Are you hesitating at the threshold of sock knitting? Wondering if The Handmade Sock Society Season 6 designs might be too advanced? This post is especially for you.
(And if you’re an experienced sock knitter who just appreciates a reliable pattern, there’s something here for you too! Read on…)
It’s completely natural to find sock knitting intimidating. So many knitters are nervous about socks! Somehow we’ve collectively decided it’s terribly complex and only for the most skilled among us.
I felt exactly the same before casting on my first sock.
What I eventually discovered is that there’s nothing uniquely difficult about sock knitting.
I promise!
When it finally clicks, it’s like the thrilling feeling you get when you’re just learning to read.
One day you were struggling with each letter, and the next, whole worlds opened up. Those same books that once seemed impossibly complex became portals to adventure.
Sock knitting can feel a lot like that. At first glance, all those tiny stitches on skinny needles might seem bewildering. But just like reading, once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why it ever seemed so daunting.
All of the parts that seem the scariest (I’m looking at you, heel!) can be broken down into a series of simple techniques that are used in many other types of knitting patterns: things like knitting in the round, short rows, picking up stitches.
And because socks are such a small project—a smaller commitment of yarn and time—they’re actually a wonderful opportunity to learn and practice new techniques.
If you’d like a little bit of extra help to get started, I have a few resources that might give you a boost.
Extra support: Get the free Simply Curious Socks pattern & Workshop
If you’re completely new to sock knitting and would appreciate additional guidance before Season 6 begins, sign up for my free email workshop. Over two weeks, you’ll receive an email every few days, explaining each step of sock knitting. The workshop also includes a free pattern for a wonderfully straightforward sock—perfect for your first pair.
We’ve had thousands of knitters go through the workshop, and many have gone on to be delighted members of The Handmade Sock Society, as this lovely knitter posted in the Curious Handmade Ravelry Group:
“I knit socks but didn’t enjoy the full process until Helen’s simply curious socks. Hope you join and find joy here too!”
The Simply Curious Socks pattern is available for free when you sign up for the Simply Curious Socks Workshop. It’s my way of welcoming you to the Curious Handmade community and helping you get started on your sock knitting journey.
When you sign up, you’ll receive the pattern immediately, along with the workshop emails to guide you through the entire process.
Free online resources: The Sock Series
If you’d rather binge-read about sock-knitting, I’ve also adapted most of the workshop lessons into a collection of helpful blog articles, ready to bookmark for whenever you need a refresher. They cover the sock-knitting topics that most worry beginners, from yarn selection to needle choices, cast-on methods to avoiding gusset holes.
50% off my easy DK sock pattern
I’ve also designed a DK weight version of the Simply Curious Socks pattern, which is also a fab place to start your sock knitting adventure. Using thicker yarn and half the stitches of the usual 4ply-weight socks, they’re a much quicker knit and a great way to get familiar with the “anatomy” of a sock knitting pattern.
If that sounds good, I’ve decided to offer the Simply Curious DK Socks for 50% off on Ravelry, until May 1st, 2025. No code necessary, the discount is applied at checkout!
Get 50% off The Simply Curious DK Socks →
The kindest knitting community around: The Curious Crew
Visit The Curious Handmade Ravelry Group and introduce yourself! The regular members are incredibly helpful, patient, and talented. Their thoughtfulness and generosity never fail to move me. If you have questions about socks or any other knitting challenges, there’s always someone who knows the answer or can direct you to the right resource. This is also where our knit-alongs, giveaways and chatty threads happen during events like The Handmade Sock Society.
You can also use the hashtags #thss6 #thehandmadesocksociety #thehandmadesocksociety6 to connect with other Sock Society members on Instagram.
Tag your yarn photos, works in progress, and finished socks, and search for the hashtags to see what fellow knitters are creating! You can also always tag me @curioushandmade so I can admire your work, too.
If you haven’t joined us yet, you’re very welcome, and you won’t be on your own!
Preorder the Handmade Sock Society 6 on Ravelry →
Preorder the Handmade Sock Society 6 on Gumroad →
I hope some or all of these resources will brighten your day and help you feel more confident about launching into this new season of The Handmade Sock Society with us.
