Simple Top Down
Socks
Pattern by Ellie Jones
This pattern is written as a top down sock with heel flap and gusset instructions.
This pattern is written so that you can choose the number of stitches that you
normally use to make socks. I have calculated the stitch pattern for 48 (56, 60, 64,
68 and 72) stitches. If you have not made socks before you can calculate the
number of stitches you require. To do so knit a swatch in the round and measure
how many stitches you are getting per inch width ways. Then multiply the number of
stitches per inch by the circumference of your leg in inches (minus 1.5 inches
negative ease, so that your socks are not too slouchy). I have recorded a YouTube
video to help you with fitting your socks, also some video tutorials to guide you
through this pattern. You can find this video on the Craft House Magic YouTube
channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBvufWuYbiM).
Requirements
100g sock weight yarn (If you are using a contrast yarn for heels and toes you will
need 20g)
2 Stitch markers and 1 progress keeper
2.5mm needles (or needles to obtain desired gauge)
Abbreviations
S1: slip one stitch purlwise (unless otherwise stated, some stitches should be slipped
knitwise)
SSK: slip two stitches knit wise, slip them back to the left needle purl wise and knit
the two stitches together through the back loop.
K2Tog: knit two stitches together
Cuff and Leg:
Cast on 48 (56, 60, 64, 68 or 72) stitches using a stretchy cast on such as a long tail
cast on (Find a Long tail cast on tutorial on the Craft House Magic YouTube
Channel: https://youtu.be/V1qHe_SU26U ).
K2, P2 rib for 17 rows
Knit until length required
Heel Flap:
If you are using a contrast colour yarn for your heel, change yarn here.
Turn your work to the wrong side and work the heel as follows.
Row 1: S1, P23 (27, 29, 31, 33 or 35),
From now until the end of the heel flap work on these 24 (28, 30, 32, 34 or 36),
stitches only
Row 2: S1 knitwise, *K1, S1 repeat from * to last stitch K1
Row 3: S1, P23 (27, 29, 31, 33 or 35),
Repeat rows 2 and 3 a total of 16 times
Your heel flap should measure 2-2.25 inches (5.1-5.7cm), if it is shorter than this,
you may want to add additional repeats.
(You can add additional repeats if you have a high arch. Repeating these rows an
additional 2 times is usually adequate).
Heel turn:
Set up row: K14 (16, 17, 18, 19 or 20), SSK, k1, turn
Row 1: S1, P5, P2tog, P1 and turn
Row 2: S1, K6, SSK, K1 and turn
Repeat until you have worked all stitches on the needle (adding one stitch to the
highlighted stitch count on each repeat, for example you will P7, K8, P9, K10 on
rows 3,4,5 and 6 respectively).
For 48, 56, 64 and 72 stitch heels on the last 2 rows of the heel omit the K1 or P1 at
the end of the row as follows: Row 1: S1, P5, P2tog and turn, Row 2: S1, K6, SSK
and turn.
You should have 14(16, 18, 18, 20, 20) left on the heel.
Knit across the heel.
If you have used a contrast colour for the heel, change back to your main colour
now.
Foot decreases
Pick up 16 stitches along the heel flap and then one additional stitch in the space
between the heel flap and the stitches on the top of the foot. Place marker and knit
the stitches on top of foot. Place another marker and pick up one stitch before the
slipped stitches of the heel flap. Pick up 16 stitches on the other side of the heel flap.
Knit sole stitches. Place a progress keeper to mark the beginning of the round.
You should have a total of 72 (78, 82, 84, 88, 90) stitches.
Row 1: K to two stitches before marker, K2Tog, Slip marker, knit to next marker, slip
marker, SSK, knit to end
Row 2: K
Repeat these rows until the original stitch count is reached 48 (56, 60, 64, 68 or 72)
stitches.
Foot
Knit the foot to desired length minus 1.5 inches (3.2cm)
Toe decreases
Count one stitch marker as the beginning of the row. It does not matter which one
you choose. Place a progress keeper here to mark the beginning of the round. Start
the following toe decreases.
If you would like to include a contrast colour for your toe, change your yarn to your
contrast colour here.
Row 1: *K1, SSK, knit to 3 stitches before marker, K2Tog, K1, repeat from * once
more
Row 2: K
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you have 20 stitches in total
Use Kitchener stitch to bind the edge of the toe and weave in ends.
Enjoy wearing your socks!
