Valley Yarns B Basic Socks Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns B Basic Socks

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns B Basic Socks are a classic knitted sock pattern designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This downloadable PDF provides instructions for creating a fitted, comfortable pair of socks in three women's sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. The finished socks feature a foot circumference of 7, 8, or 9 inches and a foot length of 9, 9.5, or 10 inches, making them suitable for various foot sizes.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several essential sock-knitting techniques that make it ideal for advanced beginners looking to develop their skills:

• Seamless, Top-Down Construction: The socks are worked from the cuff down to the toe without seams, creating a smooth, comfortable fit. This method allows knitters to try on the sock as they work and customize the length to their preference.
• Worked in the Round: Using a set of five double-pointed needles, the entire sock is knitted in continuous rounds, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates an even fabric.
• Wrap and Turn (W&T) Heel: The heel is constructed using the wrap and turn technique, a short-row shaping method that creates a structured, well-fitting heel cup. This involves wrapping stitches and turning the work to create gradual shaping rather than binding off and casting on.
• Kitchener Stitch Toe Closure: The toe is finished using the Kitchener stitch (also called grafting), which seamlessly joins two sets of live stitches together, creating an invisible seam at the toe.

Stitches Used

The Valley Yarns B Basic Socks utilize fundamental knitting stitches that form the foundation of sock construction:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout most of the sock, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side when working flat, or simply knitting every round when working in the round. This stitch creates a smooth, classic fabric.
• Ribbing: The cuff is worked in a 1x1 rib pattern (alternating knit 1, purl 1), which provides stretch and helps the sock stay in place on the leg.
• Decreases: The toe shaping uses two decrease techniques—knit 2 together (k2tog) and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skp)—to gradually reduce stitches and shape the toe point.

Materials and Tools

The pattern requires minimal materials, making it an economical project:

• Yarn: 100 grams of sock yarn in the appropriate weight. Sock yarn is specifically formulated for durability and typically includes nylon or other reinforcing fibers to withstand the wear and tear of foot garments.
• Needles: A US Size 0 set of 5 double-pointed needles, or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge. Double-pointed needles allow for seamless, in-the-round knitting in small circumferences.
• Gauge: The pattern is worked at a gauge of 8 stitches per 1 inch in stockinette stitch, which is typical for sock knitting and creates a dense, durable fabric.

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The sock is constructed in distinct sections, each with specific measurements and stitch counts:

• Cuff: Cast on 56, 64, or 72 stitches (depending on size) and distribute evenly across four needles with 14, 16, or 18 stitches per needle. The cuff is worked in 1x1 ribbing for 2 inches or to desired length.
• Leg: After the cuff, knit in stockinette stitch for 6, 6.5, or 7 inches, depending on size and personal preference.
• Heel: The heel flap is worked using short rows and the wrap and turn technique, creating a structured heel cup that fits snugly around the heel bone.
• Foot: After completing the heel, knit in stockinette stitch for 7.5, 8, or 8.5 inches, or until the sock reaches the back of the ankle bone.
• Toe: The toe is shaped using paired decreases worked every other round