knit pattern: summer socks DIY

Below is a free knit sock pattern for a pair of my bright summer socks, worked in a lightweight cotton/linen yarn with a contrasting toe, heel and border around the cuff. i used a really bright contrast yarn to perk up the gray main color. the pattern is written toe-up so it's customizable to your foot.

Read on for the full summer sock knitting pattern, or you can check out my other patterns.

Summer Socks Pattern

Sizing

Pattern is adjustable. it's toe-up, so you knit until the sock fits your foot!

Materials

* 1 skein of knit picks cotlin yarn in whisker (main color - MC)
* 1 skein of knit picks cotlin yarn in chartreuse (contrast color - CC) -- you'll only use a small bit of this skein
* size US3 needles on long circular (or set of DPNs)
* (optional) elastic thread to weave in cuff

Gauge

3" = 15sts in stockinette stitch

Pattern

CAST ON/TOE
Using Contrast Color (CC), CO 8 sts each needle using the figure 8 cast on method, and work 1 round as part of cast on. (16 sts)
round 2 - k1, m1L, knit til 1 st left, m1R, k1, repeat for other needle
round 3 - knit

repeat rounds 2-3, 4 more times (36 sts)

tighten figure 8 loops. tightening from the opposite side of the tail, pulling loops, til you get to the tail side. pull tail to remove excess yarn.

continue in TOE color, knitting, for 3 more rounds

FOOT
switch to main color (MC), then keep knitting until 2" before desired length (length of foot).

increase round: K1, M1L, knit til 1 st left, M1R, k1...on next needle don't do any increases (38 sts - note: there will be 2 more sts on first needle)

note: your first needle is heel needle, second is instep.

HEEL
switch to CC - only working on first needle (heel needle)
this uses the "no fuss, no muss" heel

Sl first st (always purlwise), knit til 1 st remains, turn
Sl first st, purl til 1 st remains, turn

Sl first st, knit til 1 st more than previous section remains, turn
Sl first st, purl til 1 st more than previous section remains, turn

repeat last 2 rows until there are 8 sts left on your needle (not held), ending with a purl row

on next row (a knit row), sl first st, knit til 1 st left on middle section (last st before the huge gap), k2tog (closing the gap), M1L, turn
next row (purl row), sl first st, purl til 1 st left on middle section (last st before huge gap), p2tog (closing the gap), M1L (purl), turn

repeat last 2 rows til you've added all sts back on, ending with a purl row.

LEG
switch back to MC and knit 2 rounds.
decrease round: K1, ssk, knit until you have 3 stitches remaining on the needle, K2TOG, k1, change needles and knit all instep stitches, knit across second needle (36 sts)

Knit til leg is 3.25 inches from heel color change.

CUFF
still continuing in stockinette st, bring in contrast color into pattern. make sure to carry your yarn in the back VERY loosely (or else you won't be able to get these on your foot)
round 1: *mc mc cc cc mc mc, repeat from *
round 2: *mc cc cc cc cc mc, repeat from *
round 3: knit all sts in cc
round 4: repeat round 3
round 5: (begin the 2x2 rib) *k2, p2, repeat from *
rounds 6-7: repeat round 5
BO very, very, very loosely.

weave ends, block and weave elastic in cuff if necessary.

Abbreviations

CO = Cast On
St or Sts = Stitch or Stitches
MC = main color
CC = contrast color
M1L = make one left
M1R = make one right
SL = slip
SSK = slip, slip, knit in back of loops
K2TOG = knit two stitches together
BO = bind off

new project: bright summer socks

with it being so hot out, i haven't been feeling too inspired to knit, but recently dug out some bright cotton yarn that i thought would make into good summer socks. originally i picked out these colors for another striped baktus scarf, but was less than pleased the way the colors looked in a thin stripe pattern. so i decided to go with a pair of neutral socks with a pop of bright lime green -- on the toes, heels and around the top.



i couldn't really find a pattern that was what i was looking for, so i'm making this one up as i go along, but drawing a lot from this toe-up generic sock pattern. the yarn is DK weight and made of a cotton/linen blend. they should knit up pretty quickly!

yarn: knit picks cotlin in chartreuse and whisker
needle: US 3
pattern: my own (coming soon!)

new project: amish socks

a few years ago, i came across a photo in vogue knitting of a pair of wild and crazy-colored socks, reported to be worn underneath the somewhat somber and muted clothing of the amish. i liked the idea that even though no one could see them, some pretty crazy and colorful things were being worn underneath those long skirts.

even though it's in the middle of summer and i'm probably completely crazy for wanting to attempt these at this time, i've finally knit enough (socks, projects in the round, tiny things) that i'm finally putting my own amish sock pattern together. eek! it's very exciting. i'm envisioning crazy things - bright colors, fun design patterns, and textural designs. right now, i have a single half royal blue footie done. posting pictures soon of the progress.