When I started knitting socks, I wasn’t ready for tiny needles and fingering weight yarn. I used the thicker sport weight yarn and size 2 needles. Eventually I knit with smaller yarns and needles, but now and then I still enjoy a thicker, faster knit sock.

Thicker yarn means fewer stitches, and those intricate patterns don’t work out well for me. I love variegated, striped and colorful yarns which are perfect for these socks. Just as in the 64 stitches version of this pattern, panels of ribbing on the sides of the socks provide enough negative ease to keep the socks from drooping, while center panels of stockinette show off the beautiful yarn.

This basic cuff down sock with heel flap, round heel and standard toe is suitable for any sock yarn. While designed for 5 double pointed needles, it could easily be adapted for magic loop, 2 circulars or any other small circumference method. The foot length can be adjusted (written for about a 9 inch sock - women’s medium)

I’ve included some tips for beginners along the way.