Chunky knit sock pattern (size 11 needles!)

These are super quick chunky socks that knit up in just a couple of hours and make great sock/slipper hybrids! These have become my go-to for a cozy evening indoors on chilly summer nights (my favorite).

If you make these, tag me on IG @gimmeshelterknits, I would LOVE to see!

I made these out of a skein of GORGEOUS hand-dyed yarn that I’ve had for years, half-knitted into a sweater whose pattern I lost years ago. I finally took the plunge and unraveled the work, and boy am I glad I did. This yarn makes such beautiful socks.

I’ve never dyed yarn before, but it’s on my list. When I do, this yarn will be my chief inspiration!

Supplies:

  • 1 skein of bulky weight yarn (you can definitely make at least 2 pairs per skein)
  • Size US 11 (8mm) double pointed needles

Instructions:

Co 24 and join in the round. 

K2 p2 rib for 7 rounds. 

Heel flap 

Knit 12 stitches onto one needle; transfer the remaining 12 onto another needle (doing this makes the sock easier to work with so you only have one extra needle hanging onto the work, instead of 2 flopping around). Turn.

Row 1 (wrong side): Slip 1, purl remaining 11 stitches.

Row 2 (right side): *slip 1, knit 1* repeat from * to * across the row 

Repeat rows 1 and 2 a total of 5 times (for a total of 10 rows), ending on a right side row. You should be able to count 5 elongated stitches (the ones you’ve slipped) looking at the right side of the work. 

Turning the heel

Next row (wrong side): purl 6, purl 2 tog, purl 1, turn.

Next row (right side): slip 1,  knit 1, SSK, knit 1, turn.

Next row (wrong side): slip 1, purl 2, purl 2 tog, purl 1, turn.

Next row (right side): slip 1, knit 3, SSK, knit 1, turn.

Next row (wrong side): slip 1, purl 4, purl 2 tog, turn.

Next row (right side): slip 1, knit 4, SSK

You now have 6 total stitches on the needle you’re working with. Now it’s time to pick up stitches for the heel gusset. 

Heel gusset

Pick up and knit 5 stitches along the right side of the sock. Using your extra needle, knit across the 12 stitches along the top. Pick up and knit 5 stitches along the left side of the sock. Knit 3 off the bottom needle.

Arrange the stitches so you have:

  • Needle 1 (the next needle you would work into with your working yarn): 8 stitches
  • Needle 2 (across the top of the sock): 12 stitches 
  • Needle 3 (other half of the bottom): 8 stitches

Now we’re going to decrease some stitches to make the heel gusset. 

Round 1: 

Needle 1: knit to last 3, knit 2 tog, knit 1.

Needle 2: knit across 

Needle 3: knit 1, ssk, knit to end of needle.

Round 2: knit around 

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 a total of 2 times, until you have 24 stitches total. Gusset accomplished.

Foot

Knit until the sock is about 1” shorter than you’d like. Make sure to try it on as you go and take pictures with the needles on your foot, because that’s about as badass as sock knitting is gonna get.

Toe decreases

Round 1: 

Needle 1: knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1

Needle 2: knit 1, ssk, knit last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1

Needle 3: k1, ssk, knit to end of needle

Round 2: knit around 

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you have 12 stitches left. Divide them evenly between two needles so the top toe and the bottom toe lay flat against each other. Graft the toe using Kitchener stitch and weave in ends.

Now what?

Now, breathe deeply and gather the motivation to do it all again. 🙂

AND post your chunky socks on IG and tag me @gimmeshelterknits!