I am making the pattern available at half the usual price I normally charge for a sock pattern, for a limited time.

I have a heap of single socks, which, for whatever reason, have languished unloved and abandoned over the years, in my WIP basket. Sometimes, I’ve enjoyed learning a new technique on the first sock, only to feel it is not worth the effort to repeat a second time. Others have just got overtaken by events, or a fit of Startitis over another project…… Some are just plain victims of Second Sock Syndrome.

During this period of lockdown, I took the opportunity to consider finishing some of these lonely socks, but when it came to the crunch, I still couldn’t work up enthusiasm for the patterns, or I had used up the yarn for other projects. Then I was struck by a brilliant (I think so anyway!) idea.
I would design a reasonably simple, but interesting enough that I wouldn’t get bored, Universal Second Sock.

It could be knitted in the same, or similar colours and to the same dimensions as the first sock.

You would only have to knit one, but you would instantly be rewarded by having a serviceable pair of socks, and also, one less half finished project weighing on your conscience and cluttering up your WIP basket.

You would feel much more inclined to try out a new interesting sock pattern, planning in advance to just make one and pair it with a Universal Second Sock in matching or totally contrasting colours.

If You really enjoy the pattern, you could knit a second Second Sock, to make a pair!

The Universal Second Sock is a toe up sock, but can be mated with socks of any orientation.

It is constructed with a central gusset on the sole of the sock, which I find gives a more comfortable fit. It also has the advantage of sending the little sock motifs on the sole, marching up the side of the foot towards the ankle. There is a short row heel turn, and an integral slipstitch heel flap, which doesn’t require any picking up of stitches. Extra stripes could be added to extend the length at the top and/or bottom of the sock.

I have tried to make the decorative elements of the sock interesting but not too taxing to knit. The diamond pattern is easy to follow, without having to constantly refer to the chart; likewise the sock motif is very regular, but it is fun to see how it moves up from the sole as the gusset increases.
The number of stitches between colour changes in the design, are rarely more than five, so little catching of floats is necessary.

The legend on the “ leg end” makes it quite clear that it is deliberately different, not a mis-matched pair!

The size of the sock depends greatly on your own knitting tension, and will also vary between different yarn makes (even though the band says 4 ply). If it looks like it will be too large, or small, go up or down a needle size. I generally cast on with Judy’s Magic Cast On, and 2mm needles, but immediately change to 2.25mm for the toe, foot, and heel turn, then I change up to 2.50mm for heel flap and leg, as I hate having to struggle to get my foot into a sock. Then I change down to 2mm for the ribbing, casting off very loosely. You could cast off with a larger needle if you are a tight knitter.