Free Knitting Pattern Junco Socks

A basic sock pattern with a little bit of fancy. Named for the simple but handsome birds that return to us in the winter. 

Materials: 
1 skein Briggs and Little Durasport (approx 375 yards used)
1 set DPN size 2.5mm
Key:
SKP: slip 1 knitwise, knit 1,  pass slipped stitch over
P2TOG: Purl 2 together
K2TOG: Knit 2 together

Begin Cuff:

Cast on 64 stitches, join to work in the round. Work in k1 p1 rib for four rows.

Switch to chart, decreasing one stitch in the first stockinette section (63 sts). 
Work 7 chart repeats, or desired leg length, end with a round 2. 

Heel (Worked Flat): 

Knit 28 stitches in pattern, TURN your work and work only these stitches back and forth.

Work 22 rows in chart pattern.

Turn the heel: Knit 19 sts, SKP,  TURN WORK

Slip 1, purl 11,  p2tog, TURN

Slip 1, knit 11, SKP, TURN

Slip 1, purl 11, p2tog, TURN

Continue in this manner until all the unworked stitches from the side have been incorporated into the center stitches, ending with a right side row. 

Instep:

Pick up 12 stitches along edge of heel flap, taking care not to leave a ridge (needle 1)
Continue in chart pattern across the top of the foot (needle 2)
Pick up 12 stitches along the other edge of the heel flap (needle 3)
If working on DPN, knit 6 stitches from needle 1 to needle 3 so that the new beginning of the round lands in the middle of the heel. 
Instep
Round 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1, work in pattern across top of foot (needle 2), on needle 3, knit 1,  SKP, k to end. 
Round 2: Work even. 
Repeat rounds 1 and 2  until you have 64 stitches OR the amount needed to fit your intended foot correctly. 
Work in this manner through the foot, knitting on the bottom of the foot (needles 1 and 3) and working in chart pattern across the top. 

When foot measures about 7 inches long (or desired length) begin toe decreases. 

Toe:

Note - Continue in mock cables as long as you can across the top of the foot, allowing the decreases to munch into the design. 

Decrease round 1: Starting at beginning of round, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle 1 (3 stitches before the top of foot design begins) k2tog, k 1. Begin needle 2, k 1, SKP,  k1, work in pattern to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. Begin needle 3, knit 1, SKP, knit 1, knit to end.
Dec rnd 2: Work even
Repeat these two rounds until you have 28 stitches remaining.
 Rearrange stitches evenly so that you have 14 stitches from the bottom on one needle and 14 stitches from the top on one needle, kitchener remaining stitches. Weave in ends and block.

Oh yeah, and make a second sock. 

You can find a printable version here.

A Dark-Eyed Junco

<a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/junco">Junco Stock photos by Vecteezy</a>