🧦 Knitting socks on Flat-Bed knitting machine (instructions)

Size: UK 4–6

🧶 Yarn & Settings

• Yarn: 2 ply Alpaca yarn (Red & White)

• Tension dial on the carriage: 5

• Knitting Machine: Standard gauge Flat bed knitting machine

📐 Stitch Count (Recommended)

• Total stitches: 60 needles (30 stitches per half – ideal for UK 4–6)

• You may adjust slightly for yarn elasticity, but 60 is a good standard.

1️⃣ CUFF – 2×2 RIBBING

Cast on: 60 stitches (using e-wrap method)

Knit 20 rows (for short cuff) or 40-50 rows for longer cuff (optional)

Using Latch tool, create ribbing 2x2

Ribbing: 2×2

2️⃣ LEG – STRIPE PATTERN

Leg Length: Knit 30–50 rows (30 = ankle sock, 50 = longer leg) using pattern:

• Rows 1–4: Red

• Rows 5–6: White

3️⃣ HEEL – SHORT ROW METHOD

Heel Setup

• Heel stitches: 30 stitches (half the sock)

• Centre on the machine: 0

This heel is worked over half of the total stitches, creating a smooth, rounded heel shape. The yarn is wrapped under the first holding needle at each turn to prevent holes.

🔻 Heel Turn (Shortening Rows)

1. Position the carriage on the right-hand side.

2. Put all heel needles from needle 0 to the left into holding position.

3. Knit one row from right to left across the working needles.

4. Pull the yarn under the first needle in holding position on the left side to wrap the stitch.

5. Pull one needle on the right-hand side (the start needle) into holding position. (Starting short row method it is recommended to pull 2 needles on the right side for seaming- sewing, afterwards continuing with 1 needle)

6. Knit one row from left to right.

7. Pull the yarn under the first needle in holding position on the right side to wrap the stitch.

8. Pull one needle on the left-hand side into holding position.

9. Continue repeating this sequence:

   • Knit one row

   • Wrap the first holding needle

   • Pull one needle into holding on the opposite side

10. Repeat 5 to 8 times, depending on sock size and desired heel depth.

This process shortens the rows gradually and forms the heel curve.

🔺 Heel Build-Up (Lengthening Rows)

Once the heel turn is complete, begin building the heel back up by returning needles to work.

1. Knit one row from right to left.

2. Wrap the yarn under the first needle in holding position on the left side.

3. Pull one needle on the right side from holding into half-working position.

4. Knit one row from left to right.

5. Pull or wrap the yarn under the first needle in holding position on the right side.

6. Pull one needle on the left side back into half-working position.

Continue repeating this sequence:

• Knit one row

• Wrap the first holding needle

• Return one needle into working position on the opposite side

• Repeat until all needles are back in work.

The heel pocket is now complete and ready to continue knitting the foot.

4️⃣ FOOT

Resume knitting across all 60 stitches.

Continue Stripe Pattern:

• 4 rows Red

• 2 rows White

Foot Length:

• Knit 35–45 rows

5️⃣ TOE SHAPING

Repeat heel short row method with white Alpaca yarn.

6️⃣ FINISHING

• Cast off using sewing needle.

• Sew seams using mattress stitch.

• Weave in ends.

• Light steam or block.