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While I knit many different types of socks, these are my hands-down, must-knit, need-a-pair-on-the-needles, go-to for all the time knitting. Why? Because the sock is knit as a tube with no increases or decreases from the cuff straight down to the toe (or vice versa). This means once I’ve cast on and completed either the cuff or the toe, I’ve got lots of plain stockinette knitting to work on no matter where I am. I can knit them in the dark, while standing in line, or while sitting in a meeting. I keep them on my 9” (23 cm) circular needles so I can pick them up or set them down at any time. I’ve written this pattern to include both toe-up and top-down instructions. And the heel? Well, that requires Just a Thought …

Afterthought heels are frequently avoided because they involve
(dare I say it?) cutting your knitting. Once you’ve made that tiny little snip, though, you become empowered as the master of your knitting. Not only that, but this method also ensures that all your other stitches are protected before you make the cut. The finished socks are neat, tidy, and a perfect fit!

FINISHED SIZE
Adult S (M, L, XL)

Leg / Foot Circumference
7 (8, 9, 10)“ / 17.5 (20, 22.5, 25) cm; fits leg/foot circumference of 8 (9, 10, 11)” / 20 (22.5, 25, 28) cm

Leg / Foot Length
Adjustable to fit

YARN
Fingering weight

Shown in
Sample 1, Toe-up: Must Stash Perfect Sock (75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon; 460 yds / 100 g): Intergalactic (self-striping), two 50 g Must Match skeins; Grape (semi-solid), 20 g mini-skein.
Sample 2, Top-down: Must Stash Perfect Sock (75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon; 460 yds /
100 g): Vespa (self-striping), two 50 g Must
Match skeins.

Color Suggestions
This pattern will work with any sock yarn: solid, semi-solid, speckled, variegated, self-striping, or gradient. Use a single skein or add in a mini-skein for the contrasting cuff, toe, and heel. If using a self-striping or variegated yarn, the patterning will not be distorted by the heel. I recommend using a self-striping yarn for your first pair, as it makes it easy to see the rows for picking up stitches at the heel.

NEEDLES
U.S. size 1 (2.25 mm), or as needed to meet gauge; DPN or needles for small circumference knitting (see page 40 for information on choosing needles)

GAUGE
32 sts and 48 rnds = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette stitch, after blocking

NOTIONS
Tapestry needle, 2 stitch markers, 1 removable stitch marker

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