As a holiday gift, I gave my father-in-law an IOU for a pair of socks to be knit for him, in the color and pattern of his choosing. First he told me he wanted black “with a white pattern on the foot.” I convinced him that he probably didn’t want stranded colorwork socks. So now I am knitting plain 2x2 ribbed socks. In black yarn. For long feet.

Basic notes so I’ll remember what I did if I have to knit another pair like this:

CO 68 sts.
Work 2x2 rib for 1 inch.
Purl 2 rounds.
Work in 2x2 rib until leg measures 7 inches.
Work heel flap over last 34 sts (34 rows total).
End heel turn with 22 sts.
Pick up 18 sts on either side of heel flap.
Decrease to 68 sts and keep sole in stockinette.
Start toe at 8.25 inches.
Decrease to 20 sts.