But First, Socks

But First, Socks
A classic ribbed sock with a comfortable fit

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The But First, Socks are designed for knitters who love a reliable, well-fitting sock with a touch of texture. Perfect for knitters of all levels, this pattern combines a simple ribbed instep with stockinette on the sole for easy knitting and wearable results.

Worked from the toe up with a fleegle heel, these socks offer a snug fit and plenty of stretch, making them ideal for gifting, everyday wear, or cozy nights in.

If you’re looking for a sock pattern that’s easy to memorize, adjustable to fit, and endlessly satisfying, these belong on your needles.

 

A Perfect Favorite Sock

The But First, Socks are especially well suited for:

  • First-time sock knitters
  • Gift knitting
  • Using your favorite DK or sport-weight yarn
  • A portable, on-the-go knit

Simple yet sophisticated, these socks offer comfort without complexity.

Why You’ll Love the But First, Socks

  • Beginner-friendly toe-up construction
  • Adjustable sizing to fit nearly any foot
  • DK weight yarn for a versatile, quick knit
  • Ribbed instep adds subtle texture
  • Fleegle heel provides a snug, comfortable fit

This pattern is perfect for knitters looking to build confidence, use up stash yarn, or create a cozy sock that will be loved for years.

Construction Overview

But First, Socks are worked in the round from the toe up using Judy’s Magic Cast On. The toe gradually increases, then transitions into a ribbed instep and stockinette sole. The fleegle heel is formed with short rows, and the leg is finished with a comfortable ribbed cuff.

Tip: The ribbed instep pattern is easy to memorize and perfect for watching TV, commuting, or knitting anywhere.

Yarn + Needles

This pattern is written for DK weight yarn, making it a versatile, quick knit.

  • Smooth yarns highlight the instep pattern
  • Hand-dyed or tonal yarns add subtle depth
  • Wool blends provide elasticity and comfort

Recommended Yarn: DK Weight

Sample Yardage: 150–250 yards / 137–229 m

Suggested Needles:

  • US 3 / 3.25 mm 9” / 23 cm circular needle (Magic Loop) or DPNs

Other Notions:

  • Darning needle
  • Stitch markers (1 for BOR, 1 for instep/sole)
  • Scissors

Size & Fit

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4)
Foot Circumference: 7.25 (8, 8.75, 9.45") / 18.5 (20.5, 22.25, 24) cm
Foot Length: Adjustable – see notes below
Fit: Well-fitting socks should have ~1” / 2.5 cm negative ease

Note: Adjust foot length by adding or subtracting repeats. Sizing is based on foot circumference first.

Abbreviations & Special Techniques

  • BOR – Beginning of Round
  • CO – Cast On
  • K – Knit
  • K2tog – Knit 2 together; 1 st decreased
  • LHN – Left-hand needle
  • M1L – Make 1 left; 1 st increased
  • M1R – Make 1 right; 1 st increased
  • P – Purl
  • PM – Place marker
  • RHN – Right-hand needle
  • RS – Right side
  • Sl1 – Slip 1 stitch (RS: yarn in back; WS: yarn in front)
  • SM – Slip marker
  • SSK – Slip, slip, knit; 1 st decreased
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)
  • WS – Wrong side
  • Judy’s Magic Cast On – Tutorial
  • Tubular Bind Off – Tutorial

Pattern Instructions

Instep Pattern:
Worked across the first 20 (22, 24, 26) sts.

  • Size 1: [k2, p1] until 2 sts remain, k2
  • Size 2: k3, p1, [k2, p1] until 3 sts remain, k3
  • Size 3: k1, p1, [k2, p1] until 1 st remains, k1
  • Size 4: [k2, p1] until 2 sts remain, k2

Toe:

  1. Using Judy’s Magic Cast On, CO 8 sts to each needle (16 sts total).

  2. PM for BOR.

  3. Set up round: k16, place sole/instep marker, k until end.

  4. Round 1: [k2, M1R, k until 2 sts before marker, M1L, k2], SM; repeat [] once more (4 sts increased).

  5. Round 2: knit all.

  6. Repeat rounds 1–2, alternating with 2 rounds plain knit, until 40 (44, 48, 52) sts are on needles.

Foot:

  • Work in the round: instep in rib pattern, sole in stockinette.
  • Repeat until foot measures 2.25 (2.5, 2.5, 2.75)” / 5.75 (6.5, 6.5, 7) cm from heel.

Gusset:

  • Increase on sole and continue instep pattern.
  • Round 1: Instep as established, sole: k2, M1R, k until 2 sts remain, M1L, k2
  • Round 2: knit all
  • Repeat until 36 (40, 44, 48) sts on sole. Total: 56 (62, 68, 74) sts.
  • Place marker in middle of sole for alignment.

Heel Turn:

  • Work short rows on sole sts only.
  • RS: k to 2 sts past marker, SSK, k1, turn
  • WS: sl1, p to 2 sts past marker, P2tog, p1, turn
  • Repeat until 20 (22, 24, 26) sts remain on sole.

Leg & Cuff:

  • Pick up sts along heel corners, knit to close gap.
  • Work instep in rib pattern, back of leg in stockinette until 3” / 7.5 cm from desired
  • length.
  • Cuff: Work [k2, p1] ribbing for 3” or desired length.
  • Bind off loosely in pattern. Weave in ends and block.

Prefer a Printed Pattern?

If you’d like a professionally formatted PDF, the But First, Socks is available on Ravelry.

The PDF includes:

  • Clean layout for easy reading
  • Optimized for printing
  • Instructions designed for offline knitting

Share Your Make

I’d love to see your But First, Socks!
Tag your projects on social media or add them to Ravelry to inspire others.

Happy knitting 🧶

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