There’s something special about a cozy pair of hand-knit socks, and today I’m thrilled to introduce the September Socks, a top-down free sock pattern that’s perfect for knitters of all skill levels. Whether you’re new to sock knitting or a seasoned pro, this pattern offers a relaxing, rewarding project you’ll love.
Why I Love This Top-Down Free Sock Pattern
The September Socks are a classic vanilla sock, meaning they focus on smooth, straightforward stockinette stitch that lets the beauty of your yarn shine. This top-down free sock pattern is easy to follow, making it ideal for both beginners and those looking for a simple, meditative knit.
The pattern starts at the cuff and works its way down to the toe, incorporating a traditional heel flap and gusset for a snug, comfortable fit. The result? A pair of socks that not only look great but also feel amazing on your feet.
The Perfect Yarn for Top-Down Socks
One of the things I love most about this top-down free sock pattern is its versatility. You can use any fingering-weight sock yarn to make your socks truly unique. Personally, I’m a huge fan of KnitPicks yarns for my sock projects. Their Stroll (affiliate link), Felici (affiliate link), and Hawthorne (affiliate link) yarns offer a fantastic balance of softness, durability, and gorgeous colors.
For my September Socks, I used KnitPicks Stroll Fingering (affiliate link) in a tonal shade. It’s soft against the skin and holds up well to wear, making it perfect for everyday socks. You can explore KnitPicks sock yarns here (affiliate link).
Tools You’ll Need
For this pattern, I used 2.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), which I also got from KnitPicks. These needles are lightweight and easy to work with, making them my go-to for sock knitting. You can grab your own set here (affiliate link).
While I prefer DPNs for socks, you can also use circular needles for magic loop or two-circular methods. Choose the technique that feels most comfortable to you—it’s all about enjoying the process!
Related Patterns to Explore
If you enjoy this top-down free sock pattern, you’ll love exploring some of my other free sock patterns. For a similar style but in an ankle-length version, check out the Vanilla Ankle Sock. It’s perfect for quick knits or warmer weather. You can find it here.
Looking for a toe-up alternative? The Toe-Up September Socks Free Pattern is just as delightful but starts at the toe and works upward. This construction method offers a different challenge and ensures you can make the most of your yarn. You can explore that pattern here.
What Makes This Pattern Special?
The September Socks epitomize the beauty of simplicity. The straightforward design focuses on stockinette stitch, allowing your yarn choice to take center stage. Whether you prefer solid, tonal, or self-striping yarns, this top-down free sock pattern will showcase them beautifully.
The heel flap and gusset provide a secure, comfortable fit, making these socks ideal for daily wear. Plus, the ability to customize the length of the leg and foot ensures a perfect fit every time.
Why Top-Down Socks?
Top-down sock patterns, like this one, are a favorite among knitters for several reasons:
- Classic Construction: Starting from the cuff and working downward allows for a familiar and timeless sock-knitting experience.
- Adjustability: You can easily customize the leg length to suit your preferences before starting the heel.
- Fit: The heel flap and gusset method create a snug fit that stays in place.
If you’ve never tried a top-down free sock pattern, the September Socks are the perfect place to start.
Choosing Your Yarn
The beauty of this top-down free sock pattern lies in its adaptability to different yarns. If you’re a fan of vibrant, self-striping colors, KnitPicks Felici Sock Yarn (affiliate link) is a fantastic choice. For a more subdued, tonal look, Stroll Fingering (affiliate link) is an excellent option. Both yarns are soft, durable, and machine washable, making them perfect for socks.
No matter what yarn you choose, the simple stockinette design of the September Socks will let your yarn’s texture and colorwork take center stage.
Handmade Gifts from the Heart
There’s something truly special about gifting hand-knit socks. They’re practical, personal, and always appreciated. The September Socks make an excellent gift because they’re simple yet timeless, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Over the years, I’ve given hand-knit socks to friends and family, and the response is always the same—pure delight. There’s a sense of warmth and care that comes with handmade items, and socks are no exception.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this top-down free sock pattern:
- Swatch First: While socks are forgiving, it’s a good idea to check your gauge to ensure a perfect fit.
- Use Stitch Markers: Marking the beginning of the round and key points in the pattern can help keep you on track. These are my favorite stitch markers here. (affiliate link)
- Try Them On: One of the advantages of knitting socks is the ability to try them on as you go. This ensures a custom fit and avoids surprises later.
Final Thoughts
The September Socks are a wonderful introduction to top-down sock knitting and a satisfying project for experienced knitters. This top-down free sock pattern is versatile, easy to follow, and results in a pair of cozy, well-fitting socks that you’ll reach for time and time again.
So, grab your favorite fingering-weight yarn (affiliate link), 2.5mm DPNs (affiliate link), and get started on your own pair of September Socks. Don’t forget to check out the links to my other patterns and tools to make your sock-knitting journey even more enjoyable. Happy knitting!
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through these links. Thank you for supporting my blog!
September Sock Pattern
Materials
Yarn: 120 (180, 240), 300, 320, (380,480) yards fingering/sock weight yarn (affiliate link)
Needles: US #1 / 2.25mm DPNs (affiliate link) (or circular for magic loop)
Notions: stitch markers, yarn needle
Gauge
8sts x 11rows per inch
Sizing
baby (toddler, small child,) large child, adult S, (adult M, adult L)
Finished measurements (unstretched)
Cuff (around): 5 (5.5, 6.5) 7, 7.5, (8, 9)”
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)”
ABBREVIATIONS
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
Cuff
Cast on 40 (44, 52) 56, 60, (64, 72) sts, join for working in the round.
Work in 1×1 rib (k1, p1) for 8 (8, 10) 10, 12, (12, 14) rounds.
Work in stockinette until piece measures 2.5 (3.5, 4) 4.5, 5, (6, 7)” from cast on,
Heel Flap
Next round: k20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), then place these sts on hold. You will work the heel flap on the next k20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), sts.
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
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.