free knitting pattern :: toastie socks

These socks are knit with worsted weight or aran 10 ply yarn, so they are thicker than normal socks... perfect for chilly mornings, cold nights, or whenever your feet need a little TLC. Plus, they knit up so much more quickly than regular socks, making them great for gifts!

You will need worsted weight or aran 10 ply yarn and a set of 4 double pointed needles in US 8/5.0 mm. Oh, and a yarn needle for finishing.

Cast on 36 stitches and divide them evenly among three of your needles.

Work in Knit 1, Purl 1 ribbing for 2 inches.

Knit the next two rounds in plain stockinette stitch, arranging the stitches like this:

Needle 1: 9 stitches

Needle 2: 18 stitches

Needle 3: 9 stitches

Knit across all of the stitches on needle 1.

Knit across all of the stitches on needle 2.

Now, turn your work. You will be working on needle 2 only to make the heel flap. Just ignore needles 1 and 3 until later.

To make the heel flap:

Row 1: Slip the first stitch, then purl across.

Row 2: Slip the first stitch, then knit across.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until the heel flap measures 2 1/4 inches long, ending with a purl row.

Turn Heel:

Row 1: slip 1, knit 10, ssk, knit 1, turn.

Row 2: slip 1, purl 5, p2tog, purl 1, turn.

Row 3: slip 1, knit to first stitch before gap, ssk, knit 1, turn.

Row 4: slip 1, purl to first stitch before gap, p2tog, purl 1, turn.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all stitches have been worked and 12 stitches remain, ending with a

knit row.

With your free needle, pick up stitches along the first side of the heel flap, making sure to pick up on or two to "bridge the gap" to the instep. Use needle 1 to knit across these stitches.

Now, knit across needles 2 and 3, combining their stitches onto one needle. These stitches are your instep stitches.

Pick up stitches along the second side of the heel flap, making sure to pick up the same number as you did on the first side. Knit across these stitches with your free needle and also knit the first 6 stitches from the heel flap onto this needle. This is now the beginning of your round (the center of the heel flap). You can place a marker here if you like, to remind you of the beginning of the round.

Now we will start decreasing for the foot a little in the next round.

Needle 1 (left side needle): knit to last three stitches, k2tog, knit1.

Needle 2 (instep needle): knit all stitches.

Needle 3 (right side needle): knit 1, ssk, knit to end.

Next round: Knit all stitches plain.

Repeat these two rounds until 9 stitches are left on needles 1 and 3.

Then, work in plain stockinette stitch until the foot measures 1 inch less than your foot (measuring from back of heel to toe). Now we will start decreasing again.

Round 1 (If you want the toe to be a different color, this is the point to join your new yarn).

Needle 1: knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1.

Needle 2: knit 1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1.

Needle 3: knit 1, ssk, knit to end of round (32 stitches are left).

Round 2

Knit plain.

Repeat these two rounds until 12 stitches remain. Cut yarn, leaving a 12 inch tail. Thread the tail through the needle and draw it through all twelve stitches. Pull tight and knot off. Use the needle to pull the remaining tail to the inside of the sock and weave in your loose ends.

Done! Enjoy your new socks!