Oct 8, 20224 min read

Success Shorties | Free Knitting Pattern

A super cute shortie version of the original Success Socks is here! These adorable little socks take so little yarn (and time) to knit, resulting in the perfect sock project. Enjoy the process of making these little socks for anyone and everyone!

Materials

50 grams of any fingering/sock weight yarn
Size 1(2.25 mm) needles, suitable for the method of your choice
Scissors
Yarn needle
Ruler to check gauge
Stitch markers (optional)

Gauge

In order to ensure that the socks will fit their intended recipient, I suggest checking gauge.

32 stitches and 40 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch worked in the round, blocked.

Abbreviations

CO: cast on

k: knit

p: purl

ea: each

sl: slip (as if to purl)

n1: needle 1 (or the first ½ of the sts)

n2: needle 2 (or the second ½ of the sts)

k2tog: knit two stitches together

ssk: slip, slip, knit

st(s): stitch(es)

*...*: repeat the instructions in the asterisks

Pattern Notes

I know this is quite a lot of notes, but they’re here for a reason! I encourage you to read through them before beginning your first sock.

This sock ruler is extremely helpful for knitting socks in any size.
Find the yarn pictured here.
These are my favorite sock blockers.
This pattern is written for using the magic loop method, and the rows will be divided into n1 and n2. If you’d like to use a different method, such as DPNs or 9” circs, simply treat n1 and n2 as the first ½ of the sts and the second ½. I recommend placing 2 different markers: one to mark the ½ way point, and one to mark the beginning of the round.
This pattern provides instructions for an afterthought heel. If you would like to substitute a different heel, simply omit the heel instructions, and substitute your chosen heel after completing the leg.
This pattern is written for sizes small(medium, large) and are designed to fit a 7(8, 9) inch foot circumference. Please note that sock fabric has a lot of stretch, and each size will realistically fit 6-8(7-9, 8-10) inch feet. I suggest choosing the size that best suits the amount of negative/positive ease you prefer for socks.

Helpful Tutorials

Afterthought Heel and Setup: https://youtu.be/EBxA3hbV7FE

Kitchener Stitch: https://youtu.be/6EGMGpZAvo4

Cuff

CO 56(64, 72) sts. Set up to work in the round, and divide the sts in half. You should have 28(32, 36) sts on ea needle if working magic loop, or 28(32, 36) sts in between ea marker if using another method.

Rounds 1-10

n1 and n2: *k1, p1* across all sts.

Proceed to Leg Instructions

Leg

Round 1

n1 and n2: k all sts

If you would like your leg to be shorter/longer, simply repeat Round 1 until you reach your desired length.

Lastly, repeat Round 1 on n1 ONLY.

Proceed to Heel Setup Instructions

Heel Setup

If you are substituting a different heel, omit these instructions and follow the instructions for your chosen heel.

Working on n2 only, using scrap yarn

Row 1: k all sts. 28(32, 36) sts

Row 2: p all sts. 28(32, 36) sts

Row 3: k all sts. 28(32, 36) sts

After working Row 3, sl all the sts back to the left hand needle, then drop and cut the scrap yarn, and pick up the main yarn again. Knit across all the sts on n2.

Foot

Round 1

n1 and n2: k all sts

For Afterthought heel

Repeat Round 1 until the foot measures 4.25(4.5, 4.75) inches from your desired length, measured from Row 3 of the heel setup.

For substituted heel

Work Rounds 1 and 2 until the foot measures 2 inches from your desired length, measured from the base of the heel.

Proceed to Toe Instructions

Toe

If you have chosen a method other than magic loop, I recommend switching to magic loop or DPNs now.

Round 1

n1 and n2: k all sts.

Round 2

n1 and n2: k1, ssk, k until three sts remain, k2tog, k1. (4 sts dec)

Rounds 3-20

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2. You will have 16(24, 32) total sts remaining.

Bind off using the kitchener stitch (see Helpful Tutorials)

Proceed to Afterthought Heel Instructions

Afterthought Heel

If you have chosen a method other than magic loop, I recommend switching to magic loop or DPNs now.

Setup

From right to left with the toe pointed down, pick up the right leg only of the 28(32, 36) sts on the rows directly above and below waste yarn. Start on the sts above the waste yarn(leg), then take the second needle and pick up the sts below(foot). Cut and remove the waste yarn in between the needles.

Round 1(beginning with the leg sts)

n1 and n2: k all sts, then pick up two extra sts at the ends to prevent gaps.

Round 2

n1 and n2: k until 4 sts remain, k2tog, k2tog.

Round(s) 3(3-5, 3-7)

n1 and n2: k all sts.

Rounds 4(6, 8) - 23(26, 28)

Repeat Rounds 1-20 of Toe Instructions

Bind off using the kitchener stitch (see Helpful Tutorials)

Proceed to Finishing Instructions

Finishing

Cut any attached yarn, and weave in your ends.

My favorite way to finish a pair of socks is to wet block them. Fill a sink or small tub with lukewarm water and add some wool wash if desired. Insert the socks into the water, and let sit for about 5 minutes. Place the socks on sock blockers appropriate to your size, and let them air dry.

Lastly, enjoy and show off your beautiful handmade socks, or gift them to someone special. If desired, share them on Instagram using the #sucessshorties and tag @thegracefultangle!