Since becoming a sock-knitter not so long ago, I’ve realised that my preference is for a simple toe-up sock with garter short-row heel and toe. While I love having fun with clever or intricate patterns, sometimes something simple is just the thing to go with that crazy-gorgeous hank of yarn. This is perhaps not the best pattern for a complete sock virgin as I am assuming you know your own preferred stitch count and needle size; however, with only one pair under your belt or the willingness to experiment or fill in knowledge gaps elsewhere, I’m sure you’ll do fine. I would like to say that I take no credit for garter short-row heels and toes as there are many patterns and posts around using the same methodology. In this pattern I have assembled both but also tweaked the foot, heel cup and leg to be somewhat fitted.

I like to knit my socks at a tight gauge on 9” circulars, using 2mm (US size 0) with very fine sock yarn (437 yds+ per 100g), or on 2.25m (US size 1) with yarn in the 400 yds per 100g range, using 72 and 68 sts respectively. I have ladies’ size 10.5 feet (EU 41) that are fairly narrow with a high instep and the above fit me well with the nip/tuck mods in the pattern. Use your preferred stitch count and needle size and feel free to omit the nips/tucks if your feet are wider. The pattern is written out for socks with 56, 64 and 72 sts, which are fairly standard counts. You can easily knit this on DPN’s or using magic loop as any division for heel is across half the stitches.

If you are slightly experienced you can easily adapt this pattern for cuff-down, simply reverse the increases and decreases (nips/tucks). Cuff-down will require kitchener-stitching the toe-cap to the foot over half the total number of stitches, possibly garter-to-garter. Fortunately, it is very easy to find directions and demo videos.

Experience Level: Adventurous beginner
Needles: 2 to 2.5mm / US 0 - 1.5 9” fixed circulars, or DPN’s or two circulars or longer circular for magic loop - per your usual preference
Yarn: Approximately 1 hank 400-465 yds sock yarn, total grams used depends on desired length
Gauge: Your usual sock gauge
Notions & Other: Stitch marker(s) or progress keeper(s) as desired, darning/tapestry needle, approx 1 yd scrap yarn for provisional cast-on