12 Days of DIY Christmas Ornaments ~ Day Three

I discovered the challenge and the fun of making hand knit socks about three years ago and now I always have a pair on the needles. But even more fun than making adult size socks, is making teeny tiny ones to hang on the Christmas tree! These knitted sock ornaments are quick to make and totally adorable. One of these years, I might just put up a second tree filled with nothing but white lights and sock ornaments! I almost look forward to making these little gems more than I look forward to wearing a brand new pair of big girl socks for the first time. Almost.

I prefer to make these using the magic loop method, but you can use double pointed needles if you prefer. Either way will give you a lovely finished result. A word of caution however, these little suckers are highly addictive and once you’ve mastered the pattern, you’ll likely want to make a few or a few hundred to share with friends.

They’re also pretty cute to jazz up a gift tag. Just stuff the recipients name inside the sock for a very special handmade touch to your packages.

[Tweet “#Knitted #sock #ornament pattern to jazz up your #Christmas tree!”]

Here’s what you’ll need to make these knitted sock ornaments

1. Leftover sock yarn (you can use any weight of yarn you want to, but the size of the ornament will change accordingly)
2. Circular needles US Size 2 or 3 (or whatever. This is an ornament people! It doesn’t have to fit anybody, and we don’t need to worry about gauge!)
3. Um. . .there is no #3, unless you count scissors

Step by Step Instructions

1. Cast on 24 stitches and divide between the front and back of the circular needle. (1/2 on each side)
2. Join for knitting in the round
3. Purl five rounds
4. Knit all rounds until you have completed about 1.5 inches

Heel Flap

1. The heel flap is worked on half the stitches, starting on the right side.
2. Row 1:  *Sl 1 pwise with yarn in back, K1*  repeat between *
3. Row 2: Sl 1 pwise with yarn in front, purl to end,
4. Repeat Rows 1 & 2 for a total of 12 rows.

Heel Turn

1. Row 1: (on the right side): K7, ssk, K1, turn work
2. Row 2: (on the wrong side): Sl 1 pwise, P3, P2tog, P1, turn
3. Row 2: Slip 1, K2, ssk, K1, turn
4. Row 3: Slip 1, purl to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1, turn

Gusset

1. Knit across the heel stitches.
2. Pick up and knit 6 stitches on left edge of heel flap.
3. Knit across instep stitches.
4. Pick up and knit 6 stitches on right edge of heel flap.

Gusset rounds begin at the center of the heel.

1. Round 1: Knit to last three stitches, K2tog, K1. Knit across instep. K1, ssk, knit to center of heel. (you have decreased 2 sts)
2. Round 2: Knit
3. Continue rounds 1 & 2 until 12 stitches remain on each needle (24 total stitches)
4. Now knit all stitches in the round for about 3/4 of an inch.

Toe

Toe rounds begin at the side of the foot

1. Round 1: *K2, K2tog* repeat to end of round
2. Round 2: Knit
3. Round 3: *K1, K2tog* repeat to end of round
4. Round 4: Knit
5. Round 5: *K2tog* to end of round
6. Cut yarn, leaving yourself a enough yarn to draw through the remaining stitches. Pull tight to close the toe. Pull yarn through to inside, knot, then weave in the ends. (Or, if you are like me and hate to weave in ends, don’t! Just leave it on the inside of the sock and no one will be the wiser.)

Now, I don’t bother making a little knitted hanger thingie, nope I just slip the top of the sock onto my ornament hanger and put it on the tree.

If you missed the first two days of Christmas Ornaments, you can find them here and here.

Are you wanting to knit this project, but the instructions look like gibberish? Consider taking this class as a Christmas present to yourself!

If you enjoyed this post ~ consider sharing the love with your friends;-)