The magic loop technique is my favorite method to knit socks. But two circulars or double point needles can be used in its place. The advantages of knitting socks from the toe up are: being able to try them on to determine when to stop increasing at the toe. Also, once your divide your sock yarn in half for each sock and have worked up through the heel and start the leg, you can knit the leg as long as you have yarn, not having to estimate yarn usage. I was always making my socks too short being nervous about running out of yarn. But in the end, I had plenty of yarn.

The pattern is a very easy basic toe up sock and can be used for all your sock requirements. I use this pattern for all my socks as a foundation, and then enhance them by adding patterns - colour and texture. I added a 2x2 rib on this sock