Toe-Up Crochet Socks
Snug sc socks in DK with an afterthought-style heel: a chain gap where the heel goes, filled in at the end.
- Yarn
- DK (3) superwash wool with nylon.
- Hook
- F-5 (3.75 mm)
- Sizes
- Any size on the sock chart. Example: women’s M, sock around 7.25 in, foot length 9.5 in.
- Example gauge
- 20 sts and 22 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) in sc
- Yarn needed
- About 390 yd (355 m) DK for a pair.
- Stitch multiple
- 4
US terms. The UK name follows in brackets the first time each stitch appears. Turning chains don’t count as stitches unless a step says so. See US vs UK crochet terms and crochet abbreviations.
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stitches | sock around × sts per in, to a multiple of 4 | 7.25 × 5 = 36.25 → 36 | Cast-On Calculator |
| Toe rounds | (stitches − 12) ÷ 4 | 6 | By hand |
| Heel gap at | foot length − 1.5 in, from toe tip | 9.5 − 1.5 = 8 in | Size Charts |
Materials
- DK (3) yarn (see yarn needed)
- F-5 (3.75 mm)
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Sc swatch in the round.
Instructions
Toe
Ch 7. Sc (UK dc) in 2nd ch from hook and next 5 ch, then rotate and sc in the other side of the same 6 ch (12). Place marker.
Inc rnd: On each half (instep and sole): 2 sc in first st, sc to last st of the half, 2 sc in last st. 4 sts increased.
Repeat until you have your stitch count (example: 6 rounds to 36).
Foot
Sc around until the sock reaches the heel-gap figure.
Heel gap
Next rnd: Sc across the instep half (18), ch 18, skip the sole half, continue. Next rnd: Sc in each st and each ch.
Leg and cuff
Sc around for 5 in (13 cm). Then 1 rnd of dc (UK tr) and 3 rnds of *FPdc (UK FPtr), BPdc (UK BPtr)*. Fasten off loosely.
Heel
Join yarn at one corner of the gap. Sc in each chain loop, 1 sc in the corner, sc in each sole st, 1 sc in the corner (example: 38).
Dec rnd: On each half: sc2tog (UK dc2tog), sc to last 2 sts of the half, sc2tog. Repeat until about 14 sts remain. Sew the opening closed.
Finishing
- Weave in ends, closing any gaps at the heel corners.
Designer’s notes
- Crochet fabric is less stretchy than knitting: skip the negative ease you’d use for knit socks.
- Work the leg in hdc (UK htr) back loop only for more stretch at the calf.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: toe rounds. Counter 2: heel rounds.
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Tools for this pattern
- Size ChartsLook up the finished measurements for the size you are making.
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.