These socks are generic socks that have a heel which does not break stripes. So, they are especially appropriate for Christmas socks from precoloured stripy yarn. Gifts in them first, wearing later.

However, inspite of their appearance, the construction is not absolutely straightforward. Short rows over the middle 16 stitches in the sole sometimes coincide with decreases of shaping the heel, and could be tedious. In addition, during the work, the sole looks a bit disfigured and puffy, again, due to the short rows, but it straightens nicely, when the sock is finished and blocked or on the foot.

Why are they called generic? This pattern uses a strict stockinette, so it is easily adaptable to cables, stranded, lace, whatever your heart desire.

The idea for the heel was used from the Hi Socks designed by Assia Brill, but they use a different approach for adjusting the lenght of the sole to the length of the instep. This approach allows for adding different stitch patterns over the whole sock. The heel is shaped, but does not break the stripes, which is especially important for Christmas socks ;-).

The yardage is very relaxed, as one can easily knit much longer legs as they are in the prototype.

The pattern is free and was not tested by other knitters. Therefore, I appreciate comments and questions, feel free to contact me.