Monica Knits

Once the sock cuff is complete, you are ready to knit the body or leg of the sock. The stitches are split between 2 circular needles, 32 stitches per needle and all rounds are knitted to produce the stocking (also called stockinette) stitch. Here is where circular needles shine--you can try on the sock at any time to check the fit and length. When the sock measures 10" from the foundation row, you are ready to start working the heel flap.

This article is one segment of the "Basic Sock" series. The demonstration sock, a woman's medium size, is based on 64 leg sts. To link to other articles in this series, either: a) click on the index hyperlink in the masthead, then socks and select the desired article or, b) click on the Basic Socks link at the bottom of this article, then click on the desired topic.

Basic Sock - Leg
StockinetteThe body of the basic sock is knitted in stockinette (also called stocking) stitch. When knitting in the round, these are the outside stitches that you see and are formed by knitting all stitches.

Round 1: K across
Repeat round 1 until the sock measures a total of 10" from the beginning of the cuff.

Quality Control Tips

1. It is important that the stitch gauge was measured in the round, with stockinette stitch. When I knit in the round there are more stitches per inch than when I knit flat.
2. Try the sock on periodically from this point forward, to confirm fit and make adjustments accordingly.

NEXT STEP - Heel Flap
In preparation for this step, transfer 30 stitches to a smaller size, 2.0 mm, circular needle. Park the remaining 34 stitches on the second 2.5 mm circular needle.

Click here to transfer to the Basic Socks article.