purlJam

# BASIC MACHINE-KNIT SOCKS

**Skill Level:** Beginner  
**Yarn Weight:** Worsted Weight  
**Sizes:** Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)  
**Finished Foot Length:** 23cm/9" (25cm/10", 28cm/11", 30cm/12")

## MACHINE_SETUP

**Machine Configuration:** Single bed knitting machine (standard gauge) with ribber attachment recommended but optional
**Bed Setup:** Main bed needles in B position, ribber needles (if using) in work position
**Tension Settings:** Main bed T6, Ribber T4 (adjust +/- 1 based on yarn thickness)
**Carriage Setup:** Both part buttons out, knit carriage set to knit
**Starting Position:** COL (Carriage On Left)
**Tools Required:** Transfer tool, latch tool, cable needle or stitch holder, tapestry needle
**Cast-on Method:** Closed cast-on with waste yarn and ravel cord

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** 200g (250g, 300g, 350g) worsted weight sock yarn or wool blend
**Suggested Yarn:** Machine washable wool/nylon blend for durability
**Notions:** 
- Waste yarn (contrasting color)
- Ravel cord
- 2 claw weights (100g each)
- Steam iron and pressing cloth
- Tapestry needle for seaming

**Color Note:** Pattern written for single color; stripe variations noted in finishing section.

## GAUGE_AND_TENSION

**Gauge:** 18 stitches and 25 rows = 10cm/4" in stockinette stitch on T6
**Tension Swatch:** Cast on 30 stitches, knit 40 rows, measure after steaming
**Needle Count:** 
- Small: 64 stitches (needles 32L to 32R)
- Medium: 68 stitches (needles 34L to 34R)  
- Large: 72 stitches (needles 36L to 36R)
- X-Large: 76 stitches (needles 38L to 38R)

**Important:** Check gauge before beginning. Adjust tension settings if needed to achieve correct gauge.

## RIBBED_CUFF

**Setup:** Thread waste yarn, set row counter to 000.

**Cast-on Sequence:**
1. Using waste yarn, e-wrap cast on over required needles
2. Knit 8 rows waste yarn at T10, ending COL
3. Thread ravel cord, knit 1 row
4. Change to main yarn, reduce tension to T6
5. Reset row counter RC000

**Ribbing (with ribber):**
RC000: Set up 1x1 rib - transfer every other stitch to ribber
RC001-030: Knit 1x1 rib for 30 rows (7.5cm/3")
RC031: Transfer all ribber stitches back to main bed, hang claw weights

**Ribbing (without ribber - mock rib):**
RC000-010: Knit at T6
RC011-020: *COL: Push alternate needles to D position, knit. COR: Push different alternate needles to D position, knit.* Repeat for textured effect
RC021-030: Return all needles to B position, knit straight

## BODY_ROWS

**Leg Section:**
RC031-080: Knit straight in stockinette stitch (50 rows = 12.5cm/5")
Check: Leg should measure approximately 20cm/8" from cast-on edge

**Heel Preparation:**
RC081: Mark center back of sock (this will be heel placement)
Transfer stitches as follows:
- Put first and last 16 (17, 18, 19) stitches on holders for instep
- Continue with center 32 (34, 36, 38) stitches for heel

**Heel Flap:**
RC082-111: Working on center needles only, knit 30 rows for heel flap
Row pattern: *COL: Knit. COR: Knit.* Repeat
This creates a sturdy heel base

## CROWN_SHAPING

**Heel Turn (Short Row Technique):**
RC112: Begin heel turn with center 32 (34, 36, 38) stitches
- Row 1 (COL): Knit to center minus 2, put next needle in D position
- Row 2 (COR): Knit to center minus 2, put next needle in D position  
- Row 3 (COL): Knit to needle before D position needle, put in D position
- Continue reducing working needles by 1 each side until 12 (14, 16, 18) needles remain in work

**Heel Turn Completion:**
- Reverse process, bringing needles back into work
- Pick up wraps with stitches to prevent holes
- RC130: All heel stitches back in work

**Foot Assembly:**
RC131: Return instep stitches to needles
RC132-180: Work foot in rounds (join heel and instep)
Continue until foot measures 18cm/7" (20cm/8", 23cm/9", 25cm/10") from back of heel

## FINISHING

**Toe Shaping:**
RC181: Begin toe decreases
Every 4th row: Transfer outermost stitches from each side toward center
RC181, 185, 189, 193: Transfer 2 stitches each side (8 stitches decreased per decrease row)
Continue until 16 stitches remain
RC205: Place remaining stitches on spare yarn

**Seaming:**
1. Remove waste yarn carefully, placing live stitches on spare needles
2. Join toe using Kitchener stitch (grafting)
3. Seam sock using mattress stitch on wrong side
4. Weave in all yarn tails securely

**Blocking:**
1. Steam lightly with pressing cloth
2. Shape over sock blocker or while damp
3. Allow to dry completely before wearing

**Second Sock:** Repeat all steps for matching sock.

## ABBREVIATIONS

**COL:** Carriage on Left  
**COR:** Carriage on Right  
**RC:** Row Counter  
**T:** Tension Setting  
**D:** D Position (needle out of work)  
**B:** B Position (needle in work)  
**L/R:** Left/Right (needle positions)  

**Notes:**  
- Reset row counter at indicated points  
- Always end specified rows at indicated carriage position  
- Maintain consistent tension throughout  
- Steam press seams lightly for professional finish  

**Skill Tips for Beginners:**  
- Practice heel turn technique on swatch first  
- Keep even tension when transferring stitches  
- Use lifelines at heel turn if unsure  
- Block both socks together for uniform size