Knitty: editorial spring 06

mesilla anatoliaungranny smith t-twist jamesey jardin anglais
exchequered tendrils nagano sakura convertible topi reiddouble scoop
tiny tetherpedicure sockshedera nautieblossom katja felted tea cosy

by Ruthie Nussbaum

When getting a pedicure in cold weather, you're faced with a dilemma: bear the chill and go home in flip flops or wrap your feet in plastic, put your shoes back on, and hope for the best. These pedicure socks solve both those problems. Put them on before your polish and your feet will stay nice and warm for your walk or drive home and your polish will stay perfect.

These socks make great gifts because they're quick to knit and require very little yarn. Two skeins will make 2 pairs, or if you want to ditch the stripes, you can make 1 pair with just 1 skein.

model: Ruthie Nussbaum photos: Lizzie Nussbaum

SIZE

Women's medium

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Ankle Circumference: 8 inches

MATERIALS

Patons Classic Merino Wool [100% Wool; 223 yd/205 m per 100 g skein]; 1 skein each color
[MC] #207 Rich Red
[CC] #238 Paprika

1 set of four US #7/4.5 mm double-point needles
Tapestry needle

GAUGE

22 sts/30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here]

2x2 Rib (Worked over a multiple of 4 sts):
Round 1: [K1, p2] to end.
Repeat this round for 2x2 Rib.

SKP: Slip 1, k1, pass slipped st over.

If you're adventurous, this pattern can easily be adapted to be worked on 2 circular needles, both socks at once. See this Knitty pattern for more information.

DIRECTIONS

Socks [make 2]
Using MC, CO 44 sts. Divide sts evenly between 3 needles and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.

Work in 2x2 Rib until work measures 1 inch.

Next Round: Using MC, k all sts.
Next Round: Using CC, k all sts.
These 2 rounds set Stripe Pattern.

[Note: At beginning of each round pull both strands snug, and hold non-working color taut while working first 2-3 sts of new round, in order to prevent holes.]

Cont in Stripe Pattern until work measures 5 inches, ending with a CC round. Break CC.

Heel Flap
Next Row: Using MC, k11 onto one needle, then slip last 11 sts of previous round onto beg of same needle. 22 sts on needle. The Heel Flap will be worked back and forth over these 22 sts, using MC.

Turn work to begin working a WS row.

Row 1 [WS]: Sl1, p to end.
Row 2 [RS]: [Sl1, k1] to end.
Repeat these 2 rows 9 times more, then work Row 1 once more.

Turn Heel
Next Row [RS]: Sl1, k13, SKP. Turn work.

Next Row [WS]: Sl1, p6, p2tog. Turn work.
Next Row [RS]: Sl1, k6, SKP. Turn work.
Repeat these 2 rows 5 times more, then work first row once more. All sts have been worked; 8 sts rem.

K 1 row. Heel Flap is complete.

Gussets
Using working needle (needle holding 8 sts from heel flap), pick up and k 11 sts along adjacent edge of heel flap, and 1 st at base of heel flap; k next 22 sts of round onto next needle; with last needle, pick up and k 1 st at base of heel flap, and 11 sts along rem edge of heel flap, then k first 4 sts of heel flap. 54 sts; 16 sts on first needle, 22 sts on second needle, 16 sts on third needle.

Rejoin CC and cont as follows:
Next Round: Using CC, k to last 3 sts on first needle, ssk, k1; k all sts on second needle; k1, k2tog, k to end of third needle.
Next Round: Using MC, k all sts.
Repeat these 2 rounds 4 times more. 44 sts rem.

Redistribute sts if desired and cont in Stripe Pattern, beg with a CC row, until work measures 5 inches from back of heel, or to 1 inch from base of toes. (Try on sock on needles to check length.) Break CC.

Using MC, work in 2x2 Rib for 1 inch. BO all sts in patt.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Ruthie lives in New York City where she teaches reading (and knitting) at a small private school. She's also a medical editor and aspiring entrepreneur. See more here.