The Don’t Playa Hate Sock - Part 1

I've just completed the entire pattern to this basic sock but then realized it was HUGE and potentially scary to a young or apprehensive knitter, so I've decided to post the pattern in sections. Hopefully, it won't be as intimidating this way.

The prospect of knitting socks is usually pretty scary. However, if you can make a scarf, you can make a hat. And if you can make a hat, you can make a sock. So what’s stopping you? Is it all those skinny double pointed needles? I know, that’s what scared me off too. Don’t worry, it’s much simpler than you think.

~Pimp Slap~ (What’s this? It’s advice you don’t want to miss!): If you want to start off with size 8 needles and worsted weight yarn just until you get your bearings, that’s what I did and nothing wrong with it! Unfortunately, I now have one large sock fit for a large footed man. Her name is Marjorie and she’ll probably never have a mate. Poor Marjorie. Which brings up another subject. When knitting socks, it’s always best (in my opinion) to knit both at the same time. This is to avoid Second Sock Syndrome. You’ll know what I mean when you finish your first sock.

OK, let’s begin, shall we?

The Don’t Playa Hate Sock

so named for Faythe the crocheter (craw-chet-er), who doesn’t get the sock knitting phenomena (hehe)

Materials:
Sport weight yarn
Size 3 dpn or size for gauge (Yes, it’s important to knit a swatch to check gauge, you might as well get into the practice of doing it every time.)

Gauge:
7 stitches = 1” in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl the next row, repeat)

Abbreviations:
K = Knit

P = Purl

Sl = Slip

K2 tog = Knit 2 together

Sts = Stitches

SSK = Slip, Slip, Knit
Slip next 2 stitches one at a time onto the right needle, as if you were to knit them (remember, through the front of the stitch, not back). With the two stitches now on the right needle, Insert left needle through both stitches while they’re still on the right needle and use the right needle to K2 tog.

~Pimp Slap~ If you’re like me and need someone to show you how to make the SSK stitch, check out this video at StitchGuide.com. If you'd rather look at still shots, take a look at the instructions and photos I took.

Instructions:

Sock

Loosely cast on 48 stitches onto one needle. Divide them onto three needles and join in a round.

~Pimp Slap~ When I divide all the stitches onto three needles, I usually put the very last stitch on the same needle as the first stitch for at least the first couple rows. This helps to avoid any sort of gaps that may occur when you’re trying to join the round. Don’t forget to place a marker to mark the beginning and end of the rounds.

Also, please be careful not to twist the stitches.

~Pimp Slap~ Keeping the stitches from twisting can be tricky, but I have a trick. To me, the stitches look like a caterpillar and the bottom of the stitches look like little feet. To avoid twisting, make sure all the feet line up and look the same on both sides of the needles.

At this point, the double pointed needles may seem a little unmanageable. Don’t worry, that chaotic feel will go away. Just imagine that you are holding two straight needles and the third needle is invisible. Keep saying this to yourself until you're convinced. :)

Cuff
Rounds 1-4: K all

Rounds 5-18: *K1, P1 repeat from *

Rounds 19-28: K all


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That's it for today kids! See? That wasn't so hard, was it? Next time we'll start on the heel!