Choose a size with approximately 1 inch of negative ease.

These toe-up socks start conventionally, with a single strand of yarn so that they fit into your most fashionable boots. But I’ve double-stranded the heel flap for extra reinforcement, and then worked the leg in a stretchy and smooshy mistake rib pattern. The advantage to double-stranded sock yarn is that you can work with larger needles, and you need fewer stitches – so not only do you use up more sock yarn, but the socks are faster to knit. What’s not to love?

The leg is nice and long, and the pattern stitch is reversible, so the cuff can be folded over the top off your boots – for a bit of extra warmth, and to show off your handiwork.

Inspired by a classic marled work sock, I’ve chosen to use a coordinating semi-solid and variegated yarn, for a nice tweedy look. This is also an excellent way to use up some of those busy variegated colorways you’ve got in your stash.

If you’ve never made toe-up socks before, this is a good pattern to start with – and not only because it’s faster to knit than many!