Perfect Fit Socks
I think hand knit socks are one of life’s underrated pleasures. Like juicy watermelon on a steamy day or good rainboots in a downpour, hand knit socks make everything okay!
I designed these Perfect Fit Socks to wrap your feet in extra deep comfort. For an honestly perfect fit, the toe shapes around your toes with no ouchy seams; the length of the sock is customized to your foot (size charts included); the heel has cozy slip stitch padding; and the leg and top of the foot conform wonderfully to any body, thanks to 2 x 2 ribbing.
And for truly happy feet, I turned to Anzula’s latest creation, Cloud. Cloud is a beautiful blend of superwash merino (for softness and structure), nylon (for durability), and cashmere (for dreamy goodness). This yarn is so lightweight and fine that you can look forward to hand knit socks that will actually fit in your shoes! And, at a whopping 575 yards a skein, the best news is you’ll only need one!
These socks are sized for men and women, so, while you may want to get started on a pair for yourself, don’t forget dad! Father’s Day is around the corner, and in the thoughtful present category, nothing beats hand knit socks. Let him know it’s time to kick his feet up! -Whitney
Update: New Pattern + New Gauge!
April 9, 2021
This classic sock pattern is the source of inspiration for a new gauge in our new Perfect Fit Socks! Using our new 50-gram Posy skeins, this slightly heavier gauge makes just as cosy a fit! Click here to view the pattern!
Update: Now In Fine Print
October 2024

We updated this classic Purl Soho pattern so you can knit it in our super fun printed sock yarn, Fine Print! The same cozy 2×2 ribbing, the same cushy slip-stitch heel, and the same comfy grafted toe, but now in our elastic, durable fingering-weight yarn made of 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon. Although incredibly soft, your Perfect Fit Socks in Fine Print will also be tough enough to last through daily wear and many trips through the washer and dryer!
Materials
In addition to a Purl Soho Perfect Fit Socks pattern, you’ll need…
- 1 skein of Anzula’s Cloud, 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon. We used the color Seaside.
- A set of US #1 double pointed needles
Shop our wonderful collection of fingering-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
Gauge
41 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Sizes
Small/Medium (Medium/Large)
- Circumference comfortable stretches to: 8 (9) inches around the foot and 10 (11) inches around the leg
- Length: adjustable; pattern includes directions for any foot length
Pattern
Please Note: Our original Perfect Fit Socks Pattern has been discontinued from purchase. For assistance, please contact us at customerservice@purlsoho.com or click here to view our new updated version!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
I'd love it if they made a great sock yarn that felt this good but that was more affordable. Thoughts?
Can you tell me if this pattern is top-down or toe-up? And how many yds of yarn are needed? I would love to make these for my hubby for Dad's Day, but I'm a toe-up knitter only …. Thanks!
I love this pattern. Is it available as a pdf paid for download? I live in Australia and postage is often more than the product.
I'm working on my first pair of socks right now.
I hope mine turns out as nice as yours.
Those look so nice and cozy!
What a great design!
http://www.homeownerinsurancequoter.com
Hi Mitali-
At this time we don't offer our patterns as pdfs but the shipping on this would only be $4 to Australia via un-insured regular mail. The "special" shipping price will appear when you check out.
Thank you for your question!
Wouldn’t it make sense to scan a pattern and email it to her after she has paid for it. What a shame to lose a sale and a customer. I will do anything to avoid paying postage. It’d ridiculous that often the postage is more than the items. Just a suggestion. Lovely socks.
Hi Linda-
Thanks for getting in touch. We hear you and totally agree! The comment you’re referencing is over 3 years old and since that time we have started offering our patterns as downloads, totally eliminating the postage concern! If you have any more questions please let us know!
Best-
Molly
Hi Angela,
You might want to try Madeline Tosh's Tosh Merino LIght (https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7957-Madeline-Tosh-Tosh-Merino-Light). One skein should be enough for the Small/Medium size and possibly for the Medium/Large size also. It's hand dyed, machine washable and very beautiful!
Thanks for your question,
Whitney
Hi Skeeter,
Sorry! These socks are knit top-down. I hope you give it a try anyway!
Whitney
What skill level is needed for this pattern? Can you make these socks long as desired if you have enough yarn? (I really like knee socks.) Thanks!
Cute socks it is
Can this pattern be used to knit socks for a child too?
It's too hot to even look at socks!
though they are very very pretty 🙂
You have a tutorial so I can knit an air conditioner?
they look so comfortable and I soooo get the hand knit socks being underated like the comfort of a watermelon on a hot day! fab post and gorgeous socks!
Hi Amy,
These are basic socks to knit, so if you can use double pointed needles and follow a pattern, you should be okay! And if you're making the Small/Medium size you should have enough yarn to reach your knees.
Good luck! Let us know if you have any more questions!
Whitney
Hi Amanda,
If the circumference size of the finished sock will fit the circumference of the child's foot, then yes, you can use this pattern. I would think that this would only be the case with older kids. For young children and toddlers these socks would probably be too big.
Thanks for your question!
Whitney
Beautiful socks! Do you have any tips for getting 2×2 rib to look so neat and tidy? I find that the outside edge of my knit stitch before the first purl stitch sort of splays out. I knit "continental" if that makes a difference? Thanks!
They look so soft
Hi Lucy,
I know what you mean, I've experienced the same thing! Blocking the finished piece certainly helps a lot, and you may want to give a very little extra tug to the last knit stitch of each rib. I also think small imperfections can be a good thing, adding a bit of reality and handmade character to the final piece…
Thanks for your question –
Whitney
lovely
Are they toe up?
Hi CB-
These are top down, not toe up.
Thanks for your question!
Is this yarn machine washable?
Hi Katy-
It is machine washable. Thanks for your question!
Dear Purl Bee Peeps,
So loving your site – so very inspirational! So much so that I have decided to knit these socks – socks are a first for me. Have ordered the pattern and am patiently waiting on delivery (not a complaint as I only ordered it yesterday!) but am anxious to get my gear together to get started toute de suite when the pattern arrives (Christmas is a-comin' – sorry). Can you tell me please what kind of needles (double ended, circular etc) and what size they are so I can make my purchases?
Many Tks – Dizzy Izzy
ps have already knitted the herringbone cowl following Whit's instructions and it has been very much admired. Thank you.
HI Dizzy Izzy-
You will need size 1 double pointed needles to make these socks. Thanks so much for your nice comment!
Have just received my sock pattern today – super swift delivery across the pond – many tks. Sorry, have a question: on page 1, Turning the heel, second line, you use the abbreviation ssk – can you tell me what this means please. Am sure it blindingly obv and me just being dim. Tks so much.
Hi Dizzy Izzy-
SSK means Slip, Slip, Knit. Here is a little tutorial on how it's done:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/decrease-tutorial/
Thanks for your question!
– Molly
Help!! I have finished the heel, now I can't figure out how to join it and continue. This is the first time I have knitted socks and I am left handed. My end may be in the wrong place.
Hi Leigh Anne,
You might find our Pom Pom Peds pattern helpful. Its construction is similar to the Perfect Fit Socks and has detailed pictures and instructions. Here is a link: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/pom-pom-peds/ . If you've already turned the heel, you'll want to proceed to the Gusset section.
I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Thanks!
Whitney
Would it make a difference that I am left handed. I have the pick up stitches on the right side. What stitches do I pick up? Are they the slip stitches?
Hi Leigh Anne,
Assuming you don't knit backwards (from left to right), it shouldn't make a difference that you are left handed. The first stitches you pick up should be along the right gusset with the right side of the fabric facing you. Did you remember to finish turning the heel with a knit row? Also, our Socks for Giving pattern has some useful photos that might help you through this step: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/socks-for-giving/2008/9/10/whits-knits-mens-socks-for-giving-away.html .
And, yes, you do pick up the slipped stitches!
Thanks for your questions and good luck!
Whitney
Whitney thanks for the help. The pictures on the 2nd tutorial helped alot. I do knitt backwards thanks to my left haned grandmother. If I added another knitt across row would that work? Maybe not. I will see what I can do, I have gotten use to modifing patterns. I will send a picture of my finished sock if I can get this right. Again thanks for your help and ya'll have the best website ever!!
I did it! Yes it did take me awhile but I figured out the pattern based on the tutorial of the small socks. I had to step away from the pattern b/c I was so frustrated, but this summer I was determined to finish all my unfinished projects. My 15 year old has been after me to finish these he even picked out the yarn. He loves the socks and gets lots of positive compliments on them from friends. I know I have done a great job if I can please a teenager.
Thanks a million for your help!!
Leigh Anne
p.s. I am trying to upload a picture.
OK – so I missed Christmas! The socks I was knitting were intended as a pressie but events kind of overtook me. However, they are finished now and I must say they look fab-u-lous! I am as proud as punch of them. The pattern was easy to follow and the end result looks mighty fine. The heel is beautifully turned, the toe section a work of art and the detailing just delightful. This pattern truly is the business. Well done and thank you.
Hi- these look so gorgeous- could you tell me what color you used? Thanks!
Hi Joan,
Good question! The color is Seaside, one of our favorites!
Thanks for asking and happy holidays!
Whitney
hi my sock is too big it is the first one i have knitted it is to loose i took a class and did what the pattern said socks to me should fit like a wet tee shirt i want to learn to knit socks but i want them to fit and i do not know how to accomplish that i need to know how meany stitches to cast on and what size needles to use if you could give me some hints i would be very grateful thank you
Hi Carol,
If your socks turned out bigger than the finished measurements of the pattern, then you probably have a gauge problem. That means you probably knit your socks at too loose a tension and need to go down a needle size or two (or three!). Here is our tutorial on the subject of gauge: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/not-too-tight-tutorial/2006/11/15/not-too-tight-tutorial.html
I hope this helps and thanks for asking!
Whitney
These are beautiful! I was wondering if they could be adapted to magic loop? Thanks!
Hi Alexa,
Sure! Any pattern written for double pointed needles can be knit using the magic loop! When knitting socks, lots of people place markers to indicate each needle in the original pattern. This way you can follow along with the instructions for Needle #1, 2 and 3.
I hope this helps and good luck!
Whitney
Love these sox! Do you think I would have enough yarn to knit these sox if I used Berroco ultra alpaca fine?
3.5 oz – 100g, 433 yds – 400 m
I have just purchased this pattern and the anzula yarn. I'm so excited to get started! I have a few questions. How long do you think these take to make? I know everyone's speed is different but I'd like to make 2 pair for Christmas presents. I knit at an average to slightlly above pace. Will I be ok in that time frame? Also because of the rib, do you have any tips on how to avoid the slight gap/seam that results between where the needles join. I always try to pull the joining stitch a little tighter but it seems that tends to increase my tension to a little too tight eventually. Thanks! I am truly addicted to this site! Lovely work!
Hi Jessica,
If you work steadily between now and Christmas, you should be busy, but okay!
One common way to avoid the column of loose stitches between double pointed needles is to slip the stitches around every few rounds so that the "column" never has a chance to develop in one place. In the case of knitting socks, this means that when you get to the gusset and toe, you'll need to place some markers to indicate the ends of Needles #1, 2 and 3.
I hope this gets you on the right path. Please let us know if you have any more questions. You're a very generous knitter!
Whitney
Can I get two pairs of small womens socks out of one skein of the Anzula cloud?
Just recieved pattern and yarn for these socks, FAB! I'm an experienced knitter and have knit many socks before, but…when working the gusset, I have set up the round, as pattern states, then it says 'knit. ' It doesn't state how many times to make the decreases. I assume, since I have 38 stitches on the inset, which is in ribbing, that I will decrease each side of gusset down to19 sts. Then knit round and round till I begin toe decreases. Please let me know.
Hi Michelle,
No, unfortunately, you can't. Thanks for asking and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Whitney
Hi Nancy,
The last line of the Gusset section explains how many times to work Rounds 1 and 2 (Round 1 being the decrease round): "Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until 76 (84) total stitches remain." You're exactly right that this means you will end up with 19 stitches on each of Needles #1 and #3 and 38 stitches on Needle #2 (the instep).
I hope this clears things up for you. Thank you so much for your question and please let us know if you have any more!
Whitney
These are my first pair of socks to knit – really enjoying it! On the directions for the heel flap, it says to repeat Rows 1 and 2 twenty times for the larger size. Is that for a total of 22 heel flap rows or for a total of 42 heel flap rows?
Thank you!
Hello Sarah!
Great question. The pattern is asking you to repeat the sequence of 2 rows twenty times more for a total of 42 heel flap rows.
Happy Knitting!
-Alyson
Got it – Thank you for the response!
I looked through all the comments and didn’t see any regarding sizing, so here is my question. I wear a women’s size 9.5/10 US shoe, regular width. My foot measures 9.5 around the ball of my foot at the widest point and my calf measures 12.5 at its fullest point.
If I purchase unisex socks they are generally too long but leg width is ok. Should I knit the larger size sock? Also for a size 9.5/10 do I knit an extra 1/4 to 3/8 in foot length? I purchased Anzula cloud to knit my socks.
Thank you and I am anxious for your reply. I want to knit a nice fitting sock that stays in place!!
Kim
Hi Kim,
Thank you for the comment! I think the larger size will fit you more comfortably. The sock should stretch around your leg well. If you want a little more relaxed of a fit you can add 8 stitches to the cast on if you are comfortable altering patterns to accommodate all the shaping. I would add 3/8″ to the Foot as well for a size 9.5/10. As you are knitting that part you can hold it up to your foot to see if you need to add more/less length.
I hope this helps and don’t hesitate to write back if you have anymore questions!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
I’m hoping to knit this pattern with some fingering-weight yarn (Tosh Sock) for the men’s sizing on size 1 needles. For my gauge, I need to reduce the number of stitches by about 10 to get the width right. Any advice on how to reduce the stitches so that the pattern works out (i.e. should I reduce by multiples of 4 stitches?)
Thanks!
Hi Anna,
Thank you for the comment! I would definitely reduce by a multiple of 4 so that the 2×2 ribbing works out nicely. I think other than that everything should be fine done the same as the pattern!
I wish you luck and please feel free to write back if there’s anything else you’d like to run by us!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hey- I have tired to use this patterns for socks and had a problem with the Gusset. My pattern does not include how many times to repeat rounds 1 and 2. Were updates made to the pattern. Ill be happy to email the copy of the pattern I am using. Thanks
Hello Debbie!
We will email you another copy of the pattern just in case you don’t have the most recent version. It seems like you feel like you think you didn’t repeat the gusset rounds enough times, correct? It should be as many times as it takes for you to get back to the number or stitches you originally cast on.
Hope this helps! -Alyson
Love this pattern! Works so well and is fun to knit.
I’ve made several of these for grown-up feet, now I would like to try and knit a pair for a newborn. Can you think of any reason why a scaled-down version of this would not work for a baby?
Also, might the reinforced heel be a bit thick in this case? Would stockinette work instead or even a continued 2×2 ribbing?
Many questions from an inexperienced knitter – sorry!
Hello Johanna!
What a cute idea! You could definitely create a similar style for a smaller pair of feet! I would recommend finding a newborn pattern for socks and then apply the ribbing down the front to add the “perfect fit” quality without having to completely re-write a pattern.
Happy knitting! -Alyson
Hi, I’m trying to decide between making this and the Purl Soho pullover. I’m a beginner who has made a few simple hats and scarves. Which pattern do you think is more beginner friendly?
Hello KP!
I would say the pullover is slightly more beginner friendly since its more graphic and requires less shaping techniques than these lovely socks. Give it a try and then tackle the socks! Best of luck! -Alyson
My preference for knitting socks is toe-up magic loop method. Can this pattern be easily modified for that method?
Hi, Josie!
Thank you for writing in! You’re best bet might be to use a toe-up pattern and then apply the ribbing down the front to add the “perfect fit” quality without having to completely re-write the pattern. Again, thank you for your question. Please let us know if you’d like further assistance!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I’m using a different merino yarn, and I was wondering how much yardage these socks actually used? I can’t find yarn that’s exactly 575 yards like yours is… but I find them for about 400 yards, give or take.
Hello Marissa,
Thank you, that is a great question. The yarn used in the pattern, Anzula Cloud, is lighter in weight than a sock/fingering weight yarn, it is closer to a lace weight which is why the skein has more yardage in it. If you decide to substitute a different yarn make sure you do a gauge swatch and see that you are getting a close measurement. You should be able to squeeze a pair with a 400 yard sock/fingering skein. I would consider knitting the cuff a little shorter. There are so many variables to consider when using different yarn, but I hope these tips help. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
All the best,
Allison
Hello,
I am wondering if you have patterns
For knee high socks that are knitted
Using 4 needles so that no need for a seem?
By no means an advanced knitter but most interested in learning.
Thank you,
Anna
Hi Anna,
Thanks for writing in! We do have a pattern for knee high socks. The pattern is called Little Cable Knee High Socks. These socks, as with most of our sock patterns, are written to be knitted in the round. As such, they will have no seams and are generally worked using DPNs!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi,
I was just wondering, in the heel flap section, where is says to slip1 purlwise, are you slipping with yarn to the back or to the front of knitting?
Thanks
Milena
Hello Milena,
Thanks for writing in! For the heel flap you will slip with yarn in back for the knit row and slip yarn in back for the purl row.
I hope this helps!
-Marilla
Hello,
Wanting to make my first pair of socks, I went to the yarn store and the very helpful owner promised to coach me through the process. She had me start with 2×2 ribbing, 72 stitches per row. I was supposed to go back when I was ready for the heel, but unfortunately I ended up moving to a new city before I got to that point!
I got this pattern hoping to use it as a guide, but of course it’s based on 76-stitch rows. Is there any way for me to continue with this pattern from my current 72-stitch project?
If not, can you recommend another pattern I could continue with?
For reference: I would call myself an “advanced beginner” knitter =)
Thanks for any help you can give!
Linda
Hello Linda,
Thank you for writing us! I think you have a couple of options here. If you are someone who feels comfortable adapting patterns This one should be pretty easy to convert if you just keep in mind that you have 4 less stitches. I know there are a lot of great sock tutorials out there if you just do a quick google search with the key word basic sock pattern. The great thing about socks is that once you get the hang of the basic formula they are relatively easy to adapt. I hope all this helps and good luck!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
I’m thinking of buying this pattern to knit some socks for a friend, but she gets cold feet easily. She’s also a hiker and likes the outdoors and thought this might be a good fit. Since this is made with Cloud, how warm are these socks? They look warm, but I can’t tell.
Also, do you still take special color orders from Anzula? I still giggle since they are 5 miles from where I sit. Thanks!
Hi Katrina,
Thanks for writing in! Although Cloud is quite thin, the wool and cashmere content makes these socks nice and toasty while not being too thick or bulky! I think that they will work well for your hiker!
Best,
Cassy
I’m just starting to knit the heel flap. K2, P2 five times, K2 then turn work. P2, K2 ten times, P2.
When the work is turned the working yarn is on the left needle. Is this stitch purled or should it be slipped so that the working yarn is on the right hand needle? When it’s just purled a gap is created.
Also what is the purpose of these two steps? Why not just start working the heel flap ie. Slip knit….
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for writing in! Correct! For the heel flap, you will be working across just these stitches flat. That is to say when you turn the work, your yarn will be coming from the left and you will begin working as you would were you knitting a flat item. This section will build up as you continue and once you have completed the heel flap and turning the heel, you will pick up stitches along the sides in the gusset section. These two steps transition you from the leg to the heel flap in a way that will be tidier once the whole heel is complete.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi – these look like lovely socks, but given how fine the yarn is, I’m wondering about their durability. How well do they wear over time relative to a standard fingering weight yarn, that’s closer to 400 yards per 100 grams?
Also, is the weight of these skeins 100’grams or do they weigh more? Many Anzula skeins seem to be about 114 grams.
Thanks!
Hi Jenn,
Thanks for reaching out! Usually in socks, the tightness of the knitted fabric is more of a factor in durability than the weight of the yarn itself – although Anzula Cloud is a bit finer than a traditional sock or fingering weight yarn, we knitted it at a gauge of 41 stitches to 4 inches, which results in a fabric that is just as firm and sturdy as a regular sock yarn knitted at 32 to 36 stitches to 4 inches. The socks are a little thinner than most hand knit socks so it is possible that the heels and toes may need to be darned a bit sooner than normal, but we haven’t heard any reports of this happening and I would expect that the 10% nylon helps in creating a sock that lasts just about as long as any other! You are correct that Anzula yarns come in 4 ounce skeins, which is about 114 grams.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi, how would you adjust this pattern for a L/XL sock for a men’s size 12? Thanks!
Hello Sue,
Thank you for reaching out! The sizing in this pattern goes up to a men’s 13 so no adjusting needed. 🙂
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
was this pattern freely available on this site before? i’m trying to pick up an old project and determine if this is the one i was working on!
thanks!
Hi Emily,
Thanks for reaching out! Although we never offered this as a free pattern directly, it was an option for a free pattern when signing up for our newsletter. Please send us an email at [email protected] so we can see if this is the pattern you selected and send you a new copy!
Best,
Julianna
hi im working on the heel flap and it says to repeat rows 1 and 2 18 or 20 times– does that mean 18 rows or 36 rows?
Hi Emily,
Thanks for reaching out! For this step, you will be repeating both rows 1 and 2 18 or 20 more times, which would be 38 or 42 total rows, including the first time you worked rows 1 and 2.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi- I just got to the heel flap, when slipping the stitches do you move the yarn from the back to the front and back again between each slipped and knitted stitch? Or do you leave it at the back the whole time? Thanks! Charlotte
Hi Charlotte,
Thanks for reaching out! For these heel flaps, you will leave the yarn in the back for all the slip stitches. Please let us know if you run into any other questions!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Anzula Cloud and Anzula Squishy don’t seem to be currently available on your site, what is the recommendation for both these socks and the Little Cable Knee Highs pattern?
Thanks for your assistance, Lorraine
Hi Lorraine,
Thanks for reaching out! Although we no longer carry Squishy, we do still have Anzula Cloud in stock, and our Posy yarn is an excellent substitute for Squishy!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I own the original Perfect Fit Socks pattern. Can I use it with the new midweight Posy yarn?
Thank you,
Ann
Hi Ann,
Thanks for writing in! The new pattern is actually much different from the older version, the first was written for a lace weight yarn and smaller needle size and we have now update the yarn, gauge and needles for Posy which is a fingering weight yarn! So even though they share the same name and design they are two very different versions! So if you plan on using Posy or a fingering weight yarn, the new pattern will be much more suitable since everything from the cast on amount to the decreases have been altered.
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna