Hi, I’m Kim — the knitter and designer behind M1R KNIT. I teach the Norwegian knitting method through clear tutorials, modern patterns, and simple techniques designed to help you knit with more confidence and comfort.
Have you always wanted to learn how to knit socks but weren't quite sure where to begin? Or perhaps you've already knit a pair of socks and are ready to try a traditional heel flap and gusset construction?
My newest Sock 01 knitting tutorial is here, and I'm walking you through how to knit a classic heel flap and gusset sock from start to finish using the Magic Loop method and Norwegian knitting technique!
Sock knitting can seem a little intimidating at first, especially when you get to the heel. But once you understand how the different parts of a sock come together, it's such a rewarding project. And there's nothing quite like wearing a pair of socks you've knit yourself!
🧦 WATCH THE FREE SOCK KNITTING TUTORIAL 👇
Learn How to Knit Socks from Start to Finish
In this detailed sock knitting tutorial, we'll work through the entire construction of a traditional cuff-down sock together.
I'll show you how to cast on using the long-tail cast-on, join your stitches in the round using Magic Loop, knit the cuff and leg, and construct a reinforced heel flap. (Note: you can also use the Old Norwegian CO— also known as the Twisted German CO).
From there, we'll tackle the heel turn, pick up and knit stitches for the gusset, work the gusset decreases, knit the foot, and finish with a wedge toe and Kitchener stitch.
In this tutorial, you'll learn:
How to knit socks using the Magic Loop method
How to knit a 2x2 ribbed cuff and stockinette leg
How to knit a reinforced slip-stitch heel flap
How to turn a heel using short rows and decreases
How to pick up and knit gusset stitches
How to prevent unwanted holes and gaps in your knitting
How to work gusset decreases for a comfortable sock fit
How to determine the correct foot length
How to knit a wedge toe and close it with Kitchener stitch
I'm also sharing plenty of little tips and tricks I've learned over my years of knitting socks, including some solutions to common problems that aren't always covered in knitting tutorials.
The Heel Flap & Gusset: A Classic Sock Construction
One of my favourite things about a traditional heel flap and gusset sock is the way it fits around the heel and instep.
Unlike some other sock constructions, the heel flap and gusset create additional room around the heel and instep, making this an especially useful technique to learn if you're interested in customizing the fit of your handmade socks.
In this pattern, we'll knit a reinforced slip-stitch heel flap. Alternating slipped and knit stitches creates a textured, durable fabric that's particularly well suited to an area of the sock that experiences plenty of wear.
We'll then turn the heel to create its shape before picking up stitches along each side of the heel flap to form the gusset.
If you've never turned a heel before, don't worry! I'll demonstrate the process step by step in the video so you can see exactly where to place your decreases and how the heel takes shape.
Sock Knitting Tips: Preventing Holes & Loose Stitches
If you've knit a heel flap and gusset sock before, you may have noticed that one edge of your heel flap looks a little looser than the other. Or perhaps you've struggled with small holes where the gusset meets the instep.
These are common sock knitting frustrations, and they're something I address throughout this tutorial.
I'll show you a few techniques I use to improve the appearance of my heel flap edges, maintain consistent tension, and help prevent unwanted gaps when picking up gusset stitches.
I'll also demonstrate why I prefer twisting my picked-up gusset stitches on the first round and explain how I position my gusset decreases.
Little details like these can make a difference in the finished appearance of your socks!
The Sock 01 Knitting Pattern: Your Companion to the Tutorial
While the video demonstrates each step of the sock knitting process, I highly recommend knitting along with my Sock 01 written knitting pattern.
The pattern is designed to work alongside the video, giving you the written instructions and measurements you'll need as you knit.
Inside the pattern, you'll find the stitch counts, sizing information, gauge requirements, and instructions for each part of your sock.
You'll also learn how to measure your feet and determine the correct sock size and foot length so you're not simply knitting a sock based on someone else's measurements.
One of the wonderful things about knitting your own socks is being able to customize the fit!
The video shows you HOW to knit the sock, while the written pattern gives you the instructions and measurements to follow at your own pace.
Having both available makes it much easier to pause the tutorial, check your stitch counts, and pick up exactly where you left off.
🧦 PURCHASE THE SOCK 01 KNITTING PATTERN
What Yarn & Needles Do You Need?
For this sock knitting tutorial, I'm using fingering-weight sock yarn and the Magic Loop knitting method.
I particularly love DROPS Nord and Filcolana Arwetta for knitting socks. Both are lovely fingering-weight yarn options, although they have slightly different characteristics.
The tutorial demonstrates knitting with 2.25 mm (US 1) circular needles, but remember that obtaining the correct gauge is more important than using the exact same needle size as me.
For Sock 01, we're aiming for a stitch gauge of 36 stitches over 4" / 10 cm, or 9 stitches per inch.
Socks need a fairly firm fabric to help them maintain their shape and withstand regular wear, so don't skip checking your gauge!
You'll find more information about materials, sizing, and gauge in the written pattern.
Can Beginners Knit Heel Flap & Gusset Socks?
Absolutely! But, I recommend starting your sock journey with the SOCK 02 pattern with the Forethought Heel
If you already know how to cast on, knit, purl, and work basic decreases, you're well on your way to knitting your first pair of socks.
The heel flap and gusset construction has a few more steps than some other sock heels, but that doesn't mean it's beyond a beginner's abilities.
My biggest recommendation is to take your time, follow the written pattern, and watch each section of the video as you work through it.
And remember, you can always pause, rewind, and watch a particular technique as many times as you need!
If you're completely new to sock knitting and would prefer to begin with a different heel construction, you might enjoy my Forethought Heel Socks for Beginners tutorial first.
Watch here: https://m1rknit.com/tutorials/forethought-heel-socks-for-beginners
Ready to Knit Your First Heel Flap & Gusset Socks?
There's something so satisfying about finishing a pair of hand-knit socks, especially when you've learned a new technique along the way.
I hope this tutorial helps take some of the mystery out of traditional sock construction and gives you the confidence to tackle your own heel flap and gusset socks.
Grab your yarn, download the Sock 01 knitting pattern, and come knit along with me!
🧶 GET THE SOCK 01 KNITTING PATTERN: https://m1rknit.com/patterns/p/socks-01-knitting-pattern-pdf-cuff-down-sock-pattern-m1r-knit
Happy Knitting,
XO Kim
Enjoying the tutorials? You can support the channel by buying me a coffee ☕Yarn I love: https://lionbrand.sjv.io/B5doOB
My fave knitting needles + notions