TheJohnsonWave: Intermediate Knitting Pattern for Sweeping Stitch Socks with Detailed Instructions

TheJohnsonWave.

When my family visits, my folks stand on the front step, waving from the elbow (much like so many beauty queens). The pictures here are of my mom's feet, as she stands there, waiting. These socks feature a sweeping stitch pattern at exactly the same angle as "the wave." I think they look best in a solid or tonal yarn.

Skill Level: Intermediate. This sock includes ribbing, yarn over increases, right and left leaning decreases, and basic top-down sock construction. Materials: Size US1 (2.25mm) sock needles, tapestry needle, measuring tape, and stitch marker for the beginning of the round. Yarn: Approximately 400 yds (365m) of sock yarn. The socks pictured use Ella Rae Lace Merino (100% extra fine merino; 460yds/100g skein), Color: 106/Teals Gauge: 10 stitches and 12 rows per inch in stockinette stitch. sizing: A Small 6.5 inch (16.5cm) circumference & Large 7.5 inch (19cm) circumference sock. Leg height and foot length are adjustable for fit and preference. CO= Cast on K= Knit P= Purl S1= Slip one stitch purlwise M1= Make one stitch by lifting the running thread between stitches from front to back and knit this through the back loop. SSK= slip, slip, knit K2tog= Knit 2 together as one P2tog= Purl 2 together as one

Cuff

Cast-on 64(72) stitches, divide across the sock needles, place a marker for the beginning of the round, and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Work K1,P1 rib for 2 inches (5cm).

Leg

Work according to the appropriately sized chart until the leg measures 5(7) inches or 12.5(18) cm, or until the leg reaches the desired height. Finish the knitting after working a round 12 of the chart.

Heel Flap

The heel flap is worked back and forth as for flat knitting. A stitch is slipped at the beginning of each row Set-up Round: Remove marker for the beginning of the round, K8(9) stitches. This is the new beginning of the round. Work the heel flap over the next 32(36) stitches; holding the remaining stitches in reserve for the top of the foot. Row 1: [S1, K1] repeat over 32(36) stitches, turn work. Row 2: S1, P31(35) Repeat rows 1&2 until the heel flap measures 2.5 inches or to desired length (a longer heel flap will create a deeper, stretchier ankle; a shorter heel flap will prevent bunching at the heel). Finish after working a right side row, prepared to work a wrong side row.

Turn Heel

The heel turn works with short rows to change the direction of the knitting. It begins with a wrong side row. Row 1: S1, P18(20), P2tog, P1, turn work Row 2: S1, K7, SSK, K1, turn work Row 3: S1, P8, P2tog, P1, turn work Row 4: S1, K9, SSK, K1, turn work Row 5: S1, P10, P2tog, P1, turn work Row 6: S1, K11, SSK, K1, turn work Row 7: S1, P12, P2tog, P1, turn work Row 8: S1, K13, SSK, K1, turn work Row 9: S1, P14, P2tog, P1, turn work Row 10: S1, K15, SSK, K1, turn work Row 11: S1, P16, P2tog, P1, turn work Row 12: S1, K17, SSK, K1, Small size stop here Large Size: turn work Row 13: S1, P18, P2tog, P1, turn work Row 14: S1, K19, SSK, K1. Total stitches: 20(22) Gussets: The gusset of the sock returns to working in the round, using the heel turn stitches, picked-up stitches along either side of the heel flap, and the reserved top of the foot stitches. From this point, the pattern is written for DPNs; however, knitters who prefer Magic Loop can easily continue using stitch markers to note needle placement. Set-up: Working on the right side of the fabric, and using the needle holding the heel turn stitches, pick up and knit one stitch in each of the slipped stitches along the side of the heel flap. This is now Needle 1. Using a second needle (Needle 2), work the first line of the Gusset/Foot chart over the reserved stitches from the leg. Using a third needle (Needle 3), pick up and knit the same number of stitches in the slipped stitches along the other side of the heel flap AND knit 10(1l) of the heel turn stitches on Needle 1. Round 1: On Needle 1, knit to the last three stitches, K2tog, K1. On Needle 2, work the next line of the Gusset/Foot chart. On Needle 3, K1, SSK, knit to the end of the round. Round 2: On Needle 1, knit all stitches. On Needle 2, work the next line of the Gusset/Foot chart. On Needle 3, knit all stitches. Repeat rounds 1&2 until 64(72) total stitches remain. Foot: The foot continues the patterns established in the Gusset without further decreases. Foot Round: On Needle 1, knit all stitches. On Needle 2, work the next line of the gusset/foot chart. On Needle 3, knit all stitches. Toe: This sock features a stockinette wedge toe. Round 1 : Knit all stitches. Round 2: On Needle 1, knit to the last three stitches, K2tog, K1. On Needle 2, K1, SSK, knit to the last three stitches, K2tog, K1. On Needle 3, K1, SSK, knit to the end of the round. Repeat the two toe rounds until 20 stitches remain. Using Needle 3, knit the 5 stitches on Needle 1. Finishing: Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Work the Kitchener Stitch to close the toe. Lightly block, if desired.

Key & stitch Definitions

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Small Leg Chart

Large Leg Chart

Large Gusset/Foot Chart