Toddler Sock (with Variations)

This is the sock pattern I use most when knitting for Children in Common (scroll down for more pictures). It fits children's shoe size 8 (about 6.5 to 7 inches around the ball of the foot, foot about 6 inches long). I use Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool, which I like to dye bright colors with Kool-Aid. This pattern will also work with two strands of fingering-weight (sock) yarn worked together, which is a good way to use up leftovers. If you like the pattern, I hope you will consider knitting a pair for CIC. To learn more about CIC, visit www.childrenincommon.org, or join the CIC-Knit group on Yahoo Groups.

Yarn: Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool; 110 yards or 220 yards fingering weight yarn, two strands worked together
Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette st
Needles: Set of 5 dpn's in US size 7 or whatever size gives you the correct gauge

Instructions:

Cast on 32 stitches. Distribute evenly on four needles (8 stitches each), and join in round, being careful not to twist.

Cuff: Work in k2, p2 rib for 8 rounds (about 1.25 inches).

Leg: Work in stockinette stitch until sock is 4 inches long.

Variation 1: Continue ribbing for entire length of leg.

: Round 1 - knit; Round 2 - *k2, p2; repeat from *

I am very fond of garter rib, since it makes a stretchy sock that really stays up, but I still get to knit every other row plain. It's like a little treat for me.

: Round 1-3: *k5, p3; repeat from *; Round 4: Knit; Round 5-7: k1, *p3, k5; repeat from *; end with k4; Round 8: Knit

Heel: The last 16 stitches just knit will become your heel stitches. The remaining stitches (instep stitches) can be transferred to a stitch holder, or just left unworked on their needles for now. Turn work so that you are about to work a WS row. I like to work the heel on one needle.

: Row 1: sl1, p15; Row 2: (RS) *sl1, k1; repeat from *

Repeat these two rows until 16 rows have been completed. Your last row will be a RS row. Turn work, and begin heel shaping.

: Row 1: sl1, p9, p2tog, p1. Turn; Row 2: sl1, k5, ssk, k1. Turn; Row 3: sl1, p6, p2tog, p1. Turn; Row 4: sl1, k7, ssk, k1. Turn; Row 5: sl1, p8, p2tog. Turn; Row 6: sl1, k8, ssk

Heel Gusset: By this time, I'm getting eager to finish the sock, so I generally knit the foot in plain stockinette. If you want to continue pattern stitches down the instep, feel free to do so.

With free needle, pick up 9 stitches along the left side of the heel. M1 by lifting the yarn between heel & instep stitches onto left needle, then knitting through back loop onto needle with picked up stitches; this is Needle 1.

Knit across instep stitches (Needles 2 and 3).

M1 as before, then pick up 9 stitches along right side of heel flap. Knit 5 stitches of heel. This is Needle 4.

Knit one round plain, then begin decreasing:

	Round 1:	Needle 1 - Knit to last three stitches, K2tog, K1
		Needle 2 & 3 - Knit
		Needle 4 - K1, ssk, knit to end of needle
	Round 2:	Knit

Repeat these two rounds until you are back to 32 stitches total. Knit plain until sock is 4.75 inches long, or 1.25 inches less than desired length. Begin decreasing for toe.

Toe:

	Round 1:	Needle 1 - Knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1
		Needle 2 - K1, ssk, knit across
		Needle 3 - Knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1
		Needle 4 - K1, ssk, knit across
	Round 2:	Knit

Repeat these two rounds until 16 stitches remain. Work Round 1 once more; 12 stitches remain.

Knit stitches of Needle 1 onto Needle 4. Slip stitches of Needle 3 onto Needle 2. Graft stitches together using Kitchener stitch.

Repeat for second sock.


Toddler Sock in plain stockinette Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool (hand dyed)	Variation 2: Garter Rib Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool (hand dyed)	Variation 3: Checkboard Two strands fingering weight worked together

Toddler Sock (with Variations)

Instructions:

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