How to add new “Sort by” filters in Magento 1.9 CE?

Question

I'm new to magento. I'm using Magento 1.9 CE Today it's the 4th day of my trying to customise magento. My biggest problem is with the filters, I am creating a fashion-store template. So i need filters: size, color, manufacture, brand, etc I trying to archive this with default function "Sort by" but I can't still find anything on it and how to implement in magento custom theme. I don't like "premium $" extensions. I am still searching for solution. If you managed some similar project, can you help me to find the right way? Thanks.