Knitted Cuff-Down Sock

Knitting a cuff-down sock can be a delightful and rewarding experience! Starting from the cozy cuff at the top, working your way down the leg, turning the heel, and finally shaping the toe, each step is like a small victory in creating something both practical and beautiful. With a variety of yarn colors and stitch patterns to choose from, you can customize your sock to match your style or gift it to a loved one. Whether you are a seasoned knitter or new to the craft, the rhythmic motion of the needles and the gradual growth of the sock make it a truly soothing and enjoyable project. So, grab your favorite yarn and needles, and let's knit some comfy socks to keep your toes warm and your heart happy!

MATERIALS

• 1 skein of Madeline Tosh Euro Sock
• 4 US 2 double pointed needles

GAUGE

4”= 28 stitches and 44 rows on US 2 needles in stockinette stitch

PATTERN

Cuff:

Cast on 64 stitches (20 on first needle, 24 on second needle, 20 on third needle). Knit 1 row. Work 18 rows in k2, p2 rib. Then work 6 repeats in the Garter Swirl pattern below.

Garter Swirl pattern:

Row 1 and all odd rows: knit all stitches

Row 2: knit 6, purl 2. Repeat to end of round.

Row 4: knit 4, purl 2, knit 2. Repeat to end of round.

Row 6: knit 2, purl 2, knit 4. Repeat to end of round.

Row 8: purl 2, knit 6. Repeat to end of round.

Heel flap:

To divide the work in half and begin the heel, slip onto the second needle the last 4 stitches on the first needle and the first 4 stitches on the third needle. This will leave 16 stitches on the first and third needles and 32 on the second needle. Place these 32 stitches on hold to be worked later.

Knit to the end of the first needle. Place the stitches on the first and third needles onto the same needle. Work over these stitches to form the heel as follows:

Row 1 (wrong side): slip 1, Purl 1. Repeat to the end of the row.

Row 2 (right side): slip 1, knit to the end of the row.

Repeat these 2 rows 16 more times.

Turn the heel:

Next row (wrong side): slip 1, purl 16, purl 2 together, purl 1, turn work.

Next row (right side): slip 1, knit 3, SSK, knit 1 turn.

*Next row: slip 1, purl until there is 1 stitch remaining before the gap where you turned the work, purl 2 together over the gap, purl 1, turn.

Next row: slip 1, knit until there is 1 stitch remaining before the gap where you turned the work, SSK over the gap, knit 1, turn.*

Repeat from * to * 4 more times. When you finish the last row, don’t turn the work. You should have 18 stitches on your needle. Divide these stitches in two, placing 9 stitches onto 2 different needles.

Gusset:

Pick up 18 stitches from side of heel flap onto first needle. Work in garter swirl pattern across 32 stitches placed on hold (second needle). Pick up 18 more stitches from other side of heel flap and knit the 9 stitches from the heel onto this needle (third needle). You should have 86 stitches across 3 needles (27 stitches, 32 stitches, and 27 stitches).

Next row: knit across all stitches (this should align with the stitch pattern on top of foot of sock).

Next row: knit until there are 3 stitches remaining on first needle, knit 2 together, knit 1. Work in garter swirl pattern across needle 2. Knit 1, slip slip knit, and knit to end of needle 3.

Repeat these 2 rows 10 more times. You should have 64 stitches on your needle. Now begin working garter swirl pattern over all needles. Work until foot measures about 2” shorter than desired length. For me, this was 5 pattern repeats or 40 rows.

Toe:

To set up needles for shaping the toe, slip onto the second needle the last 4 stitches on the first needle and the first 4 stitches on the third needle. This will leave 16 stitches on the first and third needles and 32 on the second needle.

Next row: Knit until there are 3 stitches remaining on the first needle, knit 2 together, knit 1. On the second needle, knit 1, SSK, knit until there are 3 stitches remaining, knit 2 together, knit 1. On the third needle, knit 1, SSK, knit to the end of the round.

Next row: Purl all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rows until there are 24 stitches remaining (6 on the first needle, 12 on the second, and 6 on the third).

Knit across the 6 stitches on the first needle and place these 6 stitches onto the third needle. You should now have 12 stitches on 2 needles. Graft these stitches together using Kitchener stitch. Weave in loose ends. Block lightly with a steam iron.