Learn to knit socks 8th of October

Once you start, you won't stop. Kay is famous for her beautiful socks and can take you step by step to create your own — and then you'll never buy them from the shops again!

Course details

• Start date: Tuesday 7 October 2026
• Duration: 4 weeks (4 sessions total)
• Session day & time: Tuesdays, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm BST
• Session length: 2 hours per session
• Venue: The Yarn and Craft Emporium, 649 Shore Road, Whiteabbey Village, BT37 0ST — easy street parking available
• Places remaining: 4 (maximum 6 students per course)
• Price: £60 per person for the full 4-week course

What's included

• All patterns (printed and digital PDF)
• Step-by-step tutor guidance throughout every session
• Use of any shop tools and notions on the night
• Tea, coffee, and biscuits
• Access to our student group chat for questions between sessions
• Yarn and needles are not included but can be purchased in store at a 10% student discount during the course.

Your tutor — Kay

Kay has been designing and knitting socks for over 15 years and has taught hundreds of students to knit their first pair. Her patterns have been featured in knitting publications and she is known for her calm, encouraging teaching style that makes even nervous beginners feel right at home. She will guide you through every step, from casting on to casting off, and won't let you leave with a dropped stitch!

What you will make

Over the four sessions you will knit a complete pair of socks using top-down construction (cuff to toe). This is the most popular method for beginners because you can try the sock on as you go and adjust the fit before you reach the heel. You will learn:

• Casting on in the round using double-pointed needles or a short circular needle
• Knitting the ribbed cuff and leg
• Working a heel flap and gusset — the classic heel technique
• Picking up gusset stitches and shaping the foot
• Finishing with Kitchener stitch (grafting) for a seamless toe

Top-down vs toe-up — which method is right for you?

One of the most common questions beginners ask is: should I knit top-down or toe-up? Here's a quick guide so you know what to expect.

• Top-down (cuff to toe) — you start at the cuff and work toward the toe. This is the traditional method with the most patterns available. The heel flap and gusset gives a roomy, comfortable fit, and many knitters find it easier to learn because the sock takes shape quickly and you can try it on early. This is the method we use on this course.
• Toe-up — you start at the toe and work toward the cuff. The big advantage is that you can knit until you run out of yarn, so you get maximum length from your skein. Heel options like the short-row heel or Fish Lips Kiss Heel are common. However, the cast-on (usually Judy's Magic Cast-On) takes a little practice, so most tutors recommend trying top-down first.

Both methods produce beautiful, wearable socks — it really comes down to personal preference. Once you have completed this course, Kay is happy to show you the toe-up approach so you can decide which you prefer.

Cancellation and booking terms

• Full refund if you cancel at least 14 days before the course start date (by 23 September 2026).
• 50% refund if you cancel between 7 and 13 days before the start date.
• No refund for cancellations within 6 days of the start date, but your place may be transferred to another person — please contact us to arrange this.
• If The Yarn and Craft Emporium needs to cancel or reschedule a course for any reason, you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to the next available date.
• To cancel or transfer, please email us at [your email address] or message us through the shop.

Ready to book?

Only 4 places remaining — add to cart to secure yours. Questions? Drop us a message and we'll get back to you quickly.