Baby Socks

I've been in a serious stash reduction frame of mind for quite a while now. I haven't really been achieving this reduction at any great pace but am using the hot summer as an excuse.

I did come up with a way to use up some left-over sock yarn ... baby socks. Obvious, fun, quick and very cute. Here's what I did with regular sock yarn. I think these both came from the Sweet Sheep but as is the beauty of stash, I have no idea what yarn they are made of. I used 2.75mm double pointed needles.

Cast on 36 stitches

Rib - k2, p2 until desired length is reached (mine are 3 1/2" long - this is enough length to fold them down or leave them long).

Work the first 18 stitches, leaving the remainder on a holder, as follows:

Row 1 - (sl, k1, sl, k1) repeat until all 18 stitches have been worked. Turn

Row 2 - purl. Turn

Repeat these last 2 rows until 18 rows have been worked

Row 19 - repeat row 1

Turn heel

Row 1 - sl1, p12, p2tog

Row 2 - sl1, k8, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (skp)

Row 3 - sl1, p8, p2tog

Row 4 - sl1, k8, skp

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until 8 stitches remain

Pick up and knit 9 stitches down side of heel

Knit the stitches on holder (or maintain the ribbing pattern on the top of the foot)

Pick up and knit 9 stitches up the side of the heel

Knit 5 stitches from the heel - the middle of the heel is now the new beginning for the row.

Readjust stitches on needles as follows: 14 stitches on N1, 18 stitches on N2 and 14 stitches on N3

Now start the foot:

Row 1:

N1 - Knit until 3 stitches remain - ssk, k1

N2 - Pattern across 18 stitches

N3 - Knit 1, K2tog, knit until the end

Row 2:

Pattern around the needles with no decreases

Repeat these two rows until there are 9 stitches each on N1 and N3.

Continue in pattern until approx. 3 1/4" is completed

Work toe:

Row 1:

N1 - Knit until 3 stitches remain - ssk, k1

N2 - Knit 1, K2 tog, knit until 3 stitches remain - ssk, k1

N3 - K2 tog, knit to end

Row 2:

Knit around without decreasing

Repeat the last 2 rows until 16 stitches remain. Knit 8 stitches from needle 1 on to needles 3 to divide these evenly on 2 needles.

Graft the toe.

Sew in ends and enjoy.