Remember: socks should generally be made with about 10% negative ease in the foot circumference. For an adult sock, about an inch is standard.

  • All-over stranded colorwork socks are usually worn with zero ease, because the fabric is significantly less stretchy than stockinette stitch.
  • Cable socks are often worn with a little less negative ease – around 5% – because the fabric is somewhat less stretchy than stockinette stitch.
  • Lace socks are often worn with a more negative ease – sometimes 15% or even a bit more – because the fabric is more stretchy than stockinette stitch.

A tiny bit of negative ease in the foot length is good, too