The first thing you should do when attempting to knit your own socks is to find a basic, easy sock pattern, as there are a plethora of free sock patterns you can discover on the Internet, and another bonus of online shopping is that many sites supply a shopping list of needles and yarn that you will need to complete the task.

Once you have all your materials, you can read over the pattern. Don't let that scare you. The pattern and instructions may not make much sense to you as you are reading them, but if you just take it step by step and follow the pattern no matter how crazy it seems, you will always end up with a nice-looking-sock.

Working in the round may be the most intimidating part of knitting socks but a few stitch markers and a great tip will make this a lot easier. An easy sock pattern may call for you to cast on 40 stitches. Take two of your double pointed needles and hold them together. Cast on your 40 stitches over both needles so stitches are loose. Then, divide your stitches easily among your other needles as directed in your pattern. You now have a circle of needles with stitches on them. Place a stitch marker on your last stitch so you always know where your rows begin and end. Begin following your pattern, using the empty needle to knit your stitches.

When it comes time to "turn your heel" don't panic. Follow the pattern and it will all make sense as you go. You'll be decreasing stitches here, so be sure to know your basic knitting skills or have a handy instructional book handy to help you along the bumps in the road. Don't try to watch TV and do your heel, as you'll need to concentrate.

Now your are finally winding down. The pattern should start to decrease in stitches to form the toe of the sock. Once you get four stitches down, you'll perform a simple closing stitch and finish up your sock.