KNITTING NERD CREATIONS
DIAMONDDROP SOCKS
Inspired by the toe up design and Judy's magic loop cast-on, these beautiful socks are knit from toe to cuff with no heel flap or picking up stitches like normal top down socks. Also designed for magic loop or 2 circs. Size: S, (M, L), 7-1/2 (8, 8-1/2)' Gauge: 7 = 1" in stockinette st Needles: 1 US size 2 (2.75mm) Circular needle 32"-40" cable for magic loop (2 US size 2 for using 2 circs) or size needed to obtain correct gauge. Yarn used: Baah! La Jolla in Burmese red, 100% merino 4-ply fingering weight, 100 grams (3.53 oz), 400 yds.
Abbreviations used: BO \~ Bind-off CO\~ Cast-on INTERMEDIATE K\~knit M1 \~ Make one (pick up yarn between stitches from front to back and knit through the back loop) P\~ purl P2tog \~ Purl 2 sts together Sl1 \~ Slip 1 stitch Ssk \~ slip 1 st, slip 2nd st, take left needle and insert through the front of the slip sts and knit them together. ST(S) \~ STITCH(ES)
| Use a locking marker (if desired) to note the beginning side of your rounds. A tutorial for Judy's magic cast-on can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkyd3nq3yn8. |
| Toe Using Judy's magic cast-on (or other preferred toe-up method), cast-on a total of 24 stitches-12 stitches on each needle. Work the stitches per your cast-on method and knit 1 round even. Starting on the next round you will increase 4 stitches every other round as follows: |
| Round 1: Needle 1 ~ k1, m1, knit until the last stitch, m1, k1. Needle 2 ~ k1, M1, knit until the last stitch, m1, k1. |
| Round 2 ~ Knit to end without increasing. |
| Repeat these 2 rounds until you have a total of 48 (52, 56) stitches making sure you have 24 (26, 28) stitches on each needle. |
| Start Diamond Drop pattern: |
| Round 1 ~ *k2, yo, k2, pass yo increase over knit stitches*, |
| repeat from * to * across needle 1 and needle 2. |
| Round 2 ~ knit to end |
| Round 3 ~ *yo, k2, pass yo increase over knit stitches, k2*, |
| repeat from * to * across needle 1 and needle 2. |
| Round 4 ~ knit to end |
| Repeat rounds 1-4 until foot measures 2 to 2-1/2" short of the total desired length of the foot. |
Gusset shaping
Round 1 \~ work across needle 1 in pattern (in-step stitches). Needle 2 (sole stitches), k1, m1, knit across to last stitch, m1, k1. Round 2 \~ Work across needle 1 in pattern. Needle 2 knit all stitches. Repeat rounds 1& 2 until you have 40 (44, 48) stitches on needle 2 (you will still have 28 stitches on needle 1). Next round \~ work in pattern across needle 1. You will now begin to turn the heel working only on needle 2.
Turn the heel (needle 2 only)
Round 1 \~ k23 (25, 27), ssk, k1, turn. Round 2 \~ Sl1, p7, p2tog, p1, turn. Round 3 \~ sl1, k8, ssk, k1, turn. Round 4 \~ sl1, p9, p2tog, p1, turn. Round 5 \~ sl1, k10, ssk, k1, turn. Round 6 \~ sl1, p11, p2tog, p1, turn. Continue this way until all stitches have been worked and you are back to 24 (26, 28) stitches on needle 2. You will now resume working in the round on both needles. Continue Working diamond drop pattern on needle 1 and needle 2 making sure you are working the same row of the pattern on both needles. You are now starting the leg of your sock. Continue in pattern on the leg of your sock until your sock is 1 to 1-1/2" short of the desired leg length.
Finishing
Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 1" to 1-1/2" (or desired length). Bind off loosely in rib. Repeat from beginning for second sock and enjoy!
