Looking for a Free Toe Up Sock Pattern? Try the Cedar Socks
Looking for a free toe up sock pattern? This post walks through my Cedar Socks, with the pattern waiting at the bottom. See all my sock patterns here → sock knitting pattern page.
What is this free toe up sock pattern all about?
This free toe up sock pattern is a classic, wearable crew-length sock with a heel flap and a simple tree motif running up the front.
I designed the Cedar Socks to feel timeless, practical, and fun to knit—something you’ll actually want to cast on again.
Why did I design a free toe up sock pattern like this?
This free toe up sock pattern came from my love of everyday socks that still have a little personality.
I wanted:
- A traditional heel flap (because it fits so many feet well)
- A toe-up construction so you can try as you go
- Just enough texture to keep things interesting
The tiny tree panel is the same motif I used in my Cedar Headband, and I love how it gives the sock a quiet, outdoorsy feel without being fussy.
What does the Cedar Socks pattern include?
This free toe up sock pattern is written to be flexible, size-inclusive, and knitter-friendly.
You’ll find:
- Toe-up construction
- Heel flap and gusset
- Basic crew length leg
- Sizes from baby through large adult
- Clear instructions for DPNs or magic loop
If you’ve knit socks before, this will feel comfortable. If you’re newer to toe-up socks, it’s a great next step.
What yarn and needles did I use?
For my samples, I knit this free toe up sock pattern using KnitPicks Stroll Tweed (affiliate link) and size 1 (2.25mm) needles.
Here’s what worked well for me:
- Yarn: KnitPicks Stroll Tweed (affiliate link) for durability and subtle texture
- Needles: Size 1 (2.25mm)
- Method: DPNs, but magic loop works beautifully too
The tweed flecks add depth without distracting from the tree panel, which I really love in a sock like this.
If you’re a magic loop knitter, you might also like my tutorial on knitting socks with magic loop on the blog.
Is this free toe up sock pattern good for everyday wear?
Yes—and that was the goal.
This free toe up sock pattern is designed to be:
- Comfortable inside shoes
- Not too thick or too thin
- Structured enough to hold its shape
- Easy to customize for foot length
The heel flap gives great fit, and the crew length makes these perfect for daily wear, gifts, or cozy handknit socks you’ll actually reach for.
How hard is this pattern, really?
This free toe up sock pattern is best for intermediate skills and up.
You’ll need to be comfortable with:
- Knitting in the round
- Basic increases and decreases
- Picking up stitches for a heel flap
- Short rows
The stitch pattern itself is simple and rhythmic, which makes this a relaxing knit once you get going.
Where can I find the pattern?
The free toe up sock pattern for Cedar Socks is at the bottom of this post.
I always do this so you can scroll, read, and decide if it’s the right project for you before downloading.
If you want to browse more options first, you can also check out my full collection on the sock knitting pattern page.
FAQs about this free toe up sock pattern
Can I use a different yarn?
Yes. Any fingering-weight sock yarn will work, but I especially loved KnitPicks Stroll Tweed (affiliate link) for durability.
Do I have to use DPNs?
Nope. I used DPNs, but magic loop works just as well for this pattern.
Is this pattern really size inclusive?
Yes. This free toe up sock pattern includes baby through large adult sizes.
Will the tree motif stretch weird on my foot?
No. The panel is centered on the front and designed to stretch comfortably without distortion.
Is this good for gift knitting?
Absolutely. The classic look and flexible sizing make it a great gift sock.
Final thoughts before you cast on
In this post, you learned what makes the Cedar Socks a reliable free toe up sock pattern, what yarn and needles I used, and why this design works so well for everyday wear.
If you love this tree motif, your next stop should be the Cedar Headband—it uses the same design and makes a great quick knit to match.
Cedar Headband Free PatternScroll down to grab the free toe up sock pattern, and when you cast yours on, I’d love to hear about it.
Cedar Socks Free Pattern
Materials:
Yarn: 120 (180, 240), 300, 320, (380, 480) yards Knitpicks Stroll Tweed (affiliate link)
Needles: US #1 / 2.25mm DPNs (or circular for magic loop)
Notions: stitch markers, needle
Gauge: 8sts x 11rows per inch
sizing:
baby (toddler, child,) lg child, adult S, (M, L)
Finished measurements (unstretched):
Cuff (around): 5 (5.5, 6.5) 7, 7.5, (8, 9)ins/12.5 (14, 16) 17.5, 19 (20, 22.5)cms
Leg Length (adjustable): 2.5 (3.5, 4) 4.5, 5, (6, 7)ins/ 6 (9, 10) 11, 12.5 (15, 17.5)cms
Foot Length (adjustable): 4 (6, 7.25), 8, 9, (10, 11.25)ins/ 10 (15, 18) 20, 22.5 (25, 28)cms
Cedar Stitch Pattern
Round 1 – [m1r, k4, vdd, k4, m1l] around
Round 2 – [p5, k1, p5] around
Round 3 – [p5, k1, p5] around
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k1, m1r, k3, vdd, k3, m1l, k1] around
Round 6 – [k1, p4, k1, p4, k1] around
Round 7 – [k1, p4, k1, p4, k1] around
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2, m1r, k2, vdd, k2, m1l, k2] around
Round 10 – [k2, p3, k1, p3, k2] around
Round 11 – [k2, p3, k1, p3, k2] around
Round 12 – knit around
Round 13 – [k3, m1r, k1, vdd, k1, m1l, k3] around
Round 14 – [k3, p2, k1, p2, k3] around
Round 15 – [k3, p2, k1, p2, k3] around
Round 16 – knit around
Round 17 – [k4, m1r, vdd, m1l, k4] around
Round 18 – [k4, p1, k1, p1, k4] around
Round 19 – [k4, p1, k1, p1, k4] around
Round 20-22 – knit around
Toe
Cast on using Judy’s magic cast on (tutorial here) 18 (18, 22) 22, 22, (26, 26) sts
Knit around
Inc round – k1, m1l, knit to 1 st before end of needle, m1r, k1, repeat on second needle.
Repeat the above 2 rounds until there are 42 (46, 50) 54, 62, (66, 70) sts on your needles. There will be a total of 6 (7, 7) 8, 10 (10, 11) increases.
If using dpn separate your stitches as follows:
Needle 1 (top of foot) – 21 (23, 25) 27, 31 (33, 35) sts
Needle 2(bottom of foot) –10 (11, 12) 13, 15 (16, 17)
Needle 3 (bottom of foot) – 11 (12, 13) 14, 16 (17, 18) sts each
If you using magic loop or use a stich marker to mark the top and bottom of foot.
The beginning of round is the start of the top of foot.
Foot
K 5 (6, 7) 8, 10 (11, 12), work in cedar stitch chart for 11 sts, k26 (29, 32) 35, 41 (44, 47) until the sock measures 2.5 (3, 4) 5, 6, (6.5, 7) ins/ 6 (7.5, 10) 12.5, 15 (16, 17.5) cms from tip of toe, or 1.25 (1.5, 1.75) 2, 2.25 (2.5, 275) ins/ 3 (4, 4.5) 5, 5.5 (6, 7) short of desired foot length.
Gusset
Round 1 – work in pattern 22 (24, 26) 28, 32 (34, 36), m1l, knit across to last st of the round, m1r, k1
Round 2 work in pattern around
Repeat these 2 rounds until you have increased a total of 7 (8, 9) 10, 11 (12, 13) times which will give you 56 (62, 68) 74, 84 (90, 96) sts
Heel Turn
You will now be working back & forth, not in the round, turning at the end of each row.
Row 1 – Work in pattern 43 (49, 54) 59, 67 (72, 77) sts, kfb, k1, wrap yarn like a w&t but do not turn, pm,
Row 2 – sl the wrapped st, sm, p 12 (14, 16) 18, 20 (22, 24) sts, pfb, p1, wrap yarn like a w&t but do not turn, pm,
Row 3 – sl the wrapped st, sm, k 10 (12, 14) 18, 18 (20, 22) sts, kfb, k1, w&t
Row 4 – sl the wrapped st, p 8 (10, 12) 14, 16 (18, 20) sts, pfb, p1, w&t
Row 5 – sl the wrapped st, k 6 (8, 10) 12, 14 (16, 18) sts, kfb, k1, w&t
Row 6 – sl the wrapped st, p 4 (6, 8) 10, 12 (14, 16) sts, pfb, p1, w&t
For adult sizes only
Row 7 – sl the wrapped st, k x (x, x) x, 10 (12, 14) sts, kfb, k1, w&t
Row 9 – sl the wrapped st, p x (x, x) x, 8 (10, 12) sts, pfb, p1, w&
62 (68, 74) 80, 92 (98, 104) sts
Heel Flap
Row 1 – Knit across to the marker placed on heel turn row 1, working wraps as you go, turn,
Row 2 – sl1, purl across to the marker placed on row 2 of heel turn, working wraps as you go, turn,
Row 3 – (sl1, k1) across to 1 st before marker, rm, ssk, turn
Row 4 – sl1, purl across to 1 dt before marker, rm, p2tog, turn
Row 5 – (sl1, k1) across to gap, ssk, turn 1 st before gap,
Row 6 – sl1, purl across gap, p2tog, turn 1 dt before gap,
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have 42 (46, 50) 54, 62, (66, 70) sts total
Sl1 and knit across to bor.
Leg
Work in established pattern until the sock measures 1.75 (2.75, 3) 3.5, 4 (5, 6) ins/ 5 (7, 7.5) 9, 10 (12.5, 15) from the top of the heel (or desired length) ending after completing a round 20-22 of the stitch chart.
Cuff
Work in 1×1 rib (k1, p1) for 8 (8, 10) 10, 12, (12, 14) rounds.
Bind off using your favorite stretchy bind off. I like to use a sewn or Italian bind off. You can always add a thread of elastic in the bind off to help it from getting stretched out from repeated use.
Weave in all ends
ABBREVIATIONS
Bor – beginning of round
k – knit
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
m1l –Insert the left needle under the strand that runs between two stitches from front to back, then knit this strand through the back loop
m1r – Insert the left needle under the strand that runs between two stitches from back to front, then knit this strand
P – purl
pm – place marker
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, place stitches back onto left needle, knit both slipped sts together
sm – slip maker
st – stich
sts – stitches
vdd – vertical double decrease – vertical double decrease – slip the next 2 stitches on the left needle as if to knit them together and then slip them off the left needle and onto the right needle, knit the next st, pass slipped stitches over the knitted stitch together
Cedar Socks PDF
Affiliate Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Have you knit toe-up socks before, or will these be your first? Drop a comment below and tell me what needles and yarn you’re planning to use—I read every single one.
The post Looking for a Free Toe Up Sock Pattern? Try the Cedar Socks appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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