CAST-ON

On one needle, cast on 64(72) stitches loosely. If a loose cast-on is a challenge, try using two needles together. I have used a long-tail cast-on, but any cast on you are comfortable with will work.

Now divide the cast on stitches evenly between 3 needles. And join using a knit stitch,

CUFF

Join needles using a knit stitch. on first needle start 2 x 2 Rib for 10 row as follows:

Note: Pattern stitch varies by chosen size. Large size is in paranthesis ( ).

Rows 1: *K1, sl 1 pwise, k1, yo, psso K & yo, K1.... repeat* till end, (*sl 1 pwise, k1, yo, psso K & yo, k2....repeat * till end)

Row 2: knit

Continue knitting Rows 1 & 2 until measurement from your cast-on edge is 6" to 8" or your desired length.

HEEL

Once you have the desired length of leg.... begin the heel on needle #4 or the needle to the right of the tail.

On needle #4, Slip the first stitch, knit 1 stitch and repeat (Slip 1, K1) until the end.

Now continue in the same pattern of Slip 1, knit 1 from needle #1 onto the same needle(needle #4). Resulting in 32(36) stitches on the needle, going from four needles to three needles.

Turn work,on wrong side, slip first stitch and purl the remaining of the stitches. While we are working on the heel it is IMPORTANT to always slip the first stitch of each row.....this will help us to form the gusset/ankle.

Turn work, on right side, Slip, knit repeat to end.

Continue for a total of 31(33) rows.

TURNING THE HEEL

The following instructions will seem quirky, this is where the ounce of trust comes in... but if followed carefully will be fun....just take one step at a time. Row 1: Wrong side row: Purl (no need to slip the first stitch) to two stitches beyond the center or 16 + 2 = 18 stitches (18 + 2 = 20 stitches)

then p2tog (purl 2 stitches together as one), p1

Now TURN work to start next row.....and trust it will be OK.

Row 2: Slip 1, K5, k2tog, k1 TURN Row 3: Slip 1, P6, p2tog, pi TURN Continue in this pattern until you are left with 18(20) stitches on your needle for your turned heel.

If you would like more detailed instructions on heel turn click here.

Pick up 16(18) stitches evenly along heel. Put your needle under both sides of the slipped stitch. If you would like to see photos or more instruction click here.

On needle #2 & #3 continue in pattern (Row 1), Now pick up 16(18) stitches evenly along heel. I like to start this side in the stitch between the leg and the heel to prevent a hole from forming and using the slipped stitches for the remainder of the picked up stitches.

Now you have stitches on 4 needles again. But we need to position them slightly. Thats right....its trust time again.... From your short row heel, knit 10 stitches onto the same needle that you just picked up the 16(18) stitches or a total of 26(28) stitches on your needle. Next, slip purlwise the remaining stitches onto the first needle where you picked up stitches, which should also now have 26(28) stitches on it. Guess what....we are now back to our 4 needle positions

Needle #1 is once again lined up to the left of the tail and the bottom of the heel, Needle #4 is to the right of the heel and the bottom of the heel. Needles #2 & #3 are the top of the foot.

TIP Give the first stitch on needle #1 an extra tug to insure no gaps form along the bottom of the foot.

Starting with needle #1 knit across needles #1 & 4, and in pattern on needless #2 & 3 (row #2 of pattern) one time. Now we will begin the decreases to form the gusset/ankle. We will decrease every other row, so you may want to use your counter to keep track. Decrease on odd number rows and work even on even number rows.

Row 1 : on needle #1, knit until last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1, then knit in pattern across needles #2 & #3,... on needle #4, k1, ssk, knit till end. Note: ssk is slip 2 stitches(one at a time) knitwise onto working needle, then insert left hand needle into stitches and knit together. this is a directional decrease that makes your sock look nicer.

Row 2: work even or knit all stitches on all 4 needles.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until needles #1 & #4 have 16(18) stitches remaining.....while staying in pattern for needles # 2 & 3.

You will begin to see the gusset/ankle take shape.

FOOT

Knit even until foot measures between 7" - 8" from heel depending on your foot size. Ending with Row 2.

TOE

Now we will begin to decrease the sides between the top and the bottom of the foot forming the toe.

Row 1

Row 2 Knit even across all 4 needles.

Continue until all needles have 6(7) stitches on each of them.

Combine stitches on needle #4 and #1 by knitting across needle #1 leaving a total of 14 stitches on one needle.

Slip purlwise the stitches from needle #2 to needle #3 leavin a total of 14 stitches on one needle.

Now all stitches should be evenly on two needles

For a Seamless Toe, I recommend the kitchener stitch to close the toe opening.

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