Back to Basics: Socks (DK) – Cuff-down Peasant Heel

There’s something undeniably special about knitting socks—the rhythmic click of the needles, the anticipation of shaping the heel, and the ultimate satisfaction of slipping on a cosy, handmade pair. But if you’ve ever felt intimidated by sock construction or struggled to find a pattern that walks you through the process with clarity, you’re in the right place.

Back to Basics: Socks (DK) – Cuff-down Peasant Heel  is designed to be the perfect starting point for your sock-knitting journey. Whether you’re a beginner eager to knit your first pair or a seasoned knitter looking for a relaxing, straightforward project, this pattern has you covered. Featuring a classic top-down construction with a heel flap and gusset, it blends traditional techniques with a beginner-friendly approach—guiding you every step of the way.

One of the standout features of this pattern is its use of DK-weight yarn. While many sock patterns call for fine fingering-weight yarn, DK-weight offers a quicker knit and a slightly thicker, more cushioned fabric—ideal for cosy house socks or a bit of extra warmth in your everyday footwear. Plus, working with DK-weight yarn makes learning new sock techniques more approachable, giving you a clear view of your stitches as you shape your masterpiece.

Whether you’re knitting for yourself or gifting a loved one a pair of handmade socks, Back to Basics: Socks (DK) is the perfect way to build confidence in your skills. So grab your favourite DK yarn, cast on, and let’s embark on a sock-knitting adventure together!

Pattern Notes for Back to Basics: Socks (DK)

Worked in the round, this versatile sock pattern offers a seamless knitting experience by providing cuff-down written directions.

With multiple sizes thoughtfully incorporated, you can easily achieve the perfect fit for yourself or for the lucky recipient of your hand-knit socks. This pattern truly embraces size-inclusivity, making it a wonderful option for a wide range of individuals.

We’ve written this sock pattern for the magic loop knitting method in mind. However, you can also work on double-pointed needles or mini-circulars instead if you prefer (just use extra markers to denote the placement of the heel or toe shaping).

Create a project page for your project here on Ravelry!

I can’t wait to see your Back to Basics: Socks (DK) come to life! Share your WIPs and FOs on social media using #rhyFlowerBlog and #BackToBasics—let’s celebrate your creativity together!

Tips & Tricks

For helpful resources on sock knitting, please visit: https://rhyflowerknits.com/socks/

Pattern Support for Back to Basics: Socks (DK)

Please see our Pattern Support page regarding pattern support for our freebie patterns; https://rhyflowerknits.com/pattern-support/

Skill Level

Beginner

Size Information

1 [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] — larger sizes are in bold throughout the pattern to help differentiate the multiple sizes.

Finished Measurements

(Measured around the ball of the foot)

6 [6.5, 7, 7.75, 8.25, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.75, 11.25]” / 15 [16.5, 18, 19.5, 20.5, 22.5, 23.5, 25, 26.5, 28.5] cm circumference — choose a size that will give you 1-1.5” / 2.5-4 cm of negative ease. The finished measurements provided are actual measurements and do not factor in your negative ease.

Notions

Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, scrap yarn, stitch markers (1)

Suggested Needles

US3 (3.25 mm) 40” / 100 cm circular needles, or the size required to obtain gauge

Yarn Requirements

MC: 100-245 yd / 91-224 m of DK weight yarn (depending on the length of your foot and leg)

CC: 39 [46, 53, 61, 69, 77, 86, 95, 104, 115] yd / 36 [42, 48, 56, 63, 70, 79, 87, 95, 105] m of DK weight yarn

Suggested Yarn

Turtlepurl Yarns – DK Striped Turtle Toes
75% Superwash Merino 25% Nylon
245 yd (224 m) / 3.5 oz (100 g)
Colour: Tickled Pink
https://turtlepurl.com/

Gauge

27 stitches by 36 rounds in stockinette = 4” / 10 cm, after blocking. Gauge is crucial in obtaining the correct fit. Changes in gauge will cause a size difference for your finished socks.

Abbreviations used in Back to Basics: Socks (DK)

*: Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed.

”: Inch(es).

-: You’ll see a dash in place for a size if the directions do not apply to that size.

BOR: Beginning of round.

CC: Contrast colour.

Cm: Centimetre(s).

Dec: Decrease.

G: Gram(s).

Inc: Increase.

K: Knit.

K2tog: Insert the right needle into 2 stitches simultaneously and knit the 2 stitches together. (1 st dec)

M: Metre(s).

MC: Main colour.

Mm: Millimetre(s).

Oz: Ounce(s).

P: Purl.

Rep: Repeat.

Ssk: Slip 2 stitches, one at a time, knitwise. Knit the slipped stitches together through the back loops. (1 st dec)

St(s): Stitch(es).

Yd: Yard(s).

Directions for Back to Basics: Socks

Using an Old Norwegian Cast-on and your CC, cast on 40 [44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76] stitches and divide evenly between the two needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to denote the BOR. The first half of your stitches will be for your instep and the second half for the back of the leg.

Round 1: *K1, p1; rep from * across round.

Continue working Round 1 until your cuff measures 1.5” / 4 cm or your desired cuff length. Cut CC and join MC.

Leg

Round 1: Knit across round.

Continue working Round 1 until your leg measures 1.25 [1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3, 3.25]” / 3.5 [4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 8.5] cm less than your desired leg length. Work the instep stitches as established; with your scrap yarn, knit to the end of your round. Slip the stitches purlwise back onto the left-hand needle and then pick back up with your MC/main yarn and knit to the end of the round. Your heel is now in place to go back to later in the project. 

Foot

Resume working in the round again as established, using your foot directions, until your foot measures 2.25 [2.75, 3.25, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.25]” / 6 [7, 8, 9, 10.5, 11.5, 12.5, 13.5, 14.5, 16] cm less than your desired length measured from your scrap yarn placement.

Round 1: Knit across round.

TOE

Cut MC and join CC.

Round 1: *K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts on the needle, k2tog, k1; rep from * once more.  (4 sts dec; 2 sts dec on each needle)

Round 2: Knit across round.

Continue working Rounds 1-2 until you have 28 stitches (14 stitches on each needle), then work Round 1 three more times; you’ll have ‌16 stitches (8 stitches on each needle). Cut yarn, leaving an 8” / 21 cm tail, and graft your toe closed.

Peasant Heel Directions

You’ll be working the stitches above and below the scrap yarn you placed earlier in your sock. With your sock toe pointing down, working right to left, pick up the right leg of all the stitches directly below the stitches of your scrap yarn. Rotate work, so your toe is now pointing up, moving right to left, picking up the right leg of all the stitches directly below the scrap yarn. You’ll now have 20 [22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38] stitches on each needle.

Using your tapestry needle, pull out the scrap yarn. Join CC and begin working in the round:

Round 1: *Pick up 1 st to close the gap, knit across the needle, then pick up 1 more st to close the gap; rep from * once more. (4 sts inc; 2 sts dec on each needle)

Round 2: Knit across round.

Round 3: *K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts on the needle, k2tog, k1; rep from * once more. (4 sts dec; 2 sts dec on each needle)

Continue working Rounds 2-3 until you have 28 stitches (14 stitches on each needle), then work Round 3 three more times; you’ll have 16 stitches (8  stitches on each needle). Cut yarn, leaving an 8” / 21 cm tail, and graft your heel closed.

Finishing your Back to Basics: Socks (DK)

After weaving in all your ends, soak your socks in water for 20 minutes with a gentle soap or wool wash. To dry your socks, either use sock blockers or lay them flat. Give your socks enough time to air dry completely. 

Now, dance like nobody’s watching while wearing your new hand-knit socks! ♥