Writing A Knitting Pattern

The women's group I belong to is holding virtual meetings in lockdown. That's good for me because I can participate even though I've moved away! For June's meeting, we are 'challenged' to knit a pair of slipper socks. Right, I went on the hunt for patterns. There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of pictures of slipper socks on the internet, but to find one that leads to a viable pattern is not easy. It wasn't only me that found that; two other members of the group contacted me and asked for help. Neither of them is an expert knitter, so they were looking for an easy pattern, as well as one that met all the criteria of the challenge, such as that it must have a cuff. Eventually I decided to write a pattern for them! The idea comes originally from Spin-Off magazine, but I added cuffs because otherwise my ankles get cold. They're simple to make without being boring, and have all the right credentials.

Here's the pattern:

Easy Slip Stitch Slipper Sock

Materials

Double knitting yarn in main colour

Contrast colour. Boucle yarn works well for contrast, but any double knitting yarn in a contrasting colour will be fine.

5 mm needles.

Note: To slip stitches, transfer stitch from left hand needle to right hand without knitting it. 

With main colour, cast on 34 stitches. Knit two rows. Then begin the pattern:

Row 1: With contrast yarn, knit

Row 2: With contrast yarn, knit

Row 3: With main colour, knit 2, *slip 2, knit 2 to the end

Row 4: With main colour, purl 2, * slip 2, purl 2 to the end.

Repeat these 4 rows until the the work measures just less than desired foot length. Knit two rows in main colour and cast off.

Sock Cuff

There are two ways of doing the cuff, in the round or flat.

Cuff in the round

Fold the work in half lengthwise. Sew the cast on edges together to make the heel. Sew the cast off edges together and then sew along the top of the oblong to make the top of the sock, leaving opening.

Using main colour and double pointed needles, size 5 mm, pick up 32 stitches around the opening and work knit 2, purl 2 rib for desired length Cast off in rib. Looks better if you make it long enough for the cuff to turn over, but this isn't essential.

Cuff Flat

Mark where opening of sock will be. Using 5 mm needles and main colour, pick up 16 stitches from cast on edge to marker. Work knit 2, purl 2 rib for desired length. Cast off. Work the other side the same. Then sew cast on edge together, continuing to top of cuff. Sew cast off edge and continue sewing along the top of the sock and to the end of the cuff.

Since the brief was a 'challenge', I thought I might make another pair that is more difficult. Perhaps using a technique that I'm not familiar with. Watch this space!