Easy and stretchy; that is what I hope this pattern achieves in your sock knitting foray. The ribbing gives plenty of stretch to the sock, while the afterthought heel takes the guesswork out of heel placement.

This pattern is written with first-time sock knitters in mind. Despite this, there are a few techniques you should have some experience with to comfortably follow the pattern:

Safety statement: When knitting, always prioritize safety by using sharp needles with caution, keeping your workspace clear of distractions, and taking breaks to avoid repetitive strain injuries. If you experience any discomfort, stop knitting and consult a healthcare professional. Always double-check your stitches before using your knitted item, especially if intended for children, and ensure all loose ends are securely fastened to prevent choking hazards.

• Knitting and purling in the round
• Decreases, such as the knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk)
• Grafting, also known as Kitchener, stitch
• Picking up stitches
• Knitting short rows (optional)

SIZES

Size 1, 2 ( 3, 4 ) 5, 6 for foot circumferences of 7.0, 7.5 ( 8.0, 8.5 ) 9.0, 9.5” or 17.75, 19.0 ( 20.25, 21.5 ) 22.75, 24.0 cm. A negative ease of 1” is taken into account in the sizing

TOOLS

• US 2 (2.75 mm) needles. Note: I like to use my 9” circulars, and double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the toes and heel. Other options are to use the magic loop method, use only DPNs, or any combination that you prefer.
• US 1 (2.25 mm) DPN needles. Needed to pick up the stitches for the afterthought heel
• Tapestry needle
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Fingering weight yarn (see YARN for more information)
• Stitch markers (at least four, one of which should be distinguishable as the first marker)

YARN

• Fingering weight yarn. Some characteristics that make great yarn for sturdy socks:
• Fiber content: 75-90% wool and 10-25% nylon, silk or similar non-stretchy fiber
• Ply: At least 3-4 ply
• Yardage requirements: 245, 265 ( 282, 302 ) 322, 338 yards or 74, 80 ( 85, 91 ) 97, 102 g of fingering weight yarn. Note: The yardage requirements were calculated from a sock knitted with 126 rows. If you plan to knit more or fewer rows, your yardage requirements will change. As a rule of thumb, sizes 1-3 will generally require no more than 100 g of fingering weight yarn, and sizes 4-6 may require slightly more than 100 g of fingering weight yarn.
• Yarn used in the photos: Paton’s Kroy Sock yarn, Woodsie colorway, 100 g
• 166 yds (152 m) per 50 g skein
• Alternative yarn suggestions: Schachenmayr Regia 4 ply, Mudpunch yarns self-striping sock

GAUGE
On US 2 (2.75 mm) needles, 32 sts and 40 rows in 4” x 4” or (10 cm x 10 cm) in stockinette stitch