These socks are so enjoyable to knit up, and feature gorgeous hand-dyed yarn!
Materials
100g of any sock yarn, and a 20g mini for the contrast heels. Sample uses a sock set from KraftingKrakenMaid
Size 1(2.25 mm) needles, suitable for the method of your choice
Scissors, yarn needle
Gauge
32 stitches and 40 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch worked in the round, blocked.
Abbreviations
CO: cast on
k: knit
p: purl
ea: each
sl: slip (as if to purl)
n1: needle 1 (or the first ½ of the sts)
n2: needle 2 (or the second ½ of the sts)
k2tog: knit two stitches together
ssk: slip, slip, knit
st(s): stitch(es)
*...*: repeat the instructions in the asterisks
Sizing Notes
This sock ruler is extremely helpful for knitting socks in any size.
This pattern is written for sizes small(medium, large) and are designed to fit a 7(8, 9) inch foot circumference. Please note that sock fabric has a lot of stretch, and each size will realistically fit 6-8(7-9, 8-10) inch feet. I suggest choosing the size that best suits the amount of negative/positive ease you prefer for socks.
Pattern Notes
Find the featured yarn here.
These are my favorite sock blockers.
This pattern is written for using the magic loop method, and the rows will be divided into n1 and n2. If you’d like to use a different method, such as DPNs or 9” circs, simply treat n1 and n2 as the first ½ of the sts and the second ½. I recommend placing 2 different markers: one to mark the ½ way point, and one to mark the beginning of the round.
This pattern provides instructions for an afterthought heel. If you would like to substitute a different heel, simply omit the heel instructions, and substitute your chosen heel after completing the leg.
Helpful Tutorials
Afterthought Heel and Setup: https://youtu.be/EBxA3hbV7FE
Kitchener Stitch: https://youtu.be/6EGMGpZAvo4
Cuff
CO 56(64, 72) sts. Set up to work in the round, and divide the sts in half. You should have 28(32, 36) sts on ea needle if working magic loop, or 28(32, 36) sts in between ea marker if using another method.
Rounds 1-15
n1 and n2: *k1, p1* across all sts.
Leg
Rounds 1-2
n1 and n2: k all sts
Rounds 3-5
n1: *k1, p3* across
n2: k all sts
Round 6-8
n1 and n2: k all sts
Round 9-11
n1: *p2, k1, p1* across
n2: k all sts
Round 12
n1 and n2: k all sts
Repeat Rounds 1-12 until the leg is your desired length.
On the final round, work across n1 sts ONLY.
Heel Setup
If you are substituting a different heel, omit these instructions and follow the instructions for your chosen heel.
Working on n2 only, using scrap yarn
Row 1: k all sts. 28(32, 36) sts
Row 2: p all sts. 28(32, 36) sts
Row 3: k all sts. 28(32, 36) sts
After working Row 3, sl all the sts back to the left hand needle, then drop and cut the scrap yarn, and pick up the main yarn again. Knit across all the sts on n2.
Foot
Continue
Repeat Rounds 1-12 of Leg Instructions
For Afterthought heel
Knit until the foot measures 4 inches from your desired length, measured from Row 3 of the heel setup.
For substituted heel
Knit until the foot measures 2 inches from your desired length, measured from the base of the heel.
Toe
If you have chosen a method other than magic loop, I recommend switching to magic loop or DPNs now.
Round 1
n1 and n2: k all sts.
Round 2
n1 and n2: k1, ssk, k until three sts remain, k2tog, k1. (4 sts dec)
Rounds 3-20
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2. You will have 16(24, 32) total sts remaining.
Bind off using the kitchener stitch (see Helpful Tutorials)
Afterthought Heel
Using CC
If you have chosen a method other than magic loop, I recommend switching to magic loop or DPNs now. Refer to this tutorial if needed.
Setup
From right to left with the toe pointed down, pick up the right leg only of the 28(32, 36) sts on the rows directly above and below waste yarn. Start on the sts above the waste yarn(leg), then take the second needle and pick up the sts below(foot). Cut and remove the waste yarn in between the needles.
Round 1(beginning with the leg sts)
n1 and n2: k all sts, then pick up two extra sts at the ends to prevent gaps.
Round 2
n1 and n2: k until 4 sts remain, k2tog, k2tog.
Round 3
n1 and n2: k all sts.
Rounds 4 - 23
Repeat Rounds 1-20 of Toe Instructions
Bind off using the kitchener stitch (see Helpful Tutorials)
Finishing
Cut any attached yarn, and weave in your ends.
My favorite way to finish a pair of socks is to wet block them. Fill a sink or small tub with lukewarm water and add some wool wash if desired. Insert the socks into the water, and let sit for about 5 minutes. Place the socks on sock blockers appropriate to your size, and let them air dry.
Lastly, enjoy and show off your beautiful handmade socks, or gift them to someone special. If desired, share them on Instagram using the #thegracefultangle and tag @thegracefultangle!