Knitted Newborn and Preemie Sock

Knitted newborn and preemie socks are not just adorable; they're also incredibly practical. These tiny socks are perfect for delicate newborn and preemie feet, providing warmth and comfort in a charming package. Crafted with soft, gentle materials, these socks ensure that even the tiniest toes stay cozy and protected. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift for a new parent or stocking up for your own little one, these knitted socks are a must-have. Plus, the handmade touch adds a special element that makes them even more precious. So, why not add a touch of warmth and cuteness to those tiny feet with these delightful knitted socks?

MATERIALS:

Newborn:
Set of size 3 dpns
Sport-weight yarn
Yarn needle

Preemie:
Set of size 1 dpns
Super fine sock yarn
Yarn needle

The stitches are the same for both sizes, it’s the weight of the yarn that makes it smaller or larger. 

Instructions:

Part 1: Ribbing

• C/O 24 stitches, very loosely. If you have to, use two needles to make these first stitches twice the size–I do this every time.
• Arrange the stitches on each of three needles, so there are eight on each needle.
• Join the round, using either a single (k1, p1) or double (k2, p2) ribbing.
• Work this ribbing for 15 rounds.

Part 2: Divide instep stitches.

• k6 stitches on 1st needle
• move last two stitches on 1st needle to 2nd needle
• purl over last 6 stitches worked
• on same needle, purl over the last 6 stitches from the 3rd needle
• move the first two stitches from the 3rd needle to the 2nd needle
• there should now be 12 stitches on two needles, needle 1 and 2.

Part 3: Heel and Gusset

HEEL

• R1: sl1, k11
• R2: sl1, p11
• Repeat rows 1 and 2 five more times (12 rows)

GUSSET

• R1: sl1, k7, k2tog, k1, turn work
• R2: sl1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn work
• R3: sl1, k5, k2tog, k1, turn work
• R4: sl1, p5, p2tog, p1
• 8 stitches remain

Part 4: Combining gusset and instep stitches

• k4 stitches from 1st needle onto a spare needle
• knit the next 4 stitches onto another needle
• use a spare crochet hook or dpn to pick up and knit 7 sts along the gusset, and “one in the corner” to make a total of 12 stitches on the needle.
• knit the 12 instep stitches
• on the other side, pick up and knit one stitch in the corner, and 6 more stitches along the side
• finish by knitting the 4 stitches being held on the spare dpn
• There should be 12 stitches on needles 1 and 3: 12 stitches on needle 2
• knit one round

Part 5: Shaping the ankle

Round 1

• 1st needle: knit to last three stitches, k2tog, k1
• 2nd needle: k12
• 3rd needle: k1, ssk, knit to end of needle
• stitches should be (11/12/11)

Round 2: knit all stitches

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 four more times (7/12/7)

Repeat round 1 (6/12/6)

Part 6: foot of the sock

Knit all stitches in all rounds for 10 rounds.

Part 7: toe shaping and finishing

Round 1

• 1st needle: knit to last three stitches: k2tog, k1 (5 sts)
• 2nd needle: k1, ssk, knit to last three stitches, k2tog, k1 (10 sts)
• 3rd needle: k1, k2tog, knit to the end of the needle (5 sts)

Round 2: knit all stitches

Repeat round 1 and 2 (4/8/4 sts)
Repeat round 1 twice more (2/4/2)

Round 3:

• 1st needle: k2tog
• 2nd needle: ssk, k2tog
• 3rd needle: ssk
• sts should be (1/2/1)

Use yarn needle to gather up all stitches and secure inside sock.
Weave in loose ends and snip.
Voila!