The Skill

This project introduces the technique of knitting a few stitches with a contrast piece of yarn that is later removed. This opening is picked up and knit in-the-round for the heel of the sock. This technique can also be used for the thumb of a mitten, or knit-in pockets.

You will need:

• red super bulky
• white super bulky
• 1 bell
• 4 double pointed needles size 13 (other sizes will alter finished size)
  

Cast on 30 stitches of white on 3 double-pointed needles (dpn), 10 on each needle.

Knit 7 rounds.

Change color to red: Cut yarn leaving a tail about 3" long and tie on red yarn.

Knit 28 rounds.

Place marker.

With a contrast yarn Knit 14 stitches.

Slip (or slide) these stitches back onto the needle you just knit them off.

Place marker.

Knit 16 rounds (knit right over the contrast yarn).

Change color to white.

Knit 1 round.

*Slip marker, Knit 2 together (k2tog). Knit to marker.

Continue from * until 4 stitches remain. Pull yarn through last 4 stitches. (A crochet hook works well)

Go back to the contrast yarn and carefully remove it.

Using your double-pointed needles, pick up all the loops you can see (13 on one side, 14 on the other) and 1 at each corner for a total of 29 stitches. You should have 10 stitches on each of 2 needles, and 9 stitches on one.

Place a marker at each corner.

*Slip marker, Knit 2 together (k2tog). Knit to marker.

Continue from * until 4 stitches remain. Pull yarn through last 4 stitches. (A crochet hook works well)

Tie a bell to the toe, and tie a hanging loop to the top (braid, or use the crochet hook to make a chain).

Extra: Sew a snowflake, or your name on the stocking, keep the stitches loose so they will stretch with the sock.

HO HO HO-- you're ready for Santa!