How to knit Tiny Toes Baby Socks for growing little feet!
The original Tiny Toes sock pattern is designed for teensy newborn feet. But, babies grow fast and they start using their feet for more than kicking.
A kind knitter left a comment asking about adapting the pattern for growing feet and I’m happy to share my next-size-up version. It adds 8 more stitches (or about 1″) to the width. The heel is worked a bit different for all the walking and running those little feet are starting to do.
Sample shown was knit on 2.25mm Lykke Driftwood Circulars (MagicLoop method, my favorite) and yarn: Drops Nord in color 10: Lemongrass Mix
Tiny Human Foot Sizes
A fun-fact section for you on when and how much those tiny feet grow. It’s not super important (except the lengths for gift knitting) but I think it’s interesting to see at what stages feet grow the most.
Foot Width
- 0-6 months = 2″ (5cm)
- 6-12 months = 2 1/8″ (5.5 cm)
- 12-18 months = 2 1/4″ (5.75 cm)
- 18-24 months = 2 3/4″ (6 cm)
Foot Length
- 0-6 months = 4″ (10 cm)
- 6-12 months = 4 7/8″ (11.5 cm)
- 12-18 months = 5 1/8″ (12.5 cm)
- 18-24 months = 5 1/2″ (13.5 cm)
These are just averages, of course. Each tiny person is special and different and may have larger or smaller feet. Use it as a guide for reference. The most interesting thing to note is when the foot is growing longer/wider a lot, or not very much at all. Fascinating stuff!
For all the details and tips in the original pattern, click here
Tiny Toes Baby Socks – 6-18month Size
STEP 1 – Casting On
We want the top of these tiny socks to be extra stretchy so the socks are easy to put on and have enough stretch to wear tall or cuffed.
Cast on 40 stitches with a stretchy long-tail method. I use the Old Norwegian (aka Twisted German) cast on and have never had an issue with it.
STEP 2 – Join to Work in the Round
Split the 40 stitches evenly between the needles. Join to work in the round. My seamless join technique is in the original pattern here…
STEP 3 – Knit the Leg
Each round (and needle) is: K1, *P2, K2*, K1 – repeat instructions between * *
(1st round: when you joined the round, you worked the 1st stitch, so after the K2tog join, you’ll start with the P2…)
Work 36 rounds for the leg. This will still allow the socks to be cuffed, you can knit the leg any length you want!
STEP 4 – Make a Heel
For the heel, you’ll be working only the back half of the stitches, the front stitches rest for now.
Row 1: Slip 1 stitch as if to purl, then purl to the end of the needle. Turn your work.
Row 2: Slip 1 stitch as if to knit, then *K1, SL1* to the last stitch and K1. Turn your work.
Repeat rounds 1 & 2 a total of 16 times, (8 repeats of Round 2).
(Note: in Round 2, only the 1st stitch is slipped as if to knit, all other slip stitches are as if to purl – this method makes for a neater edge when you work the gusset)
STEP 5 – Heel Turn
Row 1 : SL1, P13, P2tog. Turn your work. (There will be 4 stitches left unworked when you turn)
Row 2: SL1, K8, SSK and turn
Row 3: SL1, P8, P2tog and turn.
Continue working Rows 2 & 3 until you only have 10 stitches left. The last row worked will be a row 2. These are your heel stitches.
STEP 6 – Gusset Pickup
Pick up 10 stitches along the edge of the heel flap. 8 stitches from the slipped stitch edge and 2 more to close the gap where it meets the front stitches. Place a stitch marker.
Knit across the front stitches using the pattern from before: K1, *P2, K2,* K1. Place a stitch marker.
Pick up 10 stitches along the other edge of the heel flap in the same way.
Tip: after knitting across the front, pick up 1 stitch then slide it to the left needle and place the marker, then add the stitch back. It’s easier than trying to pick up the first stitch with a marker in the way.
Knit 5 of the heel stitches. This is the middle of the heel and your temporary beginning/end of round. Reorganize your stitches on the 2 needles to be equal. Split in the middle of the heel & in the middle of the front. (The stitch markers separate the front pattern stitches from the bottom/sides of the heel) – it’s just for a few rounds)
STEP 7 – Gusset Decreases
Setup Round: K5 heel stitches, K8 picked up stitches through the back loop {slide your needle behind the stitch instead of from the front and knit}, K2 that close the gap -slip marker- Knit front in pattern, -slip marker- K2, K8 through the back loop, K5.
Decrease Round: Knit until 3 stitches before marker, K2tog, K1, knit front pattern, K1, SSK, Knit to end.
Knit Round: Knit to marker, knit front pattern, knit to end.
Repeat Decrease & Knit rounds until there are 10 stitches before and after the marker. (back to the original stitch number, 20 each needle, 40 total)
STEP 8 – Foot
Reorganize the stitches so the front pattern is on the front needle and the heel is on the back needle. 20 stitches per needle. Remove the markers at this point.
Knit pattern K1, *P2, K2*, K1 on the front needle, and knit all stitches on the back needle.
Continue until the foot (measured from the heel flap) is 1″ (2.5 cm) shorter than the desired total length.
STEP 9 – Toe
Setup round: Knit 1 round, front & back needles.
Toe Decreases: K1, SSK, Knit to last 2 stitches on the needle, K2tog, K1 – do this on both needles.
Repeat the toe decreases until there are only 8 stitches on each needle (16 total).
STEP 10 – Finishing
Cut your yarn leaving an 8-10″ tail. Thread onto tapestry needle.
Use Kitchener Stitch to close the toe neatly.
Weave in all ends.
Some Tips on Sizing
This 6-18 month size range seems a bit bonkers to think the same sock will fit that whole time. Each tiny person is special in their own ways, whether they have skinny or plump feet, short or long feet. You may find you need to adapt the size (mostly the length) for the best fit. Since they are so quick and fun to knit, it’s no bother to knit more as feet grow!
If the sock is getting too tight… use a larger needle size. By simply using a 2.5mm or 2.75mm needle (instead of the 2.25mm recommended) your gauge will loosen and the sock will be less snug.
If the heel keeps slipping down… Add more rounds to the foot, the length is likely too short.
I would like to have the opportunity to print the instructions, I don’t see the option , Thank you. Jorge.
Share to your email or find on Ravelry.
After the heel turn, shouldn’t you first knit the 10 stitches from the heel before you start picking up the stitches at the side?
Thanks for asking Frida! The heel turn is complete after working a row 2, with a final ssk at the end. It will have you ready to start picking up the sides from there!
Step 8: Reorganize the stitches so the front pattern is on the front needle and the heel is on the back needle. 16 stitches per needle. Remove the markers at this point.
16 stitches per needle is 32 in total, but I have 40 stitches. How should I arrange the stitches?
Arrange stitches with 20 on each needle! Front pattern on front needle and plain knit stitches on back needle (for the bottom of the tiny foot).
Excellent catch, there was an error on stitch count carried over from the original newborn size. I’ve updated the pattern, thank you for noticing. Sounds like your socks are going to be perfect!