About the Pattern
I designed these socks as part of my quest to make longer wearing, stronger socks. This is the first pair where I experimented with reducing my needle size from the more common US size 1 (2.25mm) or size 2 (2.5mm) down to a size 0 (2.0mm). Personally, I found that the slightly tighter gauge made for a much more solid feeling fabric, without really effecting the experience of knitting in the slightest!

Otherwise, these are fairly classic top-down style socks. They use a birds-eye back heel, which gives you a reinforced back heel that is worked very similarly to a classic slip-stitch heel, just shifted a bit every other row. This pattern also uses a half-handkerchief heel, which is very similar to a round short-row heel, but has a sharp triangle shape instead. Last, this pattern uses a classic wedge toe that’s grafted together at the very end.

Skills and Experience Needed
This pattern overall is suitable for intermediate knitters. You should be comfortable with basic top down sock construction. The lace pattern is suitable for beginners, no lace experience is necessary.

Sizing
This pattern is written for three sizes: small, medium, and large. The size is based on food circumference, and the length of the foot is customized as you go. Choose your size by measuring around the widest part of your foot, typically just below the toes. Measure with your foot flat on the ground, while putting weight on it.

Small - fits 7.5” - 9” foot - finished sock circumference 7.5”
Medium - fits 9.0”-10.5” foot - finished sock circumference 9”
Large - fits 10.5”-11.5” foot - finished sock circumference 10.5”

If you’re unsure, most people prefer a sock that is a little on the tight side to one that’s a bit large. In a perfect world, you’d choose a size where the finished sock circumference is 1” smaller than your foot circumference. For reference, I have a foot circumference of 8.5” and typically wear a size 7 shoe. I made samples in a size small for myself.

Materials Needed
Fingering weight yarn – approximately 300 yards for a small, 350 yards for a medium, and 400 yards for a large. The exact amount of yarn you use will vary based on the length of your foot and the size you choose to make. For most people, one 100-gram skein of fingering weight yarn should be enough.

Tools Needed
• One set (5 needles) double pointed knitting needles in US size 0 (2mm), or whatever size is needed to make gauge. I used Takumi bamboo needles for this sample. However, if you find that these bend or break too easily for you, or if you need to go down to a smaller size to make gauge, I recommend Knitter’s Pride Karbonz carbon fiber needles. If you prefer, there’s no reason that I know of that this project cannot be knitted using circular needles and the magic loop method, however I have not tested this myself.
• One tapestry needle. For weaving in the ends and grafting the toe closed.
• One pair of snips or scissors.
• A ruler or measuring tape, at least 6 inches long.
• Optional: one stitch saver.
• Optional: stitch markers. I usually don’t use stitch markers when using double pointed needles, as I find they get in the way more than they help. However, if you do choose to use them, I’d prefer using a stitch marker that can be opened and closed, rather than a solid ring.
• Optional: sock blockers.