The Design

“With 'afterthought' heel, in two gauges.”

We love knitting socks from the toe up—it lets you use every last inch of yarn! And knitting the heels in afterwards means that they are easy to replace later if they wear out—plus it makes it simple to add a zippy contrast color.

Whether you choose fingering or sport weight, ribbed or stockinette, this pattern is filled with tutorials and step by step guides for Kitchener stitch, knitting socks on two circulars and the afterthought heel. New socks and new skills—great!

See how we've used this pattern!

The Details

FINISHED SIZE (BOTH GAUGES)
Medium-width adult: Up to 10"/25cm foot on 8"/20cm cuff. For a longer foot, knit a shorter cuff–or purchase more yarn.

FINGERING-WEIGHT VERSION
YARN
Approx. 375 yds/343m of a fingering-weight sock yarn (includes approx. 85 yds/78m for contrasting heel and toe, if desired).
Shown in 2 skeins Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine (433 yds/400m each) in colors 1207 (grey) and 1281 (red); 1 skein each.
Also shown in 2 skeins Regia 4-Ply Design Line: Arne & Carlos (230 yds/210m each) in color 3655. (NOTE: new skeins of Arne & Carlos are in 100g balls (459 yds/420m each); 1 skein will yield a pair of socks.)
Larger men's shoe sizes might require an extra skein, especially if longer cuffs are desired.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
Set of 5 double-point needles or 2 circular needles, US 1 (2.25mm) or size to obtain gauge.
1yd/m smooth waste yarn in same weight, contrasting color, to place heel.
Locking marker.
Darning needle to finish.
Reinforcing yarn, if desired.

GAUGE
Approx. 32 sts = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch.

DK/SPORT-WEIGHT VERSION
YARN
1 skein Regia 6-Ply (410 yds/375m each). Or approx. 270 yds/247m of an equivalent DK- or sport-weight sock yarn (includes approx. 65 yds/59m for contrasting heel and toe, if desired). Larger men's shoe sizes might require a third skein, especially if longer cuffs are desired.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
Set of 5 double-point needles or 2 circular needles, US 3 (3.25mm) or size to obtain gauge.
1yd/m smooth waste yarn in same weight, contrasting color, to place heel.
Locking marker.
Darning needle to finish.
Reinforcing yarn, if desired.

GAUGE
Approx. 24 sts = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch in the round.

KNITTER'S NOTES
While socks can be knit in any yarn that will accommodate the necessary gauge, consider how you plan on wearing these socks as you choose your yarn. For comfy, wear-inside-the-house socks, look for a yarn that is soft and that has some animal fiber for warmth. If you're looking to knit a pair that will be sturdy and long-lasting, consider yarns that are specifically designed for sock knitting. These yarns often have a tighter twist which knits up a strong fabric that resists pilling.