Worked from the cuff down, these fun socks take a classic sock structure and turn it on its head - literally. The cuff, ankle and heel flap of these socks are actually worked inside out before turning the sock right side out to construct the gusset, foot and toe sections. Why? The rick rack stitch used to create a thick rib on the cuff of the sock is most easily knit right side out. Since these socks are designed to be folded down to keep ankles toasty in cold weather, it is easier to knit the cuff and ankle inside out so when worn, the zig zags of the rick rack stitch face out.

TOP DOWN SOCKS
Socks cast on at the cuff and bound off at the toe are called top down socks. The Rick and Roll Socks are knit using this method. For those new to this method, the designer did a beginner sock knitting series on her blog that is a great resource from which to learn. All of the step-by-step tutorials for each phase of cuff down sock knitting are covered, just search handsoccupied.com for each part of the pattern as listed, i.e. “heel flap.”

FINISHED SIZE
(note: These measurements were taken with blocked sock laid flat.)
• 7.5 in. around foot arch
• 9 in. from heel to toe
• 7 in. around ankle
• 8.5 in. around cuff (rick rack stitch section)

NEEDLES
US 1 (2.25 mm) needles, circular or double pointed

GAUGE
6 sts and 8 rows over 1 inch 2.5 cm after wet blocking, knit in stockinette stitch on US size 1 needles.

NOTIONS
4 stitch markers
scissors
tapestry needle

YARN
1 hank ColorPurl High Street
(Sock Weight; 2-ply; 80% Superwash BFL Wool / 20% Nylon; 100g / 400 yds)