There are more complete sock instructions out there, but this pattern may be useful for people who have knit a pair of socks or two and are interested in trying new techniques for the heel and toe. A worksheet is included to give you the perfect fit, and instructions for a rounded toe and a no-wrap short-row heel adjusted to prevent those annoying gusset holes. All the parts in between are up to you!

Summer 2011 update:

I feel like a dweeb; after I published this pattern I realized that there is no need to transfer instep stitches to a lifeline or a second circular when turning the heel. It made it easier for me in the beginning though.

Also I feel I should note that calculating your “magic number” for the number of stitches in your sock round should be adjusted if you are doing a pattern like cables or colorwork, which pulls in tighter than stockinette. You can work this by counting your gauge in your chosen pattern stitch, not stockinette. Or you can just multiply your typical magic number by 1.2 for stranded colorwork. Or, if you don’t like math, you can just use 72 stitches around and hope for the best.