Saturday, December 01, 2007

By Popular Demand: Basic Ribbed Sock



The Spun site has gone, so by popular demand here is my Basic Ribbed Sock pattern.

This sock design was developed as a solution to two problems: socks with a plain stocking-stitch leg tend to fall down, and I find k1p1 ribbing tedious.

Materials:

100 gm sock yarn – the samples used Fleece Artist’s Merino Sock yarn. This pattern works for any sock yarn with a 28-30 stitch gauge
1 set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles

Gauge:
32 stitches, unstretched, across 4 inches/10cm in K3 P1 rib with 2.5mm needles.

Method:
Cuff:

Cast 60 stitches onto a single needle. Distribute stitches evenly across 3 needles. Join, being careful not to twist.

Work 15 cm/6 inches of K3 P1 ribbing, as follows:

Round 1: *K3, p1; repeat from * to end of round. Repeat this for every round.

Turn Heel:
This portion is worked flat in plain stocking stitch.

Knit first 27 stitches. Put remaining 33 stitches onto a holder. Starting with a purl row, work 21 rows of stocking stitch, slipping the first stitch of every row. The right side is facing for next row.

RS: Knit 18 stitches, SKP, turn
WS: Slip 1, purl 9 stitches, p2tog, turn
RS: Slip 1, knit 9 stitches, SKP, turn

Repeat last two rows until all stitches have been worked. Ensure right side is facing for next row. 11 stitches remain on the needle.

Re-establish Round and Create Gusset:
Knit all heel stitches. Using that same needle, pick up and knit 15 stitches along selvedge edge at side of heel, using slipped stitches as a guide. With a new needle, work in pattern across the 33 stitches of instep – those stitches that you’d set aside on the stitch holder. Using another new needle, pick up and knit 15 stitches along selvedge edge at other side of heel, using slipped stitches as a guide. Work 6 stitches from the first needle.

The beginning of the round is now at the centre of the heel. There should be 20 stitches on the first needle, the 33 stitches of the instep on the second, and 21 on the third. Rearrange the stitches if you need to.

From here on in, the 33 instep stitches will be worked in the rib pattern, and the gusset and sole will be worked in stocking stitch – that is, knitting every round.

Decrease Gusset:
Work a round even – keeping the instep stitches in pattern – twisting all picked-up stitches.

Work a decrease round as follows:
Needle 1: Knit to last three stitches, k2tog, k1.
Needle 2: Work all stitches in pattern.
Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end.

Work an even round, keeping continuity of pattern.

Repeating these last two rounds until Needles 1 has 13 stitches and Needle 3 has 14. 60 stitches total on your needles.

Work until foot measures 5 cm/2 inches less than desired length.

Shape Toe:
From here on in, you’ll work entirely in stocking stitch. Rearrange the stitches so that you’ve got 15 each on Needles 1 and 3, and 30 on Needle 2.

Work a decrease round, as follows:
Needle 1: Knit to last three stitches, k2tog, k1.
Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to last three stitches, k2tog, k1.
Needle 3: K1, SSK, knit to end.

Work 3 rounds even.

Work a decrease round followed by 2 even rounds, twice. [6 rounds total]
Work a decrease round followed by 1 even round, three times. [6 rounds total]
Work 7 more decrease rounds. 8 stitches remain.

To finish, either graft together final stitches or cut yarn, draw through the final stitches and tighten. Weave in ends.





16 comments:

Hopeful Farm said...

Dear Kate, Made the socks with my romney/shetland cross yarn and they turned out great. Easy to follow pattern, Michele Minty

Patti said...

Hi,
I'm socks are new to me. I have made 2 1/2 pair so far. Two were using #3 dpn's and one was for me using the Lionbrand magic stripes yarn/pattern. It was too loose fitting and slouches, ugh. The 2nd pair were for hubby using #3 dpn's and they came out fine using woolease sportweight yarn. I just finished the one sock using Paton's Kroy Sock yarn 4-ply and they Paton's Kroy Sock pattern. Again,they are too loose and slouch. I want a sock that will stay up and fit snuggly. I'm not thin by any means, but those socks have no give. THe pattern you posted sounds like something that will work for me. Can you suggest a yarn for me? Maybe something with a bit of elastic in it to fit snug and have a give/stretch to them? Thanks so much, Patti :-)

Unknown said...

thank you SO much for posting this. I almost had this pattern memorized but then I quit knitting for a while and forgot it. I used this pattern for every sock Ive ever made, and I had one orphaned sock that I couldnt make a mate for because the pattern was gone!

Im so glad to see it back!

theresak said...

I've enjoyed this pattern, but have hit a snag, if you will. I'm at this point in the pattern:

Re-establish Round and Create Gusset:
Knit all heel stitches. Using that same needle, pick up and knit 15 stitches along selvedge edge at side of heel, using slipped stitches as a guide.

I've picked up 15 stitches, but still have about 9 stitches to pick up before I get to the 33 stitches on the holder. In the directions prior to shaping the heel, I did 21 rows of stocking stitches, so it seems like I should be picking up at least 21 stitches.

Any advice?

thanks,
theresa

Mrs Shew said...

Thank you, I absolutely LOVE this pattern. Using it for Christmas presents for all the ladies in my family (3) and was ever so scared to try socks but you made it so easy! I love how they are turning out. Thanks again!

Sj2b House of Books said...

Hi, I'm making these as my 3rd pair of socks and think I'm using a different size needle to the one stated as the sock cuff is very tight and more suited to my little girls size (which is not a problem, I will continue with the size). I am using the UK sizing for 2.5 mm knitting needles and a fine 4 ply sock yarn .. should this be right or am I perhaps knitting too tightly ? Thanks, Sharon

Sj2b House of Books said...

Hi again, just wanted to say thanks for the reply... I just re-checked the needle size and I've been using a 2.25 and being a tight knitter as well has helped to make this pair small enough for my 7yr old daughter.. I will make mine on the correct size next.

I absolutely love the pattern and will certainly try another pattern of yours, thanks again, Sharon

Sj2b House of Books said...

Hi finally finished my pair and they're great.. I really love them. I made them for my daughter in the end cos of my needle size mistake but am now going to make me a pair. I've got a pic on my blog but they are on my foot which is explained in my post.

Thanks again for such a great pattern, Sharon

Liz Fraelic said...

I love this sock pattern. Once it is set up, it's so relaxing to knit, and I have done it several times. Instructions are great. Thanks!

Jane Winter said...

This is a wonderful pattern. I'd never knitted, but your pattern is so well written and clear that I was able to knit my first pair without any problems. Have now knitted sox for all the men in my family, including my little grandchildren who think their granny is very smart. Thanks.

Unknown said...

Thank you for this pattern. It's just what I've been looking for. One question: Is the amount of yarn you list (100 gm/400m) only accurate for the women's small size? Will I need more yarn to make the Women's medium?

vickys2133 said...

For Patti:
A good stretch yarn is Patons Stretch socks, it would work perfectly w/this pattern. Also, any yarn that is made w/a small percentage of elastic would work. Patons Stretch sock yarn is the only one I can think of right now.
Also, I wanted to ask if anyone out there uses the two circular, two socks at a time method, and can convert this pattern to me. I'm sure I can do it, but I want to be sure. You can email me at: vickys2133@yahoo.com
Thanks!

Diane Kelsey said...

How does SML etc convert to shoe size.

kims craft obsession said...

I love this pattern, i have made about 10 pairs and also recommend it to everyone for ease, i love the knit 3, purl 1!

Anonymous said...

I, too, would LOVEthis translated into a two at at time circular needle pattern. Please send to sheila27@t m. n e t. (No spaces) . Thank you so very much!!!

susan q said...

thanks for sharing this pattern. I like the overall rib pattern. I would love this pattern using toe up but how would I accomplish that?