How many different knitting instructions to knit a sock?

Awhile ago, I started a pair of socks.

Actually, they’re the first pair I’ve ever made for myself. And I wanted them to both fit, and to be knee socks.

I like knee socks. When wearing pants,they often hike up when I sit down, and like to still have my leg covered. Recently I’m finding it harder to get knee socks in the stores or even online. So, I decided to make it myself. Many sock patterns either end just above the ankle, or seem to think calves are straight up and down. Results: they don’t fit.  Besides, after spending the time knitting a pair of socks, I’m not ready to have them sit in a drawer.

The problem is, I’ve had trouble finding a pattern that explains it all. I like the toe-up socks, because I can try one on as I knit, making adjustments as necessary. For a novice sock knitter, that’s important. And I have a high instep, so need to include that adjustment. Then I wanted a reinforced heel stitch, plus the adjustment for a calf diameter larger than my ankle. I also wanted a ribbed pattern because I felt it would hug my leg better, and make up for any minor miscalculations.

Finally, I wanted a non-binding cast off. Casting off regularly results in a tight band, actually too tight to get over my calf.

So, how many different knitting instructions and knitting patterns did I use?

1. Starting with WendyKnit’s Sport Weight Toe-up Gusset Heel Sock free knitting instructions. My gauge was closer to this even though I used sock weight yarn.
2. Using my own method to cast on the toe stitches. Why? Because the other methods I found just weren’t right. The stitches were to tight to knit, the method too complicated, or one even seemed like it would work better with three hands not two!
3. Ribbing by using the free 1940s pattern for Spiral Bed Socks knitting instructions.
4. Adjusting the gusset for a high foot arch with WendyKnit’s knitting instructions for a high instep.
5. Knitting an old-fashioned reinforced heel with the stocking heel stitch knitting instructions.
6. Adding stitches for the calf increase. Rather than using some complicated calculations I found online, I decided to try increasing two stitches every 7 rounds, which is when the repeat changes. My plan was to keep checking the fit and adjust as needed. It fits fine!
7. Creating my own cast-off, which may or may not wear well. I’ll let you know.

And the result, is:

I opted not to make a separate cuff at the top. The ribbing seems to hold it fine for now. I’m happy with sock as is.

Now to finish the second one!

For more free patterns, check out my Free Goodies Page.

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