Super Simple Sock
By Tash Barneveld for Holland Road Yarn Company Yarn: 2 skeins of Knitsch Sock or 100g of sock yarn Needles: 2.50mm 80cm fixed circular, or 2.50mm double pointed needles Sizes: Small (medium, large, X-large) Gauge: 30 sts x 44 rows = 10cm
Abbreviations:
co - cast on K - knit p - purl ssk - slip, slip, knit k2tog - knit two stitches together p2tog - purl two stitches together sl - slip the stitch from the left hand needle to the right needle without knitting After having a surprisingly tricky time finding a basic sock pattern for new sock knitters, we've written up our own. Knit from the cuff down, with no fussy details, this is a great sock for beginners and experienced sock knitters alike. The sample in the photos was striped - we used 2 skeins of Knitsch Sock 'Caboose' and one of 'Plain & Simple'. Caboose was used for the cuff, heel and toe, and striped every 2 rows in the body of the sock with Plain & Simple. The pattern uses a short row heel - so don't fret when it comes to the heel turn and you aren't knitting across all of the stitches. By the end of this pattern section all stitches will be taken care of.
Pattern:
CO 60 (64, 68, 72) stitches Set up row: k2, p2, repeat until end next row: k2, p2, repeat until end. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker to mark the beginning of the round. Split the number or stitches evenly across 2 needles (the magic loop using the circular needle) or 4 needles (if using double pointed needles). Next row: k2, p2, repeat until end repeat rib pattern until cuff measures 2.5cm
Next row: knit
Work in stocking stitch until leg measures approx 17cm or is desired length.
Heel flap:
This section is worked flat over 30 (32, 34, 36) stiches. The other half of the stitches are held on the cable of your circular needle or on two dpns and are not knit at all until the heel section is completed. You will be turning your work as this part is knit flat rather than in the round. Next row starting from marker: \*sl1, k1, repeat from \* 14 (15, 16, 17) more times 30 (32, 34, 36) stitcheshavebeenworked Next row: turn work, \*sl1, p to end Next row: sl1, k2, \*sl1, k1, repeat from \* to end Next row: sl1, p to end Repeat these two rows 13 (14, 16, 18) more times, or until heel flap is length required. End on a purl row.
Heel turn:
The heel turn is the bit that gets most people unstuck. As long as you follow the instructions word for word, and don't worry about the stitches you aren't knitting, it'll make sense in the end. Row 1: (right side of work) sl1, k16 (18, 18, 20), ssk, k1, turn work row 2: (wrong side of work) sl1, p5 (7, 5, 7), p2tog, p1, turn row 3: sl1, k to 1 st before gap, ssk (1 st from each side of gap), k1, turn work row 4: sl1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog (1 st from each side of gap), p1, turn Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all stitches have been worked. 18 (20, 20, 22) sts remain.
Gusset:
In this section the stitches along the side of the heel flap are picked up and knit, the top of the foot is now knit, the stitches down the other side of the heel flap are picked up and knit, and the sole of the foot is alsoworked. Next row: Pick up and knit 28 (30, 34, 38) stitches along the heel flap, knit 30 (32, 34, 36), pick up and knit 28 (30, 34, 38) stitches along the heel flap, k9 (10, 10, 11), place new beginning of round marker. Row 1: k35 (38, 42, 47) sts, k2tog, k30 (32, 34, 36), ssk, k to end of round Row 2: knit all sts Repeat these two rows, knitting 1 less stitch before each k2tog on each repeat of row 1. Continue until 60 (64, 68, 72) stitches remain. Knit in the round until the foot section reaches where your toes start (what I fondly refer to as 'toe cleavage').
Toe decreases:
Making a space for your toes! Row 1: k12 (13, 14, 15), k2tog, k1, place marker, k1, ssk, k24 (26, 28. 30) k2tog, k1, place marker, k1, ssk, k to end Row2:knit Row 3: k to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, ssk, k to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, ssk, knit to end. Repeat rows 2 and 3 four more times. Repeat row 3 until 30 (32, 34, 36) stitches remain. The beginning of round marker should be in the centre of the sole stitches. Break yarn and seam live stitches together using kitchener stitch. If you like, you can wash and block your socks by laying them flat to dry. I'm usually much too impatient for this and put them on immediately. Enjoy! If you have any questions, please email tash @knitschyarns.co.nz.
