The No Frills Socks are worked from the toe up with an optional 2-by-2 or 3-by-1 rib section on the instep and on the leg, and an optional contrasting coloured toe and heel. The pattern works well with self-striping yarns as well as solid coloured yarns. The heel and toe can be worked with a different coloured yarn that coordinates with the main yarn. Two gauge options are given: a finer gauge with 2.25 mm [US 1] needles and a coarser gauge with 2.5 mm [US 1½] needles. Four sizes are provided for either gauge option.

The pattern incorporates the simplest possible techniques for toe-up socks (hence the name “no frills”). The recommended cast-on method is Turkish cast-on, but other methods such as Judy’s magic cast-on or Figure “8” cast-on would also work. German short-rows are used for the heel turn, followed by a classic slipped stitch heel. Instructions for knitting two-at-a-time are also given as an option.

SIZES
EU shoe sizes: 35-36 (37-38) 39-41 (42-44)
US women’s shoe sizes: 5-6 (6½-7½) 8-9½ (10½-12)

SUGGESTED NEEDLES
2.25 mm [US 1] or 2.5 mm [US 1½] circular needles with a 80 cm [32 inches] or longer cord using the magic loop method

GAUGE
In stockinette stitch:
31~32 sts = 10 cm [4 inches] on 2.25 mm [US 1] needles,
or
27~28 sts = 10 cm [4 inches] on 2.5 mm [US 1½] needles

NOTIONS
3 markers (ideally one of which looks different from the others), tapestry needle

YARN
Fingering-weight socks yarn is recommended, such as Sisu by Sandnes Garn, Kroy Socks by Patons, and self-patterning or solid coloured yarn from Opal or Regia.

You can decide the length of the socks as you go, so the yardage is adjustable. In general, no more than 100 g of yarn is needed to make a pair of ankle-socks. If using a contrasting coloured yarn for the heel and toe (Yarn B) and knitting a 35~38 [5-7½] size, you may even use less than 50 g of yarn for the main colour (Yarn A).

PODCAST EPISODE
Here is my podcast episode featuring this design where I explained the toe-up construction in more details: