How to Knit Worsted Boot Socks

These quick-knit socks are worked in worsted weight yarn and knit to a dense gauge. These top-down socks feature calf shaping by using a larger needle size, contrasting heel and toe, and a short-row heel. Before you start knitting, read sizing, material, and stitch pattern information for these worsted boot socks:

• Size:

  W Med (M Med)

  Finished Foot Circumference: 8 (9) inches

  You can work this sock on any multiple of 4 sts. Length is adjustable.

• Materials:

  • [MC] 1 skein Dream in Color Classy (100% merino wool, 250 yd./4 oz.) in Strange Harvest

  • [CC] 1 skein Dream in Color Classy in Blue Lagoon

  • US 5 (3.75mm) dpns

  • US 4 (3.5mm) dpns or size needed to obtain gauge

  • Tapestry needle

• Gauge:

  6 sts and 8 rounds = 1 inch square in St st on US 4 (3.5mm) needles

• Pattern stitch:

  • 2 x 2 Ribbing

  • Round 1: * K2, p2 *, rep from * to * to end of round.

  • Repeat this round for patt.

Start these top-down socks with the cuff and leg.

1. CO 48 (56) sts in CC with larger needles.

2. Divide evenly over four dpns and join for working in the round. Place a marker for beg of the round.

3. Work 1.75 inches of 2 x 2 Rib.

4. Change to MC and work 1 more inch of 2 x 2 Rib (2.75 inches total).

5. Switch to smaller needles and continue even in 2 x 2 Rib until piece measures 8 inches.

Work the short-row heel.

1. Change to CC. Work the heel over 24 (28) sts.

2. Row 1: Knit 23 (27), wrap the next st and turn.

3. Row 2: Purl 22 (26), wrap the next st and turn.

4. Row 3: Knit to 1 st before gap, wrap the next st and turn.

5. Row 4: Purl to 1 st before gap, wrap the next st and turn.

6. Repeat rows 3 and 4 until 8 (10) sts rem unworked in the middle of the heel.

Pick up wraps and work the foot.

1. Row 1: Knit to the first wrapped st. Pick up wrap and knit it together with the st. Wrap the next st and turn.

2. Row 2: Purl to the first wrapped st. Pick up wrap and purl it together with the st. Wrap the next st and turn.

3. Row 3: Knit to the double-wrapped st. Pick up both wraps and knit them together with the st. Wrap the next st and turn.

4. Row 4: Purl to the double-wrapped st. Pick up both wraps and purl them together with the st. Wrap the next st and turn.

5. Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have worked all heel sts and worked all the wraps together with their respective sts. Round now beg at the center back heel.

6. Change to MC.

7. Continue even in patt, maintaining 2 ¥ 2 Ribbing over instep and St st over sole. Work foot to 7.5 (8.5) inches from back of heel (or 2 inches less than desired length).

Shape the toe.

1. Change to CC.

2. Round 1

   Needle 1: K to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

   Needle 2: K1, ssk, k to end.

   Needle 3: K to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

   Needle 4: K1, ssk, k to end.

3. Round 2: Knit.

4. Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 24 (28) sts rem.

5. Repeat Round 1 only until 12 (16) sts rem.

6. Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail.

Now you finish:

1. Graft toe with Kitchener st.

2. Weave in ends and block.