I thought I'd share this easy sock pattern I worked on over the winter. It is customizable for any yarn, needle size or foot. Also great for those intimidated by turning a heel in traditional sock patterns. I wrote it with good fit and simplicity in mind. Hope you find use and enjoy.
Socks for Everyone
Sock yarn (I used Tosh sock in Cosmic Wonder)
U.S. 2 double pointed needles
Tapestry needle
Scrap yarn
Measuring tape
Stitch marker
Row counter (pencil and paper also work or a discerning eye)
You may choose to use other size yarn and needle. I will use the numbers I got using the listed yarn and needle for baby size 6 months and women U. S. 7 or 9 inches (in parentheses.)
To begin, measure the circumference of the ankle (I measured a couple inches up from the ankle bone.) Determine how many stitches you'll need to get the circumference of the ankle by casting on 10 stitches using the needle and yarn you'll be using and knitting several rows of stockinette. Measure it across and see how many stitches per inch you knit (gauge). For example: 6 stitches per inch X 5.5 inch ankle = 33 stitches. Add or subtract stitches to make your number divisible by 4. I chose to add and got 36 stitches.
Cast on 36(56) st. using the cable cast on method. Divide stitches so that half of the total amount are on 1st needle (18[28]), 1/4 of total on 2nd and 3rd needle (9[14])
First row: *k2, p2* until desired cuff length is reached (9[18] rounds)
After cuff is finished begin next round: *k3,p1* until leg is desired length (2[5] inches.)
Next round: cut yarn and knit across first needle using scrap yarn. Cut scrap yarn when you get to the end of first needle and pick up main yarn to finish the round.
Continue knitting in established rib pattern until sock measures from scrap yarn line to needles your desired foot length from heel to first toe knuckles(3[6] inches.)
Begin toe shaping:
First round, 1st needle: K1, ssk, knit to last 2 st, k2tog. 2nd needle: k1, ssk, knit rest of needle. 3rd needle: knit until 2 sts remain, k2tog.
Second round: knit across every needle.
Continue repeating these two rounds until about 1/3 of stitches remain. Combine stitches from 2nd and 3rd needle onto one.
Use Kitchener stitch to stitch closed. Cut yarn.
Note: I knit inside out. I recently learned that not everyone knits this way. I don't think it will effect the pattern at all except for at this stage. To use Kitchener stitch your sock must be right side facing!
Heel: carefully pick out scrap yarn and catch stitches on two needles (top and bottom.) You should have the same # of stitches you began with, half on top needle and half on bottom.
Divide bottom needle onto two needles (it will be the same set up as the body of the sock.)
Begin knitting just as you knit for the toe decreases. Repeating both rounds until about 1/3 of stitches remain and stitching closed with Kitchener stitch.
Weave in ends.
