Little Feet Baby Socks

My first original sock pattern! As socks are not exactly rocket science, it may not be a very impressive feat, but something so simple and lovely has got to be magical, so I am very proud of myself. So, without further ado, here's how you can make your own Little Feet:

**********
Little Feet Baby Socks


I love the k2p1 ribbing. It gives a close fit without distorting the smoothness of the fabric like k2p2 can do. This pattern is written for someone who is familiar with the basic construction of a top-down sock and knows how to turn a heel, decrease a gusset, and decrease a wedge toe.

Size:
0-3 months (by working more instep rows, you can knit these socks to fit up to 6 months or so)

Materials:
Fingering weight sock yarn (leftovers from adult socks knit from 100g of yarn will be plenty)
US Size 1 (2.25 mm) DPNs, set of 5
Tapestry needle

Gauge:
9 sts per inch in stockinette stitch
**This is a little flexible. For baby socks, err on the side of caution and keep in mind that a little bigger is always better than too small.**

Pattern:

CO 36 sts, 9 on each needle

Work k2, p1 ribbing for 10 rows (or however long you want the cuff to be)

Heel Flap
After the end of the tenth/last round, k18 and turn to purl back for a plain stockinette flap. Work fourteen rows in total, ending with a purl row.

Turn Heel
Row 1: k11, ssk, k1, turn
Row 2: sl1, p7, p2tog, p1, turn
Row 3: sl1, knit to 1 st before gap, ssk over gap, k1, turn
Row 4: sl1, purl to 1 st before gap, p2tog over gap, p1, turn
Continue in this fashion until all heel stitches have been worked. 12 sts remain.

Gusset
Knit across all heel sts, then pick up 9 sts along heel flap for gusset. Work ribbing across instep. Pick up 9 sts along flap and knit 6 sts from the heel to place the center of the heel between needles. Knit the first round even, then alternate decrease and even rows until all needles have 9 sts.

Instep and Toe
Work 12 rounds even, then alternate decrease and even rows for toe until 16 sts remain. Graft two sets of 8 and weave in ends.