We’re having a “sock drive” for charity where I work. Being short on time, I bought some socks. But I did have time to knit one pair using a worsted weight yarn – specifically Vanna’s Choice in “Seaspray Mist” color. This size 8½ (women’s) pair took about 1½ balls. I tried them on to show you how nicely they fit.

This free pattern from the Lion Brand Web site does have some errors in the “Turn Heel” part. In this section, I think the pattern should say:

Turn Heel
Next Row (RS): sl1, k16, skp, k1 turn.
Next Row: sl1, p15, p2 tog, p1, turn.
Next Row: sl1, k14, skp, k1 turn.
Next Row: sl1, p13, p2 tog, p1 turn.
Continue to work in this manner, having 1 more st before decs on each row until 12 sts remain.

Anyway, if you’re an experienced knitter, it will probably be obvious what you should do. Just thought I’d mention this, because the errors in the pattern might be confusing to a beginner.

Because of the heavier weight yarn, these socks worked up relatively quickly. I used size 2 US 2.75mm circular needles for the ribbing and size 3 US 3.25mm circular needles for the rest of the sock. I say “needleS” because I use Cat Bordhi’s method of knitting with two circulars rather than DP needles. If you would like to learn this method, check out Cat Bordhi’s Web pages and videos:

http://catbordhi.com/books/socks-soar-on-two-circular-nee...

But you can use whatever method you prefer for circular knitting. And yes, using a size 3 US needle with worsted weight yarn results in a very dense, tightly knitted sock – something like you might wear to go hiking. Denny and I are avid hikers, so I might use this pattern again sometime in the future. These will keep your feet nice and cozy during the cold weather months.

Because my gauge swatch worked up a tiny bit larger than what the pattern specified, I made a concerted effort to knit more tightly than I normally would. I just couldn’t bring myself to go down another size needle with yarn this heavy.

Thank you, “knottydoll” for introducing me to the “Men’s Grey Sock” pattern. Of course, it’s just as handy for making women’s socks. If you use a lighter weight yarn (and possibly smaller needles), this same pattern can be used to make socks for children.

You may download the free pattern by clicking on my link in this post:

http://www.knittingparadise.com/t-79400-1.html#1467350