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Writer's pictureAmy Kate Sutherland

Stitcheart Socks | Free Knitting Pattern

Updated: Feb 19, 2023

These precious socks showcase the cutest heart colorwork detail right at the top with lots of mindless stockinette afterwards. The cutest little Valentine’s Accessory!



Materials

  • 50 grams of any two colors of fingering weight yarn. Sample uses Hobbii Rainbow Sock Wool 4-ply in color #11(MC, gray) and #35(CC, pink)

  • 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


Abbreviations

CO: cast on

CC: contrast color

MC: main color

k: knit

p: purl

ea: each

sl: slip

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

st(s): stitch(es)

*...*: repeat the instructions in the asterisks the designated number of times


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 yarn used for this pattern 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: https://youtu.be/EBxA3hbV7FE



Cuff

Using CC

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


Leg

Work Rounds 1-16 of the Colorwork Chart below


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

Using MC

Round 1

n1 and n2: k all sts

For Afterthought heel

Work until the foot measures 4 inches from your desired length, measured from Row 3 of the heel setup.

For substituted heel

Work until the foot measures 2 inches from your desired length, measured from the base of the heel.


Toe

Using CC

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)


Proceed to Finishing Instructions


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!


Colorwork Chart




Written Instructions

Rounds 1-5

k all sts with MC

Round 6

*k1 with MC, k2 with CC, k1 with MC, k3 with CC* around

Rounds 7-8

*k1 with MC, k7 with CC* around

Round 9

*k2 with MC, k5 with CC, k1 with MC* around

Round 10

*k3 with MC, k3 with CC, k2 with MC* around

Round 11

*k5 with MC, k1 with CC, k2 with CC* around

Rounds 12-16

k all sts with MC


I hope you enjoyed following this pattern! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send an email to thegracefultangle@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook and to stay in the loop!

Until next time,


Amy Kate


*This post contains affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission at no additional charge to you. Thank you!




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2 Comments


lorrainetilbury
Apr 17, 2023

love this sweet little pattern! perfect for a ball of sock yarn & a ball of baby alpaca that I found at the dollar store. it was an opportunity for me to discover the afterthought heel. what a great way to make the heel, it's much faster, thanks for sharing!


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lorrainetilbury
Apr 17, 2023
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