As a designer, it would be far easier for me to make the same sock style per a template, over and over, just changing the design elements with each new pattern. But then the socks would not be good teaching tools for learning new techniques. I strive to produce patterns that have some sort of a twist. With socks, there are so many elements the knitter can substitute; it makes them perfect to introduce small bites of learning. One might choose to knit top-down or toe-up. There are many different heel styles, from flap to star. Toes show some variety, too, although perhaps not as much as the heels.

For this sock, I have opted for top down with a turned picot cuff and a shadow wrap, short row heel and toe. Yep, you read that right- the toe uses short rows, too! The self-striping yarn that I used for the sample makes that toe extra-fun, but this pattern would work with any yarn, from solid to wildly variegated. Never made a short row toe? Let’s get started!

Line-by-line directions for the shadow wrap, short row heel and toe are included for each of five sizes, making this pattern accessible to beginner sock knitters and more advanced ones who wish to try a new technique.

Techniques Used:
Crochet provisional cast on
Picot turning round with k2tog and yo
Knitting in the round with magic loop
Short row heel and toe with shadow wraps
Kitchener stitch

Materials Needed:
Yarn:
120 (162, 225, 280, 340) yds / 110 (148, 206, 256, 311) m of fingering weight sock yarn with nylon; sample knit with White Birch Fibers Arts 80/20 merino/nylon self-striping in Meet on the Hill colorway (80% superwash merino and 25% nylon)

Needles:
Two size 1 US/ 2.25 mm 32” (81 cm) circular needles (or size needed to achieve gauge)

Notions:
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Smooth waste yarn

Finished Measurements:
Gauge: 32 sts and 46 rounds equals 4” (10 cm) in stockinette in the round
Sizing: Adult XS (S, M, L, XL)
Foot and leg circumference (actual): 6 (7, 8, 9, 10)“ / 15 (18, 20, 23, 25) cm
Foot length: 6.5 (7.75, 9, 10, 11)“ / 16.5 (19.5, 23, 25.5, 28) cm
Leg and foot length are adjustable with instructions provided to customize fit. Sample shown is a hybrid between S (foot length) and M (circumference).