"Basic Sock" Christmas Stocking w/ Satin Bow

A pattern by YarnThrower

(These directions are for the red stocking shown on the left in the photo. To make the off-white stocking shown on the right in the photo, go here.)

Make a Christmas Stocking in an evening, using large needles and super bulky yarn! The stocking shown here was made with Lion Brand Chenille. Add a satin ribbon bow, and it is a quick sock decoration to hang on the front door!

This is a great pattern to learn how to knit socks, as it uses all of the techniques for a "basic sock". As an added bonus, there is no "second sock syndrome" with Christmas stockings!

(This pattern is the property of YarnThrower and may not be reproduced except for one copy for individual use. If you print or distribute this pattern without YarnThrower's written permission, you are stealing.)

Finished Dimensions:

• Red Stocking shown is 8 inches wide by 19 inches long

Materials required:

• One skein Lion Brand Chenille Thick & Quick, or Wool-East Thick & Quick, or any super-bulky weight yarn (category 6) which knits up at about 8 or 9 stitches per four inches in stockinette.
• Set of four size 13 double pointed needles
• Size 13 circular needle, 16 inch (optional -- may use double pointed needles throughout, or may cast stitches onto circular needle and knit most of the sock on the circular needle, though double pointed needles will still be needed at the heel and toe)
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Two yards of 2 inch wide satin ribbon
  

Cast On:

1. Holding two double pointed needles together, cast on 36 stitches tightly over both needles. Carefully pull out one of the needles. This will yield a loose, uniform cast on edge.
2. Divide stitches evenly onto three needles. You will have 12 stitches per needle.

Cuff:

1. Place marker and join to work in the round, knitting one row. (Note that the first 12 stitches knit are on needle #1, the next 12 stitches knit are on needle #2, and the last 12 stitches knit are on needle #3.)
   
2. Work in K1 P1 ribbing for five rows.

Leg:

1. Knit three rows in stockinette.
2. On fourth row, *K1, YO, K2tog*, repeat between *__* to end of round. There should still be 36 stitches total on needles.
   
3. Continue in stockinette stitch until work measures about 12 inches, stopping at end of round.

Heel Flap:

1. Arrange stitches on needles so that needle #1 has 18 stitches, and needles #2 and #3 have 9 stitches each. The heel will be worked back and forth on needle #1.
   
2. Row 1: *Slip one stitch as if to purl, K1*, repeat section between *__* until the end of needle #1, turn work.
3. Row 2: S1, purl across, turn work.
4. Rows 3-9: Repeat rows 1-2, ending with row 1.

Turn Heel:
(Note that when you turn work on rows 1-5 you will not be at the end of the row.)

1. Row 1: P11, P2tog, P1, turn work.
2. Row 2: S1, K5, K2tog, K1, turn work.
3. Row 3: S1, P6, P2tog, P1, turn work.
4. Row 4: S1, K7, K2tog, K1, turn work.
5. Row 5: S1, P8, P2tog, P1, turn work.
6. Row 6: S1, K9, K2tog, K1.

Gusset:

1. Pick-up round (Row 1): Pick up and knit 9 stitches along right edge of heel flap. Combine instep stitches (those stitches on needles #2 and #3) onto one needle by using a free double pointed needle and knitting across the 18 instep stitches. Using the needle which was just freed up, pick up and knit 9 stitches along left edge of heel flap. Continue knitting with this same needle and knit 6 stitches from the heel. You are now at the center back, end of round. Move next 6 stitches onto needle #1. Needle #1 should have 15 stitches on it, needle #2 should have 18 stitches on it, and needle #3 should have 15 stitches on it, with yarn end between needle #1 and needle #3.
2. Row 2: Knit around.
3. Row 3: Decreasing round -- Knit to last three stitches of needle #1, K2tog, K1. Knit across needle #2. On needle #3, K1, SSK, knit to end of needle.
4. Repeat row 2 and row 3 until 36 stitches total in round. Needle #1 and needle #3 will each have 9 stitches, and needle #2 will have 18 stitches.
5. Knit in stockinette until foot part is 5.5 to 6 inches long from picked up edges, stopping at end of round.

Toe:

1. Row 1: On next round, knit to last three stitches of needle #1, K2tog, K1. On needle #2, K1, SSK, knit to last three stitches, K2tog, K1. On needle #3, K1, SSK, knit to end of round.
2. Row 2: Knit around.
3. Repeat rows 1 and 2 until there are a total of 16 stitches remaining, stopping at end of round.
4. Continue knitting with needle #3, and knit 4 stitches from needle #1 onto needle #3. You should now have two needles, each with 8 stitches.
5. Cut yarn leaving an 18 inch tail, and use Kitchener Stitch to close toe.
   

Finishing:

1. Weave in all ends.
2. Add a crochet chain or I-cord for hanging stocking.
3. Weave Satin Ribbon through eyelets formed by Step 2 of leg section, and tie it in a nice bow.

Note: Text in red indicates revision made since original issue date.