The Design

“The sock we return to again and again.”

Our mothers (and their mothers) knew this sock by heart, with its vertical heel flap, turned heel, picked up gussets and grafted toe. For many of us, it’s the first sock we learned and our point of departure into the ever-widening world of socks. While we love some of the new approaches, we return again and again to this straightforward, comfy basic. Once you understand its simple structure, improvise to your heart’s content.

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The Details

FINISHED SIZE
Medium adult: medium width; up to 10"/25cm foot.

FINGERING-WEIGHT VERSION
1 skein Cascade Heritage Handpaint (437 yds/400m); shown lower left (on right) in Color 9922. Or approx. 350 yds/320m of an equivalent fingering-weight yarn such as the amazingly long-wearing and lovely .
Set of 4 double-point needles, US 1 (2.25mm) or 1 1⁄2 (2.5mm). Approx. 32 sts = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch.

DK/SPORT-WEIGHT VERSION
2 skeins (191 yds/175m each); shown lower left (on left), center and on needles in Color 1751. Or 2 skeins Louet Gems #2 Fine/Sport Weight (225 yds/205m each); shown on pattern in Color 53.
Or approx. 275 yds/251m of an equivalent dk- or sport-weight yarn.
Set of 4 double-point needles, US 3(3.25mm). Approx. 24 sts = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch.

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KNITTER'S NOTES
Just as every chef should know how to make a proper omelette, every knitter should know how to knit a basic sock! This 4-page pattern provides clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful tips on everything from sizing to caring for your handknit socks. A customer once told us she always has a sock in progress in her purse, to take out and knit whenever she pleases. In her words, "If you're knitting, you're not waiting."

While socks can be knit in any yarn that will accommodate the necessary gauge, consider how you plan on wearing these socks as you choose your yarn. For comfy, wear-inside-the-house socks, look for a yarn that is soft and that has some animal fiber for warmth. If you're looking to knit a pair that will be sturdy and long-lasting, consider yarns that are specifically designed for sock knitting. These yarns often have a tighter twist which knits up a strong fabric that resists pilling.