ERRATA:This pattern has been updated to correct a couple of errors, including a note that has the charted motif beginning on the wrong round for the second sock. If you downloaded this file prior to 23 Sept 2013, please download it again. Thanks!

Sock knitters come to a project with all kinds of preferences. Some prefer to follow a pattern from beginning to end and not deviate much from the instructions provided. New sock knitters tend to approach their projects this way.

Other knitters, especially experienced ones, use just the stitch pattern or idea on the main part of the sock and choose their own favorite toe, heel, and cuff construction methods.

Most other sock knitters fall between these two extremes. This recipe suggests some options which I believe any knitter could try, ending up with a great pair of socks, and learning a few new tricks in the process.

The options include toes, heels, and cuffs that I have found, used, and loved, by sifting through the myriad of free sock knitting resources available. There are so many wonderful knitters who have made their methods available at no cost, that I wanted to collect a few of those ideas and share them with folks in some sort of coherent fashion, all in one place, and, in the process, thank these designers for their kind contributions to the art of sock knitting.

Within the pages of this pattern are live links that will open the door to all sorts of resources for you. You will need to do a bit of research in order to plan your project, but once you have made your notes you can knit a pair of well fitting socks and learn a few tricks in the process.

This recipe does assume the knitter is familiar with general sock construction and does not contain round by round instructions from beginning to end. It primarily presents charts (with written instructions) and techniques, ideas and encouragement to make toe up socks that fit.

A few photos show socks made with an alternate chart provided in an appendix.