Crochet Socks: The No-Knot Technique

Crochet socks have come a long way since I first started crocheting. Twenty-five years ago, when I first picked up a hook, the crochet sock patterns I could get my hands on were bulky, worked in DK or heavier yarn, and either a bit shapeless or a stiff L shape. But look at crochet socks now!

Lace, cables, Tunisian crochet, fingering weight yarn and crochet ribbing; today’s crochet socks are beautiful, comfortable and fit easily in your everyday footwear. But I would recommend a nice pair of see-through boots so you can show off your work better.

The one quirk of crocheting socks I sometimes still have to modify is the beginning slip knot. My super sensitive feet are probably genetic, as my entire family has a princess and the pea level ability to feel bumps in socks. So I have discovered a new way to begin socks without the bump of the slip knot and possibly even capture my own prince one day!

To begin your socks without using a slip knot, wrap your yarn around your hook, making sure the tail is on the top. This will form a very loose “loop” on your crochet hook. Pinch with your left hand where the yarn and the tail cross, yarn over and draw through the loop. Continue to work the beginning chain or stitches as directed in the pattern. If your first stitch is too loose, you can pull on the tail to tighten it. Be sure to weave in the tail well when you finish to keep the stitches from raveling.

Now the difficult decision. Which pair of socks will you make first? Interweave has collected many of my favorite sock patterns to create a collection that I would recommend to any sock crocheter. The Bon Vivant Socks feature beautiful crochet lace, the ZigZag Socks are toasty warm Tunisian crochet, the Birch Cable Socks are a stunning example of crochet cables, the Rib and Fan Socks are the perfect basic sock, and the Vetur Socks are just fun! How do you choose which to make first?

Happy crocheting,

Toni