The WOOLLY MOTHER

There are many websites containing knitting for beginners so I wont go into that area, but will concentrate on the more advanced techniques. Lace knitting is re-gaining attention and sock knitting has suddenly gone out of control with everyone in on the act. Yarn websites are springing up left, right and centre offering variegated sock yarns with that many choices, it becomes a challenge on whose site to buy from and what colours to choose.

Below I’ve added a basic sock pattern for ‘beginner’ sock knitters to try:

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials: I x 100gram ball sock yarn. (Usually 75% wool/ 25% nylon for strength). Or other 4ply yarn

Needles: Size 2 (2.75 mm) double-pointed needles (set of 5)

SIZE: One Size
Adult Woman’s Medium (8 in. (20.5 cm) circumference), foot length is adjustable

GAUGE:

28 sts + 40 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in St st (k every stitch in the round; k on RS, p on WS when knitting back and forth). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

STITCH EXPLANATION:

ssk (slip, slip, knit): Sl the next 2 sts as if to k, one at a time, to right needle. Insert left needle into fronts of these 2 sts and k them tog. Grafting Holding the 2 needles parallel with wrong sides of fabric together, thread a blunt needle with yarn end and work as follows: Insert needle as if to purl into the first stitch on front piece. Insert needle as if to knit into the first stitch on the back piece. Then follow steps 1-4 below. 1) Insert needle as if to knit through the first st on the front needle and let the st drop from the needle. 2) Insert needle into the second st on the front needle as if to purl and pull the yarn through, leaving the st on the needle. 3) Insert needle into the first st on the back needle as if to purl and let the st drop from the needle, then 4) Insert needle as if to knit through the second st on the back needle and pull the yarn through, leaving the st on the needle. Rep 1-4 until all sts have been grafted. When finished, adjust tension as necessary.

SOCK (make 2)
Leg
Loosely cast on 64 sts. Divide sts evenly onto 4 double pointed needles.
Place marker and join, being careful not to twist sts. Work in K1, p1 rib for 1 in. (2.5 cm).
Work in St st in the rnd until piece measures 6 in. (15 cm) from beg.
Place last 32 sts on a holder for instep.
Heel flap (worked back and forth on 32 heel sts only)
Row 1: Sl 1, k across.
Row 2: Sl 1, p across.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until heel flap measures 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm), end with a Row 2.
Turn Heel
Row 1: K 19, ssk, k 1, turn.
Row 2: Sl 1, p 7, p2tog, p 1, turn.
Row 3: Sl 1, k 8, ssk, k 1, turn.
Row 4: Sl 1, p 9, p2tog, p 1, turn.
Row 5: Sl 1, k 10, ssk, k 1, turn.
Row 6: Sl 1, p 11, p2tog, p 1, turn.
Continue in this way, working 1 more st between dec until all 32 sts have been worked, end with a WS row – 20 sts for heel.
Next Rnd: K across heel sts, with same needle, pick up and k 19 sts along heel flap, with 2nd needle work across 16 sts of instep, with 3rd needle, work across 16 sts of instep, with 4th needle pick up and k 19 sts along heel flap, k across 10 heel sts – 90 sts. Beg of rnd is at center of heel sts.
Shape Gusset
Rnd 1: Knit.
Rnd 2: K to last 3 sts on 1st needle, k2tog, k1; k across instep sts; on 4th needle, k1, ssk, k to end of rnd.
Rep Rnds 1 and 2 until 64 sts rem.
Foot
Work even in St st until foot measures 7 1/2 in. (19.3 cm), or 2 in. (5 cm) less than desired total length.
Shape Toe
Rnd 1: K to last 3 sts on 1st needle, k2tog, k1, on 2nd needle k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts on 3rd needle, ssk, k1, on 4th needle, k1, k2tog, k to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: Knit.
Rep Rnds 1 and 2 until 20 sts rem. Divide remaining sts onto 2 needles and graft toe together.

FINISHING
Weave in ends.

 

ABBREVIATIONS / REFERENCES Click for explanation and illustration
beg = begin(s)(ning)	dec = decreas(e)(s)(ing)
k = knit	k2tog = knit 2 together
p = purl	Pm = place marker
rem = remain(s)(ing)	rep = repeat(s)(ing)
rnd(s) = round(s)	RS = right side
sl = slip	St st = Stockinette stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)	tog = together
WS = wrong side

When you become more experienced, many pattern designs can be added to create a very unique product. Colours can be used to enhance your socks, or use a variegated yarn – the choice is your’s.

Have fun! 

pattern and picture courtesy of Lion Brand