Toe-up in 2x2 rib, short row heel.

Pattern Description from Interweave Knits, Summer 2007:

Master sock knitter Ann Budd uses 2x2 rib for her start-at-the-toe socks. Working from the bottom up, you can knit these socks to stop just short of the ankle or run them all the way up to the knee and even over it. Make these as gifts - the stretchy rib adjusts to fit just about any leg. Ann Budd has never met a handknitted sock she didn’t like. She hasn’t worn a store-bought sock in years.

Finished Size: About 6½ (7½, 8, 9, 9¾)“ foot circumference and 7 (8, 9, 10, 11)” leg length from top of leg to base of heel for crew socks; 14½ (15¼, 16, 16½, 17¼)“ leg length from top of leg to base of heel for knee socks. Crew socks measure 10” long; knee socks measure 16½” long.

Yarn: Colinette JitterBug (100% merino; 292 yd 267 m/100 g): 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) skein(s) for crew socks; 1 (2, 2, 2, 2) skein(s) for knee socks. Socks shown in #85 jay (blue) and #71 fire (red). Yarn distributed by Unique Kolours.

Yarn Weight: #1 - Super Fine

Needles: Size 1 (2.25 mm): set of 4 double-pointed (dpn). Optional: size 2 (2.5 mm): set of 4 dpn for wider upper leg. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Markers (m); tapestry needle.

Originally Published: Interweave Knits, Summer 2007

Notes:
* These socks are worked from the toe up in a 2x2 rib pattern. Stitches are cast on for the toe in a simple method borrowed from Eastern knitting (where toe-up socks are the norm), the heel is worked in short-rows (a clever method developed by expert knitter Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts), and the leg is shaped by increasing needle size or increasing stitches. The rib pattern helps draw in the knitting to make a snug-fitting sock.

• Read more about working toe-up socks in Beyond the Basics on page 24 of Interweave Knits, Summer 2007.