The basic sock, or vanilla sock as I like to call it, looks so much more complicated than it is. Plain socks (or vanilla socks) are perfect for showcasing a self-striped yarn, variegated yarn, darker yarns that don’t often show a lot of pattern details. All only needing a single skein. It’s a mindless project that offers hours of relaxation.
You can pick up the PDF version in my Etsy Shop for only $3.50, if you prefer.
Materials
- one skein of sock yarn, approximately 400 yds – though you will not use the entire skein
- (optional) one mini skein or scrap skein of sock yarn, approximately 50 yds, for cuff, heels, and/or toes
- US size 1 set of DPNs
- Tapestry Needle for weaving in your ends
- Scissors
Sizes M (fits an average shoe size of 7-8.5) You may decided to cast on 56 (small) or 72 (large) sts, but remember, your heel flap stitches will change.
Abbreviations
knit
k2tog knit 2 sts together
p purl
sts stitches
co cast on
ssk slip, slip, knit
bo bind off
MC master color
sl slip stitch
CC contrasting color
k1tbl knit 1 sts through the back loop
k2tbl knit 2 sts through the back loop (separately, as if you’re knitting 2 sts)
p2tog purl 2 sts together
Instructions
Cast On*You may use the cast on method of your choice. For this sock, we’ll be using the long tail.*You may choose to omit the CC and just use a MC throughout, or decide where you want your CC to appear. This is YOUR sock.
With one DPN (CC if you choose), CO 64 sts. (I cast them all on to one needle, then distribute) Divide your stitches evenly around on 4 needles; 16 sts per needle. You’ll be using the 5th needle to knit with. Join for working in the round. You may choose to use a marker to mark the beginning of the round, OR like I do, just use the tail as your indicator of the beginning of the round.
CuffYou get to choose which stitch pattern you’d like to use. As you can see from my photos, I’ve used them all.
Patterns you may consider using:*k2, p2; repeat from * around. Continue working the cuff with this stitch pattern for 1.5″ or desired length.*k1, p1; repeat from * around. Continue working the cuff with this stitch pattern for 1.5″ or desired length.*k1tbl, p1; repeat from * around. Continue working the cuff with this stitch pattern for 1.5″ or desired length.*k2tbl, p2; repeat from * around. Continue working the cuff with this stitch pattern for 1.5″ or desired length.
LegAutopilot knitting at its best!Knit all the stitches around until your sock measures approximately 6″ from cast on edge. (You can choose to knit longer or shorter, remember…this is YOUR sock.)
Slip Stitch Heal FlapThis is worked using ONE needle. The first needle. This is also the place you can choose to change the color to CC.
Row 1 (RS): *Sl 1 stitch purlwise with the yarn in back, k1; repeat from * for 32 sts.
Row 2 (WS): *Sl 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front, purl across the remaining sts.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 a total of 16 times.You will end up with a total of 32 rows.
Heel TurnStill working on one needle…
Row 1 (RS): Sl 1 purlwise with yarn in back, k16, ssk, k1, turn.Row 2
(WS): Sl 1 purlwise with yarn in front, p3, p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 3: Sl 1 purlwise with yarn in back, k to 1 stitch before the gap, ssk, k1, turn.
Row 4: Sl 1 purlwise with yarn in front, p to 1 stitch before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
Repeat rows 3 & 4 until all sts on the heel have been worked. You will end with 18 sts.
GussetKnit across to the first 9 sts and place marker. This is the beginning of the round.Continue knitting across the last 9 sts, with the same needle, pick up 16 sts along the side of the heel flap, then pick up one extra st in the corner. (this will prevent a hole.)
Then: grab your extra needle, knit across your instep stitches. They are the 2 needles that have been hanging out.
Then: pick up 1 stitch in the corner, pick up 16 sts along the other side of the heel flap, then knit across to the marker.
You are now at the beginning of the round.
Gusset DecreaseThis is another place you can choose to change your color back to the MC.
Needle 1: knit to 3 sts before the instep stitches, k2tog, k1.
Needle 2 & 3 (instep sts): knit across
Needle 4: k1, ssk, knit to end of needle.
Continue working in this pattern until you have your original 64 sts.
Foot
Once you’re back to the original 64 sts, knit all stitches of the foot until the length measure 2″ shorter than your desired foot length. (My foot measure 9.5″ from the back of my heel to the tip of my toe – I wear a size 8 shoe – I knit until my sock measure, from back of heel flap, 7.5″)
ToeAnother place you may choose to add a CC.
Round 1: Needle 1: k to the last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Needle 2 & 3: k1, ssk, knit across next 2 needles (or instep sts) until you have 3 sts remaining, k2tog, k1.
Needle 4: k1, ssk, knit until end of round.
Round 2: Knit
Repeat rounds 1 & 2 a total of 8 times. Then, repeat round 1 four more times. You will have a total of 16 sts remaining.. Reposition the 16 sts on two needles. Making sure your working yarn comes off the back needle. Cut yarn, leaving enough yarn to graft the toe. I leave about 12-15″.
Time to put your kids, dog, and spouse outside, grab a glass of wine and begin…
Graft toe using the Kitchener stitch. Check out The Knit Witch. She’s who I learned this technique from.
Quickly cast on sock #2! You don’t want to have second sock syndrome.
Happy Knitting!!
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