Measurements you need
Stand on a sheet of paper, mark the heel and the tip of the longest toe, measure the distance. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate from the shoe size.Stand on a sheet of paper, mark the heel and the tip of the longest toe, measure the distance. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate from the shoe size.
Usually 8⅝–11 in.Usually 22–28 cm.Tape around the foot at its widest point — across the bones at the base of the big toe and little toe, standing. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from foot length.Tape around the foot at its widest point — across the bones at the base of the big toe and little toe, standing. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from foot length.
Usually 8¼–10¼ in.Usually 21–26 cm.Not a measurement but a style choice: from the floor at the heel up the leg to where the sock ends (without the cuff). For four pieces — 2¾–5½ in, ankle length; by profile: crew — 5⅞–7⅛ in, knee-high — from 9⅞ in.Not a measurement but a style choice: from the floor at the heel up the leg to where the sock ends (without the cuff). For four pieces — 7–14 cm, ankle length; by profile: crew — 15–18 cm, knee-high — from 25 cm.
Usually 4¾–9⅞ in.Usually 12–25 cm.How the socks are drafted
From four pieces: the sole width is half the foot circumference multiplied by the fabric stretch factor, and the length is slightly shorter than the foot (knit fabric barely stretches along the loops). The toe of the upper matches the toe of the sole, the side of the sole equals the sum of the sides of the upper and heel, and the bottom of the heel matches the heel of the sole, so the pieces line up without adjusting. The depth of the opening is chosen so the sock pulls on over the heel.
For the profile version: the piece is the leg and the foot. The leg width is half the circumference through the heel and instep with the same factor, and the foot height is half the foot circumference. The heel and toe are rounded.
The pattern maker checks the draft against the finished outline: foot circumference, stretch of the upper over the heel, foot length, sock height and cuff length. The results are in the "Draft check" section.
How to print and tape
Download the PDF on Letter or A4 sheets and print at 100%, without "fit to page". The first sheet has the test square: measure it with a ruler. The sheets are taped together with an overlap along the strips ⅜ in1 cm; the sheet numbers and assembly diagram are on the first page. For a copy shop or plotter, choose "One-sheet PDF".
What you get
The sole, upper, heel and cuff (or the profile piece and cuff) at full size. Grainline, overlock seam allowances ¼ in0.5 cm. The pattern fits on several Letter or A4 sheets.
FAQ
What fabric should I use?
Any knit that stretches by at least a third: jersey, interlock, French terry, fleece, knit with lycra. The more the fabric stretches, the narrower the pattern — choose this in the "How does the fabric stretch" field. Rib knit is best for the cuff.
Can I do it without measurements?
Yes, your shoe size is enough: the pattern maker estimates foot length and circumference from it. If your foot is wide or narrow, enter the foot circumference — at the widest point, across the bones at the toes.
How do I sew the sock?
From four pieces: sew the toe of the upper to the toe of the sole, then the sides of the upper to the front part of the sides of the sole. Sew the heel with its bottom to the heel of the sole, and its sides to the back part of the sides of the sole. The curves of the upper and heel form the opening: fold the cuff into a ring, fold it in half along its length and sew it to the opening, stretching as you go. Sew with an overlocker or a stretch stitch.
Which construction should I choose?
The four-piece version is more comfortable: the seams run along the edge of the sole rather than under the foot, the heel wraps the foot, and the sock doesn't slide down. This is how ankle socks are made, up to 5½ in14 cm. For mid-calf socks and knee-highs, choose the profile construction: two identical pieces, a seam around the outline, any height.
How do I make ankle socks or knee-highs?
Height is measured from the floor at the heel to the top without the cuff. For the four-piece version — 2¾–5½ in7–14 cm: ankle socks. For mid-calf (5⅞–7⅛ in15–18 cm) and knee-highs (from 9⅞ in25 cm), choose the profile construction — it isn't drafted below the instep, and the pattern maker will show you the minimum.