Easy Socks group KAL May/June

Greetings, sock fans! :)

This KAL is a variation of the previous KAL from Sept/Oct 2009. The sock is constructed in a similar way, except the cuff/leg will have a different pattern stitch. See this entry for basic sock instructions, as well as a link to good instructions for a short row heel. Not trying to be lazy, but why reinvent the wheel? :P
http://fabjacuzzi.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html

The pattern is called "Little Shell," and a good picture of the stitch itself can be found here: http://www.knittingonthenet.com/stitches/littleshell.htm However, those instructions are for a flat piece with 2 extra edge/selvage stitches. Since you'll be knitting in the round, you will eliminate those extra 2 stitches.

The pattern is worked over a multiple of 7 stitches-42, 49, 56, 63, 70-depending on the weight of the yarn you've chosen. My example is made from Jeanne cotton/nylon worsted weight. I CO 42 stitches on size 4 DPNs. You can also use two circular needles or one long circular needle for the Magic Loop method.

CO 42 stitches, divide evenly over 3 or 4 DPNs, join in round, being careful not to twist stitches. You may knit about an inch of 1x1 or 2x2 ribbing as I did in the example, or go right into your pattern as I have done on the FlatFeet pair I'm working on now.

R1) Knit
R2) Knit
R3-Pattern Round) *K2, yo, P1, P3tog, P1, yo* repeat to end of round
R4) Knit

Repeat these 4 rounds for pattern until you have the length you prefer. You may continue the pattern on the top of the foot, but sometimes a plain stockinette stitch is more comfortable in the shoe, especially with a thicker yarn like this. You'll knit plain about an inch before starting your heel. As you may remember, I prefer a short row heel. It's very easy to remember, and it fits me well. You may prefer to do a heel flap or a different type of heel. The fun part about sock knitting is that there are so many different variations and ways to construct a sock.

Once you've turned your heel, you will begin the plain knitting for the foot. If you worked a heel flap, you will need to decrease for your gusset. If you've done a short row heel, you will already be at the required number of stitches, and won't need to include a gusset. Continue until you are about 1 1/2" short of the finished length, then begin the decreases for the toe. Decrease until you have 8 total stitches left, cut yarn, and thread through the stitches, and weave in the ends.

Make another sock exactly like this one, and you'll be stylin' in no time!