how do you knit socks?

with circular needles starting from the cuff down? when i get the correct gauge and cast on the stitches around the circumference of my ankle the sock always turns out too big. I don’t have a pattern but I know how to make a sock, it just turns out the wrong size. how do i fix this problem?

Some people like to knit the ribbing at the cuff with a size-smaller needle just because of what you said–the cuff turns out too big when you use the same needle you use for the foot.

If you want help in calculating the right number of stitches to cast on for your size, try the Sock-u-Lator at The Diet Diary blog: http://www.thedietdiary.com/blog/lucia/530 . The sample is for a short cuff. However, the Sock-u-lator will calculate for long cuffs as well. There are several other Sock-u-lators for variations–toe-up, short-rowed heel, and so on.

If you’d rather have a book, I recommend Ann Budd’s The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns (which has patterns for basic socks for any size and any gauge you want) and/or Getting Started Knitting Socks (https://www.discountbooksale.com/store/productslist.aspx?ProdID=131&ec=1&sort=11&AWTrck=1035642836&searchAuthor=Budd+Ann&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=ann%20budd%20books&utm_campaign=authacc-0006&b=GGL_DBS_131_authacc_0006_574_00_*GeoUSCA*__ann%20budd%20books ).

P.S. I assume you mean the cuff is too big. If it’s the foot, perhaps your foot needs a smaller circumference than your ankle/calf. In that case, decrease more stitches at the gusset until you have the right number of stitches for the foot circumference (and redistribute the stitches to have an equal number on the front and the back). If you’re knitting from the top down, try on the socks when they get close to the right length. I usually start the toe shaping when the knitting comes to the base of the joint between my great and second toes.

Knitting Socks on Two Circular Needles – Continental Style