These are simple, sweet little cotton socks – inspired by vintage childhood patterns and designed to keep tiny baby feet warm in breathable cotton (though the pattern can be adapted for any yarn). They also present a nice easy introduction to some colourwork. Unlike most colourwork, this pattern can be knitted using minimal weaving. This is because the turn of the cuff covers any unsightly strands - and keeps them away from snagging little toes when putting the baby’s socks on. They also feature a slip stitch heel for extra strength.

I like to knit socks on one circular needle, using the magic loop method but this pattern can easily be worked your favourite way – on double points, or one or two circulars. To try to be helpful, where it gets tricky, I’ve put down instructions for both Magic Loop and DPNS.

I NOW HAVE ALTERATIONS TO THE PATTERN FOR A TODDLER VERSION. IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE BABY PATTERN BUT WOULD LIKE THESE ALTERATIONS PLEASE MESSAGE ME AND I WILL SEND THEM.

ERRATA for download before 26/07/09 ( Current PDF Download is updated with correction)
HEEL TURN

∑ On the right side - sl 1, k10, ssk, k1, turn the work around.
∑ On the wrong side – sl 1, p4, p2tog, p1, turn work around
∑ On the right side - sl 1, k5, ssk, k1, turn the work around.
∑ On the wrong side – sl 1, p6, p2tog, p1, turn work around
∑ On the right side - sl 1, k7, ssk, k1, turn the work around.
∑ On the wrong side – sl 1, p8, p2tog, p1, turn work around
∑ Continue until all heel stitches have been worked ending with a ws row (10 stitches remain).
∑ On the right side knit across 9 heel stitches, change to MC, k1 remaining heel stitch.

SHAPE GUSSET (both Magic Loop and DPN instructions for ease).

MAGIC LOOP METHOD
∑ ROUND 1: Pick up and knit 10 stitches along the left edge of heel flap. Move these stitches down the cable and in Rib Pattern work the 18 instep stitches which have been on hold. Move these stitches down the cable and pick up and knit 10 stitches along the right edge of heel flap, then continue on the same needle, knitting across 5 heel stitches. This marks the end of the round.

∑ ROUND 2: Continue knitting on the same needle across remaining 5 heel stitches and then k10 tbl along the left edge of the gusset. In Rib Pattern work the 18 instep stitches. Then K10 tbl along the right edge of gusset, k5 heel stitches.

∑ ROUND 3: K5 remaining heel stitches and along left edge to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. In Rib Pattern work the 18 instep stitches. K1, ssk, k all remaining stitches on right edge and k5 heel stitches.

∑ ROUND 4: K5 heel stitches and all remaining stitches along left edge. In Rib Pattern work the 18 instep stitches. Knit all remaining stitches along right edge , k5 heel stitches

∑ REPEAT ROUNDS 3 and 4 until there are 36 stitches remaining (18 instep stitches and 18 for the sole)

DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES

∑ ROUND 1: With needle 1 (the same needle holding your heel stitches), pick up and knit 10 stitches along the left edge of heel flap. With needle 2, in Rib Pattern, work the 18 instep stitches which have been on hold. With needle 3, pick up and knit 10 stitches along the right edge of heel flap then continue on needle 3 knitting across 5 heel stitches from needle 1. This marks the end of the round.

∑ ROUND 2: With needle 1, continue knitting across remaining 5 heel stitches and then k10 tbl along the left edge of the gusset. With needle 2, in Rib Pattern, work the 18 instep stitches. With needle 3 k10 tbl along the right edge of gusset, and k5 heel stitches.

∑ ROUND 3: With needle 1, continue knitting across remaining 5 heel stitches and along left edge to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. With needle 2 in Rib Pattern work the 18 instep stitches. With needle 3 k1, ssk, k all remaining stitches on right edge and k5 heel stitches.

∑ ROUND 4: With needle 1, k5 heel stitches and all remaining stitches along left edge. With needle 2, in Rib Pattern, work the 18 instep stitches. With needle 3, k all remaining stitches on right edge and k5 heel stitches

REPEAT ROUNDS 3 and 4 until there are 36 stitches remaining (18 instep stitches and 18 for the sole).