle. To add functionality, I included a short row tab to prevent the back of the socks from rubbing against the ankle when worn with shoes.
For the short rows, I used my favorite technique: a modified wrap-and-turn where I add a yarn over before turning. However, this free ankle sock knitting pattern is flexible—traditional wrap-and-turn or German short rows work just as well. The short row tab is all about practicality, ensuring these socks are as comfortable as they are stylish.
Why You’ll Love This Free Ankle Sock Knitting Pattern
This free ankle sock knitting pattern is not only a quick knit but also highly practical for the warmer months. Whether you’re crafting these for yourself or loved ones, the shorter length makes them perfect for sneakers and summer adventures. The combination of a 1×1 ribbed ankle and durable yarn like KnitPicks Hawthorne (affiliate link) ensures they’ll hold up well and remain a staple in your sock drawer.
If you’re looking for a fun, functional, and beginner-friendly project, this free ankle sock knitting pattern is perfect for you. The short-row tab adds a thoughtful touch, and the customizable design means you can experiment with different yarns or colors to match your style.
Get Started with the Free Ankle Sock Knitting Pattern
Ready to knit your own pair? Grab a skein of KnitPicks Hawthorne (affiliate link) and get started on this fun summer project today. Don’t forget to share your finished socks and let me know how they turned out. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing others enjoy and benefit from a pattern you’ve created.
Materials
Yarn: 120 (180, 240), 300, 320, (380, 480) yards fingering / sock weight yarn I used KnitPicks Hawthorne (affiliate link)
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):
Leg Length (adjustable): 2.5 (3.5, 4) 4.5, 5, (6, 7)”
Foot Length (adjustable): 4 (6, 7.25), 8, 9, (10, 11.25)”
September Ankle Socks are a shorter version of September Socks. My oldest daughter requested knit socks for summer because she loves them so much. I just couldn’t say no.
Short rows are used to make the tab on the ankle. I use a wrap and turn (w&t) method of short rows but you can use any method that works for you, understanding I will use the w&t abbreviation for where the short row should be turned.
Model is wearing a ladies small and wears a size 6 shoe. Abbreviations can be found on the last page.
September Ankle Sock 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 1×1 rib (k1, p1) for 3 (4, 4) 4, 4, (4, 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 1×1 ribbing, 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 3 (4, 4) 4, 4, (4, 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, knit to end, 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, k12 (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, knit 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.
Knit across these heel stitches slipping the first st.
Gusset
Pick up and knit 9 (11, 13), 14, 15, (17, 19) sts along the edge of heel flap, PM, k20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), PM, pick up and knit 9 (11, 13), 14, 15, (17, 19) sts along heel flap, 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: knit
Round 2: knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, sm, k20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), sm, k1, ssk, knit to end [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.
Keep the second marker after the instep stitches in place.
Continue working in the round, keeping the top of foot in pattern, until the piece measures 3 (5, 6) 6.5, 7, (8, 9)” from back of heel, or 1 (1, 1.5) 1.75, 2, (2, 2.25)” short of desired foot length.
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
Abbreviations
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.
k – knit
P – purl
sm – slip maker
pm – place marker
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
Download September Ankle Sock PDF
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