Perfect Thermal Socks
This is a very easy pattern and is written using the magic loop method, but would work easily on 2 circs or DPN's. I learned how to knit socks using magic loop and find that method works well for me. The heel is the easiest method I've ever done - a simple short row heel - no gusset stitches to pick up and no wraps! I modified the toe box to fit my flat, wide foot - the traditional toes were just to pointed to feel good to me.
Materials: Approx 420 - 460 yards fingering weight sock yarn (Online Supersocke 100)
Needles: US Size 1 (2.25 mm) 40" or 47" circular knitting needles (or 2 - 24" circs - DPS's)
Gauge: Approx 8.5 stitches per inch in stockinette
Size: 6" circumference un-stretched in pattern (has a lot of stretch)
Stitches:
K: Knit
P: Purl
K F&B: Knit stitch front and back
S1: Slip 1 stitch purwise
K2tog: Knit two stitches together
P2tog: Purl two stitches together
K1tbl: Knit stitch through the back loop
Using Judy's Magic Cast On, cast on total of 24 stitches (12 on each needle).
Knit 1 round.
Increase the next 5 rounds as follows:
Needle 1: K1, K F&B, K to last 2 stitches, K F&B, K1
Needle 2: K1, K F&B, K to last 2 stitches, K F&B, K1
You should now have 22 stitches on each needle.
Increase every other round as follows until you have 32 stitches on each needle:
Round 1: Knit
Round 2: *K1, K F&B, K to last 2 stitches, K F&B, K1* repeat on needle 2
Knit 5 rounds.
Start the Thermal Stitch pattern on needle 1 for instep and continue knit stitch on needle 2 for the sole.
Thermal Stitch Pattern
Round 1: *K2, P2*
Round 2: *K1, P2, K1*
Work until sock measures roughly 2" shorter than your foot length. Try the sock on, pulling it snug. You want it to fit to where the top of your foot meets your ankle. For me, I worked 25 pattern repeats.
Heel
Work following 2 rounds until you have 62 stitches on needle 2 for your heel.
Round 1: Continue working needle 1 in pattern
Needle 2: K1, K F&B, K to last 2 stitches, K F&B, K1
Round 2: Continue working needle 1 in pattern
Needle 2: Knit
Turning the heel:
You will now be working back and forth on needle 2. Place a removable stitch marker in the center of needle 2.
Round 1: S1, purl to 2 stitches beyond the marker, P2tog, P1 and turn.
Round 2: *S1, K1* repeat to 2 stitches beyond marker, K2tog, K1 and turn.
Round 3: S1, purl to 1 stitch before the gap (removing marker as you come to it), P2tog, P1 and turn.
Round 4: *S1, K1* repeat until 1 stitch before the gap, K2tog, K1 and turn.
Repeat rounds 3 and 4 end after completing round 4 when there are 2 stitches left unworked. Knit these 2 stitches and begin knitting in the round again, maintaining stitch pattern on needle 1. You should now have 36 stitches on needle 2. Place removable marker in center of stitches on needle 2. K1, K2tog, K until 2 stitches before marker, K2tog, remove marker and K2tog, knit until last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1. You now have 32 stitches on needle 2 and are at the beginning of the round. Knit in pattern on needle 1 and knit across needle 2. Now you are ready to begin the leg of the sock.
Leg
Work Thermal Stitch pattern on both needles now until the leg of the sock is approx 2" shorter than the desired length. (I worked 40 pattern repeats on mine and used up a 460 yard skein of yarn)
Cuff
Work in 1 X 1 twisted rib for 20 rounds.
Twisted Rib: *K1tbl, P1*
You are now ready to cast off. I used Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off method and cast off loosely.
Weave in the ends and block. Enjoy!
