These are classic socks worked top down in quick stockinette, with an improved forethought heel design. The fun touches of color are great for beginning colorworkers, or for anyone who would like to knit some colorwork without having to commit to rows and rows of it.

The modified forethought heels and matching wedge toes are easy to mend or replace, and I’ve shaped the ankle with simple increases so they fit perfectly and won’t slide into your shoes. I think you’ll like this fit much better than a standard afterthought or forethought heel.

Detailed, illustrated instructions on how to construct the heel are included.

The colorwork is done with just two colors in each round, and the pattern includes both charts and written instructions. Charts for three sample color combinations are included. For those using alternative colors I’ve also added blank charts to color in yourself.

Instructions are for two styles: short socks or a crew length with an old-school tapered leg.

More about the design at Looky Knits.

Tech editor: Knitting by Marie
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Samples in the first 9 photos are in Knit Picks Stroll fingering
50g, 231 yd / 211 m per skein

See project pages for lots of other yarn possibilities

The small touches of color are a good stashbuster for any small but precious bits of sock yarn you’ve been saving up.

Yardage per color for sizes
Child (XS, S, M, L, XL)
Color A:
90 (105, 125, 150, 175, 200) yards
80 (95, 115, 140, 160, 185) meters
Color B:
3 yards / 3 meters
Color C:
7 (8, 9, 9, 10, 10) yards
6 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9) meters
Color D, Short Socks:
100 (135, 170, 205, 235, 275) yards
90 (125, 155, 185, 215, 250) meters
Color D, Crew Socks:
150 (190, 230, 275, 310, 360) yards
140 (170, 210, 250, 280, 330) meters

TOOLS:
US size 1/ 2.25 mm circular or double-pointed needles
US size 1.5 or 2 / 2.5 or 2.75 mm circular or double-pointed needles for colorwork
or sizes to fit gauge

Blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Optional 2mm or smaller needle or stitch holder for picking up heel stitches
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Knit Picks Stroll colors featured in sample photos:

Seagrass version (blue and green)
A: Rainstorm Heather
B: Dove Heather
C: Grizzly Heather
D: Forest Heather

Ranger version (green and gray)
A: Forest Heather
B: Dove Heather
C: Cork
D: Cobblestone Heather

Seedlings version (red and blue)
A: Burnt Umber Heather
B: Dove Heather
C: Bamboo Heather
D: Blue Steel Heather