Overview of design-
This is a top-down sock that uses many of my favorite parts about knitting socks – however, this is my first time using the afterthought heel, and I have to admit that I kind of love it- especially with self-striping yarn! This pattern uses a simple 1x1 ribbing, an easy to learn 12-row pattern repeat, an afterthought heel, the same 12-row pattern repeat for the foot, and a lovely round/star toe. I designed these socks to show off the magnificent self-striping colors and looked for a way to enhance the colors and keep it from being too busy. I hope you enjoy knitting these socks!

Designed for my late daughter, Kaylan, that died by suicide in March ‘20. She loved rainbows and this yarn/pattern would have made her smile :)

ALL proceeds will go to suicide prevention and awareness. #youmatter #Alwaysbekind
THANK YOU for supporting this important cause!

Difficulty Level - Advanced Beginner

This pattern has been test knit. Thanks to Allison, Heidi, Joanne, Amanda, Kristy!

Skills Required/Techniques Used
• Knit & purl, slip stiches, cast on
• Increasing, decreasing
• Working in the round -small circ.- can be done with DPNs, magic loop, 9- inch circulars, or with two circular needles (knitter preference)
• Experience with top down sock knitting
• Kitchener stitch/grafting
• Inserting/removing Lifeline – picking up stiches from lifeline
• adding stiches with waste yarn to be removed for Afterthought heel
• Afterthought heel
• Round/Star toe

MATERIALS:
Yarn:
• A single yarn/color: Always Be Kind Yarn -Rainbows for Kaylan
• Base yarn - 75% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon; 462yds per 100g skein/ball; 1 skein/ball used
• Sample uses – Always Be Kind in Rainbows for Kaylan colorway and Inclusive Pride Stripes
• Substitutes- any fingering weight or sock yarn – in self striping pattern for best effect
• 24 inches of waste yarn

Needles:
• 2.75mm/US #2
(Your choice of DPN, 9” circulars, 2 circulars, or long circular for magic loop to knit small circumference)

Gauge – 8 stiches and 10 rows per inch (32 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches)
Size – Women’s US 7-9 (9”/23cm Foot circ, 11”/28cm length)