Saturday, January 19, 2008

Chunky Ankle Socks


Free Pattern: Chunky Ankle Socks
This is my first try at designing socks, and they turned out good (after my second try, the first one was shaped a little funny). These socks are knit with chunky yarn because; 1. I wanted instant gratification, 2. they're really warm, and 3. I loved the colors in this yarn. They can easily be made longer or shorter by adding or subtracting rounds from the leg or foot.

Supplies:
US #7 double point needles
1 skein Bernat Softee Chunky in Nature's Way (134 yrds or 80g per skein)
You might want to buy 2 if you're going to make tall socks
Row Counter
Yarn Needle

Gauge:
16.5 sts X 22 rows = 4"

Size:
Fits a woman's size 7 foot

Directions:
Cast on 32 sts using cable cast on (this makes a neater edge, but make sure it's a little loose). Work 1 row in k1, p1 ribbing. Join to work in the round, and work 5 more rows k1, p1 ribbing. Switch to stockinette and work 5 rounds. Begin heel.

Rearrange stitches on needles as follows: needle 1 - 16 sts, needle 2 & 3 - 8 sts each. Heel will be worked across needle 1, needles 2 & 3 are saved for later.

Row 1 - Sl 1, k across
Row 2 - Sl 1, p across

Repeat these 2 rows for a total of 9 rows ending with row 1. Turn Heel

Row 1 - sl 1, p to last 3 sts, p2tog tbl (through the back loop), p1, turn
Row 2 - sl 1, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k1, turn
Row 3 - sl 1, p to last 5 sts, p2tog tbl, p1, turn
Row 4 - sl 1, k to last 6 sts, k2tog, k1, turn
Row 5 - sl 1, p to last 6 sts, p2tog tbl, p1, turn
Row 6 - sl 1, k1, k2tog, k to end

Pick up 7 sts along the side of the heel, k across needles 2 & 3 (placing them on one needle as you go), pick up 7 sts across the other side of the heel and separate heel sts equally on the needles w/ the heel sts. You should have (beginning at bottom of the heel ) 12 sts on needle 1, 16 sts on needle 2, and 12 sts on needle 3.

Work one round even and begin decreases for foot.

Round 1 - (needle 1) k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
(needle 2) k across
(needle 3) k1, ssk, k to end
Round 2 - k all sts

Repeat rounds 1 & 2 until you have 32 sts again. Rearrange sts evenly and k all sts until work measures from the back of your of heel to base of your big toe. Use row counter to keep track of your rows so when you make the second sock, they will be the same length. Write you rows down here:_____.

Rearrange sts one more time with 8 sts on needle 1, 16 sts on needle 2, and 8 sts on needle 3. Begin decreases for toe.

Round 1 - (needle 1) k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1
(needle 2) k1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1
(needle 3) k1, k2tog, k to end
Round 2 - k

Repeat rounds 1 & 2 until you have 16 sts left. K2tog around, 8 sts left. Cut yarn and thread through remaining sts and pull snug (not too tight or you'll have a bunch at your toe, and not too loose or you'll have a hole). Weave in ends.

Tips:
Knittingpatterncentral.com has great tips for cast on methods and knitting in the round.

This pattern is free for personal use only. Please do not use for profit unless all proceeds go to charity.