12 Cuff-Down Sock Patterns to Practice the Magic Loop

One of my favorite ways to use the magic loop is when I’m knitting socks. You can use the magic loop to knit socks both toe-up and cuff-down, but the way you cast on for each one is just a little different. For cuff-down socks, the cast-on is an open cast-on, which is a little easier than a closed cast-on.

When you’re ready to try magic loop a try, check out these patterns.

The Oh Valencia! Sock

1. The Oh, Valencia! Sock

Craftsy instructor Kate Atherley knows a thing or two about getting a great fit for your socks, and she’s kindly sharing this pattern from her book Custom Socks: Knit to Fit Your Feet. If you stitch this pattern and love it, check out the other patterns in her book.

Get the FREE Pattern

Simple Skyp Sock Knitting Pattern

Photo via Mushroom Knits

2. Simple Skyp Socks

I’ve stitched these socks a couple of times. It’s a great pattern because while there is some interesting texture, it’s easy to memorize the stitch pattern. It’s especially easy when you’re using magic loop, since you don’t have to shuffle from one double-pointed needle to another.

Get the FREE Pattern

Tadpoles Socks Knitting Pattern

Photo via Gidget’s Stitches

3. Tadpole Socks

I knit these socks for my mom one year as a Christmas present, and I was tempted to keep them for myself! The pattern is charted, and it’s super fun to stitch. You’ll memorize the pattern after a couple of repeats, so don’t be intimidated by all the twists and turns.

Get the FREE Pattern

Eirene Socks Knitting Pattern

Photo via Sara Elizabeth Knitting

4. Eirene Socks

When a simple sock just won’t do, add a cable! You’ll start cabling in magic loop right away, working that cable all the way down to the toe. Thanks to magic loop, your cable will never be divided among two needles.

Get the FREE Pattern

A Study in Scraps Socks Knitting Pattern

Photo via Joey’s House

5. A Study in Scraps: Sock #1

Grab all your sock yarn scraps to stitch up this fun pattern. This pair of socks uses two colors of scraps, but you can incorporate as many as you need to in order to bust your own stash.

Get the FREE Pattern

Waffle Rib Socks Knitting Pattern

Photo via patchworkcat

6. Waffle Rib Socks

This is another example of a sock pattern with lovely texture that’s easy to memorize. The waffle stitch also gives these socks a cozy texture. I made these socks for my husband many times, and I used magic loop every time!

Get the FREE Pattern

Whirlsie's Vanilla Socks Knitting Pattern

Photo via Whirlsie’s Designs

7. Whirlsie’s Vanilla Socks

First time knitting a sock? No problem! This pattern breaks every thing down into small, digestible pieces so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. The pattern is ideal for magic loop, too — in fact, it was designed to teach knitters the technique.

Get the FREE Pattern

Rye Knit Socks

Photo via Tin Can Knits

8. Rye

This sock pattern comes in six sizes, so you can make a pair for everyone in the family. The yarn is DK-weight, not fingering, so the socks work up faster than other sock patterns that use traditional sock yarn.

Get the FREE Pattern

Just Plain Socks Knitting Pattern

Photo via My Secret Wish on Craftsy

9. Just Plain Socks

Nothing fancy or crazy to see here! These socks were designed with beginner sock knitters in mind. Work your way through them once — using magic loop, of course! — and then make dozens of pairs to experiment with different stitch designs, yarns and anything else you want to try.

Get the FREE Pattern

Very Vanilla Socks Knitting Pattern

Photo via KBJ Designs

10. Very Vanilla Socks

If you’re looking for a basic sock pattern that you can crank out while you watch a movie, you’ve found the right pattern! These cuff-down socks have a traditional heel, but feel free to change that up if you want something just a little different.

Get the FREE Pattern

When you’re knitting magic loop socks, do you prefer a pattern that’s super textured, or one that’s more basic? Let’s talk socks in the comments!

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

Make a comment:
500 characters remaining

12 Responses to “12 Cuff-Down Sock Patterns to Practice the Magic Loop”

  1. ANGIE

    THANKS FOR THE PATTERNS

  2. Kathy

    Thank you

  3. Christine L Siart

    Love the magic loop patterns.

  4. Kathy

    New to me

  5. Christina Roffey

    After my typo stating an initial message date a year later than it was, I am VERY glad to have been able to download nine patterns today. The first pattern, when directed to ravelry, does not seem to be available as a free download anymore, The original title of your article stated "12 FREE". Are there another two patterns that are going to be re-appearing? That would be great. So, for the nine free patterns, THANK YOU

  6. Christina Roffey

    On 10 November 2021, as a Premium Member, I sent an email to the Program Director about the inactive link for these 12 free patterns. I am more than a little disappointed that just under 2 months later, the links are still inactive. Would you kindly expedite the upload of the patterns and activation of the link. Thank you

  7. Regina Zimmer

    when will the pattern be added little disappointed that a member can't access patterns

  8. susan ahrent

    Im a member and waiting for all my patterns and classes. Can I get the pattern here? Theres no link!

  9. NAOMI

    Could you tell me how to get access to these free sock patterns please. I am a member.

  10. Annie Morand

    Can you tell me when the paterns will be available? Thank you