Basic socks (cuff-down)

Size: approx. EU35 (39) 42 (46)

Yarn: Sandnes Garn Perfect (100m/50g),  2(3)3(4) balls

Needles: Double pointed needles 3,5mm (or to get gauge) 

Gauge: approx. 21s/10cm in stockinette stitch

Notions: darning needle, scissors, (blocking material)

Construction:

These socks are knit from the cuff down on DPNs or circular needles (if you prefer Magic Loop technique)

Abbreviations

DPN = double pointed needles

K = knit

K2tog = knit 2 stitches together

P = purl

P2tog  = purl 2 stitches together

RS = right side of the work

S, sts = stitch, stitches

Slip 1  = slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in WS

Ssk = slip, slip, knit 

WS = wrong side of the work

PATTERN

Leg

Cast on 44 (48) 52 (56) sts and divide sts on four DPN’s, 11 (12) 13 (14) sts each. Join to knit in the round and begin with the rib: k2,,p2.  Work approx. 15-20 cm rib and then knit 3 rounds in stockinette stitch. 

Heel

Knit the stitches from DPN 1 to DPN 4, the heel is worked with these 22(24)26(28) sts. Turn the work.

WS: *slip 1, p1* repeat to end.

RS: slip 1, knit to end.

Repeat these two rows 10(11)12(13) times more, then repeat the RS row once more.

Heel turns

Row 1 (RS): slip 1, k13(14)15(26), ssk, k1, turn.

Row 2 (WS): slip 1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.

Row 3 (RS): slip 1, knit to 1 stitch before the gap (where you turned last row), ssk (knit together 1 stitch before the gap with the one after), k1. Turn.

Row 4 (WS): slip 1, purl to 1 stitch before the gap, p2tog, p1. Turn.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all heel stitches have been worked. Note that the last two rows end with the decreases, there aren’t any stitches left after that.

After heel turns there are 13(14)15(16) sts on the same needle. 

K6(7)7(8), this is the beginning of the round. From now on resume working in the round.

GUSSET

DPN 1: Take a free needle, k7(7)8(8), pick up and knit 12(13)14(15) sts along the edge of the heel flap and one extra stitch between heel and instep. 

DPN 2 and DPN 3: Knit to end.

DPN 4: pick one stitch between instep and heel, then pick up and knit 12(13)14(15) sts along the edge of the heel flap, k6(7)7(8) from the waiting needle.

There are 61(66)72(76) sts in total. Work in stockinette stitch in round and start the gusset decreases:

Rnd 1 (decrease round):

DPN 1:  Knit until 3 sts left, k2tog, k1, DPN 2 and 3 : Knit to end, DPN 4: k1, ssk, k to end. 

Rnd 2 (knit rnd): Knit to end.

Repeat these two rounds until there are 44(48)52(56)sts in total.

Knit stockinette stitch until the sock measures 5 cm less than desired length and start the toe decreases.

Classic wedge toe decreases:

Rnd 1 (decrease rnd):

DPN 1:Knit until 3 sts left, k2tog, k1,DPN 2: k1, ssk, knit to end, DPN 3: knit until 3 sts left, k2tog, k1, DPN 4: k1, ssk, knit to end.

Rnd 2 (knit rnd): knit to end.

Repeat these rounds 1 and 2 until 7 sts left on each needle. Keep on decreasing on every round until 2 sts left on each needle (8 sts in total). Break the yarn (leave a 5-10cm tail) and pull through all stitches, tighten gently and weave in all ends. Let soak in lukewarm water and gently squeeze out the excess water. Lay flat (or on blockers) and let dry.