Knitting Socks - Tips & Tricks

The Kitchener Stitch

Kitchener Stitch Instructions

To help you with your sock knitting, here are a couple of tools that might come in handy. 

There are many YouTube videos of the Kitchener Stitch but when viewing a “how to” video, they NEVER put on enough stitches!  It is so easy to lose your spot when you have to hit “pause” and then “play”.   We think this written version is much easier to follow.  A few of us have printed it off and laminated it. Let us know what you think.  We would love to hear your comments and thoughts.

1. Leave a tail length equal to the amount that you would normally use to complete a row.
2. Hold the needles parallel, wrong sides together, and thread the tail onto a tapestry needle.
3. Keep the work loose, try to match the tension of the stitches, but it is easier to tighten it up later than to loosen it.
4. Using the tapestry needle, go into the stitch on the front needle as if to purl, draw the thread all of the way through. Leave the stitch on the needle.
5. Go into the stitch on the back needle as if to knit, leave the stitch on the needle. 
6. *Go into the stitch on the front needle as if to knit, take it off the needle.
7. Go into the next stitch on the front needle as if to purl, leave it on the needle.
8. Go into the stitch on the back needle as if to purl, take it off.
9. Go into the next stitch on the back needle as if to knit, leave it on the needle. *
10. Repeat steps between * and * until all stitches are off of the needles. If the stitches are too loose, put a darning egg under the work and tighten to match surrounding stitches. Bring tail to the inside and fasten off.

the_kitchener_stitch.pdf
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How to modify sock patterns to children size

We have also had some requests for children’s sock patterns. 

You can adapt any of the free sock patterns on the Needles and Knits Blog simply by casting on the appropriate number of stitches listed below. Just remember to check that the total number of stitches will work out with the number of stitches for the pattern.

Guideline for Children's Socks

Age (years)     Total Length of Foot          Number of Stitches

2 - 4                 15.5 – 17 cm                   48

4 – 6                18 – 20 cm                      52

6 – 8                21 – 22 cm                      56

10 – 12            23.5 – 25 cm                   60

We hope you have a wonderful, safe summer!