How to measure your foot to knit tailor-made socks 🧦
¡Hello, beginner Sock Lover! A few days ago we shared our Guide to learn how to knit socks telling you which are the best yarns for socks. In this new post, we’re going to explain how to measure your foot to knit tailor-made socks. All with tips and illustrations!
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How to measure your foot to knit socks
Each foot is unique, so, to knit tailor-made socks, in the right size, you need to know how to measure your foot. To start knitting toe-up socks, you just need to know the circumference of the width of the foot.
Measuring the circumference of the width of the foot
Use a flexible tape measure to measure around the circumference of the ball of your foot. If you have bunions (the bone of your big toe sticks out), you need to measure your foot including this area. Wrap the tape measure around both the bridge and the sole of the foot to figure out this measurement (see image).
Measuring the length of the foot (optional)
This measurement goes from the heel to the end of the longest toe of the bare foot, without shoes or socks.
📌 If the socks are for you, you can try them on as you go. If the socks are for someone else, then you do need to know this measurement.
To correctly measure the length of the foot:
- Place a sheet of paper on the floor against a wall.
- Place your foot on the sheet of paper, with your heel touching the wall, and mark the longest toe with a pencil. This could be your big toe or second toe, depending on the shape of your foot.
- Use a ruler or tape measure to measure how many centimeters (or inches) there are between the edge of the sheet of paper and the pencil marking.
💡 Did you know that your forearm, the part of your arm that goes from your elbow to your wrist, usually measures the same as the sole of your foot? If you didn’t know this, now you can surprise someone with some socks without measuring their feet.
Other measurements for long socks
Do you want to knit long socks, mid-calf socks or a cuff-down construction? So, you also need to measure your leg, at the desired height, around the calf.
Guide to learn how to knit socks
Thanks for reading this far! Now you know how to measure your foot to knit tailor-made socks.
If you’re dreaming of knitting your own socks, keep an eye out for the following installments of this sock knitting guide. Take note of our upcoming posts:
- Sock yarns 🧦 How to choose the best yarn to knit socks with?
- How to measure your foot to knit tailor-made socks
- Gauge swatch in the round ➕ Steek technique 🧦
- Calculations to knit socks ➗ 🧦 Step-by-step formula
- How to cast on socks two-at-a-time 🧦 Seamless toe methods
- How to knit a sock heel 🧦 Videos with step-by-step instructions
- Sock project sheet 🧦Free PDF
Lastly, we encourage you to share any questions, suggestions, and experiences knitting socks in the comments.
Happy knitting, Katia Lover! 🧶
