11 Adorable (and Free) Knitting Patterns for the Tender Feet of Children

Children need socks, too! Here’s a collection of free, sweet sock knitting patterns

I often find collections of patterns for baby socks or booties. I also find adult sock knitting patterns plentiful. But, perhaps you’re like me, and sometimes we struggle to find patterns to knit socks for children.

But especially in colder countries where many children live in orphanages, socks are absolutely essential. Sadly, many children grow up in such orphanages. And the donated clothing tends to slowly run out as they get older.

Why Knit Socks for Kiddos?

Socks are so important because cold feet can lead to health problems. And so warm socks are tremendously important for needy children.

For charity knitters, socks for children are a wonderful project because they take the joy of knitting socks and combine it with a smaller scale. Thus it takes far less time to knit socks for children. (This makes the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome far easier to fend off, too.)

So here is a collection of free knitting patterns for children’s socks. I hope you’ll enjoy finding the right pattern for you!

Fun & Free Patterns for Children’s Socks

Rye

• What you’ll need to make them: 150 to 300 yards worsted weight yarn (depending on the size you choose); US Sizes 3 and 5 DPNs and/or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: This is a combination of knitting pattern and tutorial, which makes this sock pattern a great one for beginning sock knitters to try. (So does its construction with worsted weight yarn, which is much easier for beginning knitters to work with.) You can knit these in sizes from baby to adult.

Cozy Toes

• What you’ll need to make them: 170 to 350 yards worsted weight yarn, 140 to 290 yards heavy worsted weight yarn, or 120 to 290 yards bulky yarn (pattern offers instructions for all 3 yarn weights); US Size 4, 5, or 7 DPNs or circular needles (depending on the weight of yarn you use or how you prefer knitting in the round)

• Why you’ll want to: The designer created this pattern especially for charity knitting. You can use worsted, aran, and bulky weight yarn for thicker, warmer socks, especially useful for children and adults living in colder climates.

Longitudinal

• What you’ll need to make them: 459 to 918 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 1 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); stitch markers; stitch holders/safety pins/scrap yarn

• Why you’ll want to: This pattern is definitely not for a beginner! It is, however, perfect for an experienced sock knitter who is bored with same-old, same-old construction and vertical striping.
  
  (And the stripes are made of garter stitch, so you’ll never have to purl!)

For more free sock knitting patterns, check out these posts!

Toe-Up Toddler Socks

• What you’ll need to make them: 100 to 150 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 2 DPNs and/or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round)

• Why you’ll want to: Want to try your hand at toe-up socks for little ones? This pattern is the perfect one to try. It’s simple, basic, adorable, and knits up quickly.

Tiny Toes by DROPS Design

• What you’ll need to make them: 225 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 1 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round)

• Why you’ll want to: DROPS created these adorable socks in sizes from baby to toddler. Get a big ball of sock yarn and knit a bunch!

Basic Socks

• What you’ll need to make them: 125 yards DK weight yarn (either all one color or evenly divided between 2 colors); US Size 4 DPNs or circular needles; stitch markers; stitch holders/scrap yarn

• Why you’ll want to: These lovely, classic socks are sized from toddler to adult man. If you have DK yarn available, you’ll love using it in this pattern.

One Sock Stop

• What you’ll need to make them: Up to 230 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 2 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round)

• Why you’ll want to: If you want one simple pattern that can be adapted for absolutely anyone, this is a terrific pattern to have on hand. You can use it for all your charity and gift knitting needs.

Socks for Mary Janes

• What you’ll need to make them: 100 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 2 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round)

• Why you’ll want to: This adorable cabled sock pattern uses very little yarn and is ideal for young girls and their cutest Mary Jane shoes.

Hat Heel Sock

• What you’ll need to make them: 230 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 1.5 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round) and US Size 6/7/8/10 needles (depending on the size you’re making, for the bind-off)

• Why you’ll want to: If you’re an adventurous sock knitter willing to try a unique construction, you will love this pattern. It begins at the heel–yes, the heel! Though this pattern offers sizing from babies to adults, trying the baby size first is a great way to get a feel for this fascinating construction.

Rainy Day Boot Socks

• What you’ll need to make them: 130 to 250 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 5 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round)

• Why you’ll want to: This pattern is a great way to work stranded colorwork in a sock, since you’ll use worsted weight yarn. It also has a pretty picot edge.

Waffle Socks 28

• What you’ll need to make them: Varying amounts of worsted weight / heavy worsted weight / bulky weight yarn (250 to 290 yards); US Size 4, 6, or 8 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round and on the weight of yarn you use)

• Why you’ll want to: The fun waffle stitch pattern makes these socks a particularly enjoyable knit. Since they use a heavier yarn than usual for socks, they’re especially warm for toddlers and children living in cold climates. (In fact, this pattern was created especially for charity knitters.)

I hope that this collection of free knitting patterns for children’s socks will inspire you to knit socks for children, either as gifts or for charity!