20+ Free Bed Socks Knitting Patterns

In this blog post, you will find 20+ free bed socks knitting patterns. 

These patterns range from simple designs for beginners to more intricate ones for advanced knitters, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. 

Whether you prefer traditional ribbing, colorful stripes, or playful motifs, you’ll discover a variety of styles to suit your taste. 

How Bed Socks Differ from Regular Socks

The main difference between bed socks and regular socks lies in their purpose, material, and design.

Bed socks are specifically made to keep your feet warm while sleeping. 

They’re meant for comfort and warmth, not for wearing in shoes or walking around much.

Regular socks, on the other hand, are designed for daily wear, offering warmth, support, and protection inside shoes.

Also, they are typically made from soft, cozy materials like brushed cotton, fleece, or chenille to feel gentle against the skin. 

They often have looser elastic or no elastic at all to avoid restricting circulation while you sleep. 

Regular socks often utilize more structured yarns, such as cotton, wool, or blends, which provide durability and shape.

Bed socks usually have a looser, more relaxed fit, making them easy to slip on and off without being tight.

Regular socks are designed to fit snugly and stay up during activity.

Sock Knitting FAQ 

What is the best yarn for bed socks? 

The best yarn for bed socks is one that prioritizes softness, warmth, and comfort, as they’re meant to be worn indoors for cozy relaxation or sleeping.

Natural fibers, such as merino wool, alpaca, or cashmere blends, are ideal because they provide excellent insulation while being gentle on the skin. 

Merino wool, in particular, is soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating, making it perfect for overnight wear. 

For those who prefer plant-based options, bamboo or cotton blends with added softness and stretch can also be effective, although they may be less insulating. 

Avoid rough, scratchy, or heavily textured yarns, and opt for worsted/ aran weight yarn or bulky weight yarn for a thicker, cushier feel that keeps toes toasty without feeling bulky.

Helpful resources

• Yarn Weight Guide {+Conversion Chart}
• Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers 
• How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)

What is the best stitch for bed socks?

The best stitch for bed socks is one that creates a soft, stretchy, and insulating fabric to ensure maximum comfort while lounging or sleeping. 

The rib stitch—especially 1×1 or 2×2 ribbing—is an excellent choice for the cuff and even the entire sock, as it provides a snug yet flexible fit that gently hugs the foot without being too tight. 

Related Post: How To Knit Rib Stitch Patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)

For the foot and leg sections, stockinette stitch is commonly used for its smooth texture and coziness, while more textured options like broken rib or waffle stitch can add warmth and cushion. 

Realted Post: Broken Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern For Beginners

These stitches trap air for insulation and add a gentle massaging feel against the skin. 

Combining ribbed cuffs with a stockinette or textured body often gives the best balance of fit, comfort, and warmth for bed socks.

Related Post: Waffle Stitch Knitting Pattern (Simple Knit Tutorial)

What type of knitting needles are best for socks? 

The best knitting needles for socks are typically small-sized needles that allow you to knit in the round with precision and control. 

Popular options include double-pointed needles (DPNs), long circular needles for the magic loop method, and short 9″ circular needles. 

DPNs are a traditional favorite, offering flexibility for shaping heels and toes, especially for knitters who enjoy working with multiple needles. 

Long circular needles (32″ or longer) are ideal for the magic loop technique, which is great for knitting two socks at once and minimizing dropped stitches. 

Short circulars are compact and convenient for simple sock bodies but may require switching to DPNs or magic loop for heel shaping. 

Regardless of style, sock knitting usually requires small needle sizes (US 0–3 / 2.0–3.25 mm) to achieve a tight, durable fabric.

Related post: 13 Best Knitting Needles For Sock Knitting

Can you knit socks with straight needles?

You can knit socks with straight needles, though it’s more common to use double-pointed or circular needles. 

When using straight needles, the sock is usually knit flat in rows, then seamed together to form a tube.

This method involves shaping the heel and toe with increases and decreases, then sewing the sock up the back and along the foot with the mattress stitch. 

It’s an excellent option for beginners who aren’t ready to work in the round, although the finished sock may not be as seamless or stretchy as those knit on circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs).

Many beginner-friendly patterns are available for flat-knit socks, often using simple stitches like stockinette or ribbing. 

Just make sure to use soft, stretchy yarn and practice neat seaming for comfort!

Related post: Best Knitting Needles For Beginners

What is the best cable length for socks?

The best cable length for knitting socks depends on the technique you prefer, but for most knitters using the magic loop method, a circular needle with a cable length of 32 to 40 inches (80 to 100 cm) is ideal. 

This allows plenty of room to comfortably manipulate the loops and divide the stitches without overcrowding, making it easier to manage small circumferences. 

If you’re using the two circular needles method, each needle should be around 24 to 32 inches long. 

Alternatively, some knitters opt for 9-inch circular needles for the sock body, though these may require switching to double-pointed needles or magic loop for shaping the heel and toe. 

Overall, a 32-inch cable offers the most flexibility and is a great all-around choice for sock knitting.

Related post: How To Measure Circular Knitting Needles – A Guide 

What is magic loop sock knitting?  

Magic loop sock knitting is a technique that allows you to knit socks (or other small, circular items) using a long circular needle instead of double-pointed needles. 

By using a circular needle with a cable length of at least 32 inches (80 cm), you can divide your stitches in half and pull out a loop of the cable between them, creating two sections to knit in the round. 

This method is especially convenient for knitting two socks at once, helps reduce laddering between needle joins, and minimizes the risk of dropping stitches. 

It’s a popular, efficient choice for sock knitters who prefer fewer tools and a more streamlined process.

Related post: Magic Loop Knitting: A Simple Step-by-Step Tutorial

How much sock yarn to knit a pair of socks?    

The amount of sock yarn needed to knit a pair of socks depends on the yarn weight, sock size, and leg length, but here are general guidelines using standard fingering-weight sock yarn (typically 100g/400m skeins):

• Women’s average-sized socks (ankle to mid-calf):
  Approximately 100 grams (3.5 ounces / 3.5 yards) of fingering-weight yarn is usually sufficient.
• Men’s larger socks:
  You may need up to 120 grams (4.2 ounces / 4.5 pounds) for longer feet or taller cuffs.
• Children’s socks:
  Typically 50 grams (200 meters / 218 yards) or less.

If you’re knitting socks with colorwork, cables, or knee-high lengths, you might need extra yarn. 

For beginners or when using specialty yarn, it’s often safest to have a full 100g skein per pair to ensure coverage without running short.

Related post: How Much Yarn Do I Need For A Knitting Project?

How to measure for knitted socks?

To measure for knitted socks accurately, you need to take a few key foot and leg measurements to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. 

Start by measuring the foot circumference: wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of the ball of the foot, not too tightly. 

Then measure the foot length from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe.

For a well-fitted cuff, also measure the ankle circumference just above the ankle bone and the leg height from the heel up to where you want the cuff to sit (mid-calf, crew, or knee-high). 

It’s important to subtract about 10% from the circumference measurements when calculating your stitch count. 

This ensures negative ease, so the socks hug the foot properly without slipping. 

Always compare your measurements with the gauge and sizing in your pattern to make necessary adjustments before casting on.

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to the craft and need help with the knitting basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes cast-ons, bind-offs, basic knit stitches, short rows, and more. 

Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), a knitting needle size guide, and more.

You can also check out this step-by-step guide on how to knit for beginners – How To Knit – A Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

For extra help and to connect with more makers from the crafting community, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group. 

If you also love to crochet, check out easy patterns here – Free Crochet Patterns

You can also find us on social media, Ravelry, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and TikTok.  

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